Our mission here brings the most generous and hardworking people across our paths. I have another one to share with you, Thomasville entrepreneur, Dave Crane.
Dave Crane's story is a tribute to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that Spark Thomasville seeks to nurture in our community. After being let go from his corporate job due to downsizing in 1990, Dave turned a challenging situation into an opportunity to pursue a dream of owning a machine shop.
Hard work runs deep in Dave's family. His grandfather, father, brother, and uncles were all machinists who took pride in their hard work. Even his wife was introduced to the entrepreneurial mindset at a young age, driving a tractor on her family's farm from the age of five. With this background, it's no surprise that Dave had always dreamed of opening a machine shop with his father.
When he found a machine shop for sale in the Thomasville newspaper, Dave knew it was his chance to make that dream a reality and put down roots in the community he had grown to love. Although his father had long since passed, he took the leap, bought the shop, and successfully ran it for 20 years until his retirement.
Now, as a volunteer coach with Spark Thomasville, Dave is paying it forward by mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He understands the challenges of making payroll and navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. Dave appreciates how Spark's curriculum is both encouraging and realistic, preparing entrepreneurs for the hard work ahead while enthusiastically supporting their ideas.
Having called Thomasville home for 34 years, Dave is one of many shining examples of how investing in the dreams of our community members can lead to long-term success and a thriving local economy.
Join me in toasting volunteers like Dave who generously share their expertise and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs here in Thomasville.
Warmly,
DeShay Williams
P.S. Interested in being involved in Spark Thomasville? Email me at deshaywilliams@sparkthomasville.com and let's set a time to talk. Thomasville needs you!
P.S.S. If you see Dave pass on our thanks for truly elevating Thomasville to new heights!
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