Get to know him a little better by reading his Q&A below.
Tell us a bit of your background, and what led you to join VAPAR?
Dave: I am an engineer - I joined the water industry in 1999 straight from Uni, where I spent 15 years as a clean water network consultant, specialising in leakage. I then moved into commercial roles for the next 10 years, working at tech companies, where I could use my technical skills to guide water utilities to embrace technology to solve their problems.
After 25 years enjoying helping clients overcome clean water issues, I was ready for a big change. So, when I heard that VAPAR was looking for someone to help them accelerate their growth, and after some research that revealed that they were a real rising star, I jumped at the chance!
What excites you most about your new role?
Dave: My happy place is in tech startups; I love the pace, the energy, the pressure and the mission. What I am most excited about is that it feels like I am starting the 2nd stage in my career – a new beginning, where I can take all that I’ve learnt, all my connections, all my experiences and apply them to something brand new and something that the water world truly needs.
What’s a professional skill or experience you’re excited to bring to VAPAR?
Dave: I’d say that it’s my broad commercial experience – I love the diversity and importance associated to investments, budgets, revenues and how all of that results in great commercial outcomes for our customers. Whether that’s working with investors to secure and responsibly utilise funding, building and applying sales processes to grow revenue or collaborating with clients to prove the benefits of the investment they have made.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Dave: I am a family guy – I love hanging out with my wife and daughters and supporting them in what they love to do. And if that can involve sitting in cafes eating brunch and drinking great coffee, then everyone’s happy!
I am a really (really) active person! I don’t sit still much. I am a triathlete and a golfer and will have a go at anything energetic and sometimes risky. I train almost every day, which allows me to fulfill my other favourite pastime… eating a lot!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Dave: I would like to be able to make people happy. Isn’t that what we all really want?
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