We're excited to welcome Dave Phillips, "Safety Dave," to the Paulding Putnam team! As our new Safety and Compliance Manager, Dave brings decades of leadership and hands-on experience to the role. With a long career in the U.S. Air Force and a lifelong passion for safety and teamwork, he's ready to help ensure every employee goes home safe every day and strengthen Paulding Putnam's culture of care and accountability. 
Here's a fun Q&A to help our members get to know the newest addition to the Paulding Putnam family!
Tell us a bit about your background and family.
"I'm Paulding County born and bred through and through! I graduated from Antwerp High School and Vantage Vocational School in the Industrial Electrical program. After graduation, I joined the United States Air Force in July of 1985 and trained as an Aircraft Crew Chief on a C-130 cargo aircraft at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. 
Later, I was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, where I was selected for a special duty assignment as a Flight Mechanic on a C-20A (Gulfstream III) aircraft, flying VIP airlift missions for high-ranking officials, including four-star generals, congressmen, and even the President of the United States.
In 2001, I returned to Dyess Air Force Base and retired from the Air Force in 2005 after more than 5,000 flight hours - nearly 2,000 of which were in combat zones. I've been to every country in Europe, and about 75% of Africa, and even the North Pole! 
I'm married to my wife, Christy. We have two children, Megan and Cody. Megan and her husband, Jon, have two children - Jasper (5) and Mavee (2 months). Jon is the lead guitarist for the band The Debutants. Sadly, our son Cody passed away over six years ago.
At home on our family farm south of Antwerp, we have quite the menagerie - three dogs, a horse, a mini horse, two mini donkeys, some feeder calves, lots of chickens, and four ducks!"
Why did you want to work at Paulding Putnam?
"Before my interview, I read many great things about Paulding Putnam - especially that so many people stay with the co-op for years. During the interview process, I was presented with a detailed four-year plan for my position, which really impressed me. Since retiring from the military, no company I've worked for has shown that level of dedication to its employees. That commitment sealed the deal for me."
Tell us about your work history.
"After retiring from the military, I transitioned to corporate aviation - but when the economy tanked in 2008, I lost my dream job as a professional instructor at Flight Safety International.
I went back to college through Grand Canyon University, earning both my bachelor's and master's degrees in emergency management and public safety, with a minor in fire prep. I then spent three years in Hawaii working on a contract for the U.S. Army as site manager for their Gulfstream IV C-20H aircraft. 
When that contract ended, I moved back home in 2013 and have since worked in various environmental health and safety roles for companies such as General Motors, Steel Dynamics, Forvia, SkyWest Airlines, and Power Clean Industrial Services."
What will you be doing at Paulding Putnam? 
"I'll be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all team members and co-op members, as well as managing compliance requirements. Safety is my top priority - I want everyone to go home safe each day."
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
"I love building and driving race cars! I've drag raced, dirt track raced, and now I race road courses. I drive a modified Porsche 944 with plenty of horsepower - I take it to tracks like Nelson Ledges and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. 
I also enjoy woodworking - building anything that challenges me, even cabinets. And when I'm not in the shop, I love cooking, grilling, and smoking meats like brisket or salmon."
A fun fact about you?
"I've come face-to-face with a baboon - quite literally - and once took a 36-hour train ride to nowhere! I've also umpired baseball at nearly every level, from Little League to college and even Triple-A, both in Europe and the U.S. I served as Chief Umpire for all of Europe for five years."
A favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
"'It is what it is,' because in safety, sometimes it really is just that. I also believe in learning something new each day - because when we're learning, we're living."
Anything else you'd like to share?
"If you love ice cream, I'm sure we'll see each other often! My wife and I own KB Scoops in Antwerp, which will stay open through Christmas. After that, we'll close for a few months to rebrand as The Main Street Creamery and Café, where we'll serve lunch items like sandwiches, soups, and salads - with a healthy twist. We look forward to seeing everyone there!"