In an industry where every agent strives to stand out, David Van Dam isn’t just making waves — he’s crafting a legacy. Currently an agent at Five Star Real Estate, David has been in the industry for over 14 years and serves his clients with heart and dedication.

David’s journey into real estate wasn’t conventional. After spending three decades as a tool and die maker for General Motors (GM), he found himself at a crossroads when the plant he worked at shut its doors. “At that time, I had 30 years of service completed and was eligible to retire or transfer to another GM plant,” David explained. “I was 50 years old at the time, but I was not ready to retire completely. I ended up retiring from GM and then became licensed as a real estate agent.”

David’s tenure as a tool and die maker nurtured in him a profound sense of organization, precision, and attention to detail, which became invaluable traits that seamlessly transferred to real estate. Prior to becoming an agent, David had bought, split and sold acreage with a partner as a side hustle as well as remodeled four homes and oversaw the construction of his own residence. These experiences amassed a wealth of hands-on building knowledge, which he generously imparts on his clientele, enriching their homebuying process with his expertise and insights.

Driven by a desire to continue his journey of growth and service in a new industry, David drew upon his years of hard work and commitment that were instilled in him by his father. “He taught me how to work hard, and if you are going to do a job, do it better than anyone else, because anyone can be average,” David shared. This ethos of excellence became the cornerstone of David’s career.

For David, real estate is more than buying and selling properties: It’s about transforming dreams into reality. “I love to help first-time homebuyers and share my knowledge of homes with them,” he said.

Although David places great emphasis on helping people with their goals, his accolades have left an indelible mark on the industry as well. He has been ranked as a Top 300 agent for the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® (GRAR) and a Top 100 Agent for Five Star Real Estate. In 2023, Five Star Real Estate ranked him in the top 20 of individual sales. As for David’s career volume, he has accumulated an impressive $60 million in sales.

What sets David apart from others in the industry is his willingness to go above and beyond for his clients. Despite his illustrious career, he remains grounded, stressing the importance of personalized service and genuine care. “When clients are so happy with my services, they refer me to their family and friends,” David explained. 

For David, real estate is all about fostering relationships that are built on trust and integrity. “I want to be known as a giver, not a taker,” he said. “I love to encourage people, especially new agents. I don’t want them to give up. I want to encourage them to keep going and tell them they can do this and compliment them on their successes to build their confidence.”

Outside of his career, David loves spending time with his family. He recently celebrated his forty-fifth wedding anniversary with his wife, Beth, and together, they have two children and four adoring grandchildren. Summers are spent as family-bonding time, which are filled with boating adventures. Their shared passion for motorcycle-riding has taken them on thrilling trips to Sturgis, Yellowstone, and the Smoky Mountains. They revel in winter escapes to tropical paradises just as equally. Apart from their shared interests, David also finds solace in small building projects and landscaping, adding touches of personal creativity to their home.

David is all about giving back to his community and beyond. Alongside his family, he supports various charitable organizations, firmly believing in the adage, “We all have been blessed to be a blessing to others.”

When asked about his advice for up-and-coming agents, David’s wisdom shines through: “Don’t give up! Stick with it. Serve people. Do more than the average person. ‘Wow’ them with personalized service. Don’t forget them after the sale. Stay in touch.”

As David reflects on his career, he hopes to be remembered as not only a successful agent but also a kind and compassionate individual who prioritized serving others above all else. “Concentrate on serving your clients. Listen more than you speak. Find out what is important to your clients and meet their needs,” he said.

David’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and above all, the profound impact of genuine care in the world of real estate. As he continues to inspire others, one thing remains certain — David is a visionary force driving positive change, one home at a time.