SBCA Leadership Spotlight: Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell is a Chapter Representative of the SBCA Board of Directors and has been involved in the association for almost 30 years, starting back in 1995 with the Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association (ITMA). Dave held various officer roles in the chapter and eventually joined the SBCA Board of Directors as the ITMA Chapter representative.  

As a member and leader of SBCA, Dave believes it is important to be a good steward of the industry; he wants to make sure all interested companies have a voice and are well-represented in addition to ensuring the industry stays grounded while looking out for its membership.  

SBCA provides representation for the industry and the ability to give back to the industry, and Dave finds that having the opportunities to meet with and talk to people at events is very beneficial. To be in the know about the changes, especially with the ever-changing technology, and to have the ability to hear from other experts are the best parts for him. “I like SBCA because it not only betters our company, but it also betters myself,” says Dave. “SBCA is a great organization to be part of and has leadership that really cares.” He and his company utilize OQMs and BCMC to educate their employees, bringing several people to learn and engage at these events.  

Dave earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Iowa, and at that time wanted to move to Chicago, work for a large engineering firm, and build bridges. However, an ownership group bought a truss facility and wanted Dave to run it. So, Dave started his own truss plant in January of 1995, after graduating in December of 1994. Since he was planning to go into civil engineering to build bridges, he had to learn on the job; he read every word of WoodWords Magazine, learned everything he could about trusses and the business, and proceeded to build his business to what it is today. SBCA played a big part in Dave’s career, providing him with connections across the industry, various educational opportunities, and ample tools and resources.  

This year marks Dave’s 30th year with Engineered Building Design L.C. as the Owner/Manager. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, overseeing sales and estimating, ordering lumber and engineered wood, overseeing managers, building customer relationships, and any and everything else that may come up. Having been with EBD for 30 years and maintaining a successful growing business throughout all the years, watching his team grow with the company professionally, and in their own lives, has been very rewarding for him.  

In addition to his role within SBCA, Dave is a Trustee with the Washington County Hospital & Clinics Board. Beyond work, SBCA, and his philanthropic endeavors, Dave enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, golf, and all Iowa Hawkeye sports. He and his wife have four daughters between the ages of 19 and 24, two of which are twins at age 22. To further support his love of sports, while in college, Dave played football as a walk-on and he previously coached girls’ softball for about 15 years and girls’ volleyball for about 10 years; since retiring from coaching, Dave has enjoyed taking a more active role in SBCA and traveling with his family. Dave can be reached at info@sbcacomponents.com.