What do you love most about your job?
I love coming to work each day knowing that even if it is a difficult day, I will still be able to smile on the drive home.
Tell us about a work-related success story that you’re proud of.
As one of several Team Leaders at a previous job we had the task of integrating two companies into one. There was a lot to learn by everyone, and the stress was hard on everyone. After several months a member of another team confided to me that several times she had been ready to quit, but that the support I had provided was the only reason she stayed.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Most anything outdoors. I enjoy fishing, kayaking, hunting, camping, hiking and motorcycling. I also belong to a recreational bowling league (My average is pathetic).
Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.
Fly fishing is my favorite hobby. I tie all my own flies and build my own rods. The flies aren’t all pretty, and the rods I like to think are pretty. Smallmouth bass are mostly what I fish for because I’ve never been that good at reading trout habits. There is something satisfying about catching fish on a fly you tied, using a rod that you built.
What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
I am a certified member of the Iron Butt Association, an international group of long-distance motorcyclists. In order to join the basic requirement is to complete a Saddle Sore 1,000 ride which is 1,000 miles in 24 hours, verified by fuel receipts and photos of odometer readings at each stop. My ride took me to the charming town of Salt Lick, Kentucky and back, a little over 1,100 miles in about 21 hours. I won’t likely do that again.
Do you follow any sports teams?
While I enjoy watching a good game of most any sport, I don’t follow any teams.
What are some of your favorite local spots to visit?
The overlook at the Pinnacle in southern Lancaster County has long been a favorite place to sit and stare at the beauty of God’s creation.
What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn?
Woodworking intrigues me but another hobby just might put me over the edge.
Tell us about a personal success story that you’re proud of.
At one time, near the turn of the century, I signed up for and ran in the Mt Penn Mudfest. It is a 15K (9.3 mile) trail race in the hills around the pagoda in Reading. There was very little flat trail, several water crossings, and endless steep hills. I paid for this for several weeks after, but it was worth the pain.
How has your role evolved since you joined DavCo?
In the eight years since I came to DavCo the details have changed but the role is still the same.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?
My wife Kris and I took a nine-day drive to visit a mutual college friend who lives in Colorado Springs. In addition to spending time with her, we visited Red Rocks and the Garden of the Gods, as well as a memorable drive up Pikes Peak. It is not for those with a fear of heights. We headed home via New Mexico, Texas, and visited with my sister in Stillwater. As we came through the mountains of West Virginia, Kris commented that we had witnessed nothing but beauty the whole trip.
What’s your favorite memory from working at DavCo?
On my first day at DavCo I sat down at my desk where someone, I never did find out who, had placed a loaf of homemade bread and a jar of jam. If you are still working here, thank you!
What would you like to learn or improve in the future?
I would love to learn a foreign language. I took four years of German in high school and college, but it has been lost over the years.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
God and family. (I guess that is 2 things.)
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand. I’ve heard the fishing is good there.
What does your typical day at DavCo look like?
I start the day by pulling the delivery sheets from our incoming paper and check it against what was ordered. Then I check the paper needs for any of the jobs in my in-bin to determine if we need to buy stock. Next, I review paper invoices for quantity and prices. The rest of the day is spent entering jobs and checking stock for all the work coming through, and placing paper orders for any additional jobs as they come through the print department.
Tell us about your family / kids / pets.
I am married to a wonderful woman for 39 years whom I met at Millersville University. We have two grown children in their thirties, both boys. One is married; the other is not.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you to everyone here at DavCo.