As the Director of the SBDC in Eastern Idaho, consulted with over 3700 companies and mentored more than 400 university student business teams who conduct research and feasibility studies for businesses. Providing consultation, mentoring, and classes to individuals and businesses on all facets of business development including: marketing, finance, organization, management, funding, technology, resourcing, business modeling, business and strategic planning.

Dave has over 44 years of extensive, broad-based, hands-on experience in all core facets of the self-reliance industry. He drove the development of the impressive Self-Reliant Living program and platform. He is a sought-after guest speaker, consultant, and coach having taught classes for many years on both the collegiate and community levels. In his repertoire of experience, he has designed and installed scores of alternative energy systems (on both the commercial and residential levels), worked as a self-reliance consultant, lived independent and off-grid for 13 years, designed and manufactured all-fuel hydronic heating systems, tested a myriad of self-reliance products and ideas, and developed and manufactured a few products of his own.Over the past 41 years, Dave has owned and operated numerous related companies with applicable licenses which included: general contractor, HVAC contractor, and alternative energy solar contractor. Dave has an ardent curiosity about the world around him which has taken him on an amazing journey of learning and discovery throughout his life. He thrives when using the hands-on, immersion approach to learning and has learned to adapt and innovate very comfortably when faced with challenges of most types.Today he is focused on helping as many people as he can to embrace the transforming benefits of Wholistic Self-Reliance®, a central program of Self-Reliant Living®.

Started Sunrise in 1978 and grew this company until it was sold it in 1996. Before selling, it became one of the larger pest-control companies in Washington State. The company provided an array of services including pest control, aquatic weed control, terrestrial weed control, tree & shrub spraying, agricultural spraying, landscape installation and maintenance, inspections, etc. Received the top master license for all application categories.

Bought the SnoBird Aircraft company in 1990. At the time, SnoBird manufactured two models of gyroplane (gyrocopter) aircraft. Gyrocopter's look like small helicopters with a pusher prop in the rear of the aircraft. Led the development of five new models of award winning aircraft. The company received many top awards and ratings. Became a certified flight instructor, commercial pilot, licensed aircraft mechanic, private pilot, while functioning heavily in research and development, aircraft design and testing, and conducted marketing and promotion activities throughout the United States. Favorite activities however were giving demo flights and performing at air shows.