Dave Wagner is a respected executive leader whose career reflects more than four decades of dedication to operational excellence, servant leadership, and sustainable growth. Known for his ability to connect strategy with execution, Dave has built a reputation for guiding organizations through transformation while developing strong, values-driven cultures. His leadership philosophy centers on the belief that when people are empowered and aligned around a shared mission, exceptional results naturally follow.
Over the course of his career, Dave has accumulated a diverse and robust body of experience across six major industries, including home care, information services, telecommunications, hospitality, commercial real estate, and publishing. This breadth of exposure has given him a unique ability to identify patterns, solve complex challenges, and bring innovative ideas across sectors. His cross-industry insight allows him to approach business problems with both creativity and practicality, making him a trusted advisor to organizations navigating change.
Dave’s executive journey includes key leadership roles at nationally recognized organizations such as T-Mobile, Country Meadows Retirement Communities, and Dasher Services, Inc., where he served as Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, he consistently demonstrated his ability to oversee complex operations, lead high-performing teams, and drive measurable outcomes. Whether managing multi-state operations or building new service models, Dave has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence and accountability.
A defining aspect of Dave’s leadership has been his ability to drive significant revenue growth while maintaining operational discipline. At Country Meadows, he led a home care division through a transformative period, achieving 40 percent revenue growth in just three and a half years and elevating the organization into the top tier of its industry. Simultaneously, he improved operating margins and streamlined processes, demonstrating his capacity to balance growth with efficiency.
In his time with T-Mobile, Dave was entrusted with managing a large regional operation generating more than $300 million in annual revenue. His leadership resulted in industry-leading customer retention rates and consistently high satisfaction scores, underscoring his commitment to delivering value and building lasting relationships. By aligning teams around customer-centric strategies, he helped create a competitive advantage in a highly dynamic marketplace.
Beyond financial and operational achievements, Dave is deeply committed to people development. He has led teams of up to 275 employees, fostering environments where collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement thrive. His servant leadership style emphasizes coaching, mentoring, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, creating a ripple effect of leadership throughout the organizations he has served.
In his current role as a Franchise Consultant with Seniors Helping Seniors®, Dave continues to make a meaningful impact by advising up to 70 franchise owners across the United States. He partners closely with leadership teams to provide guidance on strategy, operations, and growth, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of building and scaling their businesses. His ability to blend practical experience with thoughtful counsel makes him a highly valued resource.
Dave’s experience also extends into governance and community leadership. He has served on several boards and committees, including positions within arts organizations, tourism entities, and nonprofit initiatives. These roles have strengthened his understanding of board dynamics, strategic oversight, and stakeholder engagement, preparing him to contribute effectively at the governance level.
As he transitions into the next phase of his career, Dave is motivated by a strong desire to give back and share his extensive experience with organizations seeking guidance and growth. He brings a steady, thoughtful presence to leadership discussions, along with a willingness to challenge assumptions and inspire new thinking. His goal is to help organizations build sustainable strategies while fostering cultures that prioritize both performance and purpose.
Outside of his professional life, Dave values time with his family and embraces a range of personal interests that reflect his commitment to balance and lifelong learning. Whether spending time with his grandchildren, playing golf, practicing piano, or continuing his journey in learning Spanish, he approaches life with curiosity and enthusiasm. These personal pursuits complement his professional philosophy of growth, discipline, and fulfillment.
Dave Wagner’s career stands as a testament to the power of principled leadership, strategic clarity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. His legacy is defined not only by the organizations he has helped grow, but by the people he has mentored and the lasting impact he has made across industries. As a board candidate, he offers a rare combination of experience, insight, and heart—qualities that position him to make a meaningful difference in any organization he serves.
Character:
Dave Wagner consistently demonstrates integrity by leading with honesty, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility to those he serves. He prioritizes people over personal gain, embodying a servant leadership philosophy that builds trust and respect across all levels of an organization. His commitment to ethical decision-making and giving back underscores a career grounded in purpose and values.
Knowledge:
He possesses a comprehensive understanding of business operations developed over more than 40 years across multiple industries. He integrates expertise in sales, marketing, finance, and operations to provide well-rounded insights that drive performance. His continuous learning mindset ensures he remains adaptable and relevant in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Strategic:
Dave excels at connecting long-term vision with practical execution, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable growth. He has a proven ability to identify opportunities, streamline operations, and implement strategies that deliver measurable results. His cross-industry perspective allows him to approach challenges with innovative thinking and informed decision-making.
Communication:
An effective communicator who fosters clarity, alignment, and collaboration within teams and across stakeholders. He listens actively and engages thoughtfully, ensuring that diverse perspectives are understood and valued. His ability to inspire, coach, and articulate vision makes him a powerful leader and trusted advisor.
