David Castle

Secretary

Dave Castle has broad career experience in leadership, management, and hands-on problem solving across a diverse range of industries. Dave and his wife moved to Addison County in 2014 to start a family and build their careers. Soon after landing in Vermont, Dave realized that his diverse skills were well-suited for small business management and growth.

In the winter of 2015, Dave joined with Cam Mackugler to launch SeedSheet, a startup based in Middlebury, Vermont which manufactures consumer products for at-home gardeners. Under Dave’s guidance, within four years, SeedSheet grew from a concept to a full product line with national exposure on Good Morning America, The View, QVC and in-store placement with ALDI grocery store. Dave’s refinement of the product and subsequent development of a full-scale production line allowed for the rapid growth that SeedSheet experienced. Dave’s supplier relationships and supply-chain development helped promote other Vermont businesses such as High Mowing Seed Company in Wolcott, VT. Through this experience, Dave was consistently impressed with the support of the Vermont community and local businesses that embraced the startup and helped with its growth.

In early 2019, Dave was chosen by the Vermont SBA to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program. The program solidified Dave’s passion for small business growth and operational efficiencies. Additionally, the program illuminated the challenges faced by small businesses in general and especially in Vermont.

In the summer of 2019, Dave joined Mechanical Advantage LLC, a high-precision machine shop as the Director of Operations to help the owner, Dave Cole, grow the business. Over the past two years, the business has doubled in size, hiring five new employees and expanding its customer base and services. Some of the growth is directly related to building out ISO 9001 compliant quality system elements which have led to production orders from Fortune 500 customers.

Dave is an avid adventurer, fueled by an early career aboard traditional sailing ships which allowed him to travel globally. Most notable were two Atlantic crossings, and numerous trips to Antarctica and The Arctic as a Guide and Assistant Expedition Leader. Currently, Dave enjoys canoeing and camping with his wife and two young sons in Vermont and the Adirondacks. He is passionate about supporting the economic development of the region so that the area’s towns will thrive well into the future.