David Gross
Director of business development, Estes Construction
Age: 37
Education: Northwestern University Bachelor of Arts, economics and geography; business institutions minor; Duke University, The Fuqua School of Business, Master of Business Administration
Wife: Neena Vasavan
Children: Nikhil (4), Ravi (1½)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I serve as the vice chair of the Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees.
I serve as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve.
I was selected as Estes Construction’s relationship manager for long-term clients Deere & Co. and 3M.
I led Estes Construction’s community partnership agreement with Des Moines Public Schools and volunteered to support the successful “yes” for Des Moines Schools bond referendum campaign.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
During graduate school I organized a group of classmates from around the world to sponsor a refugee family from Syria during the Muslim travel ban. This experience tested my perseverance as a leader and reinforced my belief that diverse teams can succeed when united by a common mission.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Enrolling in a full-time MBA program early in my career. It set me on a winding path back to Iowa, inspired me to join the Navy Reserve and sat me next to my now-wife on the first day of orientation. I grew as a leader and was rewarded with a full-ride scholarship for my second year.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to continue to grow Estes Construction in Central Iowa and cement our position as a pillar corporate citizen in the community. I also want to join one more community board, ideally for an organization supporting education, refugees or mental health.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
Empowering teams to deliver results when the “how” is different than I would go about it.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Do what you say you are going to do. You will stand out from the crowd.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I very rarely say no to meeting requests. You never know what value can be unlocked by meeting a new person and sharing your stories. I also make a point to meet in person even if virtual is easier.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
You have to make major sacrifices in your career to be an involved parent. For the right company, you do not have to make that tradeoff.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Source water quality and quantity. As our region grows, this is quickly becoming an economic development issue in addition to the health concerns. Solutions require collaboration between urban and agricultural stakeholders and a shared belief that we can come together as a state to do better for our citizens.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I am a map nerd. I majored in geography in undergrad … the one thing I have in common with Michael Jordan.
Hobbies: Runner, snow skier, country music fan.
What is one word that best describes you?
Focused.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Pizza happy hour at Eatery A on Ingersoll.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
My wife laughed at one of my jokes.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Drake Road Race Half Marathon.
What is your go-to snack?
I find myself stealing Cheez-Its from my boys often.