EntreLeadership is not just a theory. Thousands of business owners and leaders are using Dave’s principles every day to take their companies and team members to heights they never imagined. In the EntreLeadership Spotlight series, we’ll be highlighting some of these great leaders and learning about their dreams, motivation and secrets to success.

What I Do

I am CEO of Minute Man Manufacturing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Minute Man manufactures slide-in wheel lifts and forklift wheel-lift attachments used in repossession, towing and anywhere you need to move cars.

A Characteristic Every Leader Should Possess

Integrity in interactions with team members, customers and vendors is critical and the foundation for any relationship. There are many other characteristics that can be learned, but if a leader is without integrity, they will ultimately fail.

My Mentor

I've been in business with my father for more than 10 years and learned a great deal from him about serving the customer, attention to detail and treating others fairly. I've also learned from other business owners about marketing, team building, working "on" the business not just "in" it, financial principles, etc.

My Best Leadership Advice

Focus on serving your team. If they see you actually care about them as people, you'll have the ability to lead. They also need constant, honest communication. Expectations or problems left unspoken only confuse and frustrate everyone involved.

My Best Hiring Advice

If you can't take the time to lay out the specifics for their “winning” at the position you’re hiring them for, you're setting them up for failure. You have to have a clear KRA (detailed job description) for each position. You also have to take the time necessary to find the right team member.

I'm Passionate About ...

My wife and four children, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and opportunities I have to learn and teach.

How to Beat the Competition

Don't ever stop and think you've got it all figured out. If you're not changing, learning, and growing, you'll get beat by someone who is.

My Favorite Part of the Job

I enjoy serving my team and my customers. The challenges they bring, the accomplishments they achieve—that’s fun to me.

If I’d Knew Then …

I would avoid debt. It magnifies your mistakes and increases pressure and stress, which robs you of options in the future.

To learn more about business, team building and leadership, download our EntreLeadership Podcasts, which include lessons from Dave, plus interviews with key business leaders from across the nation.