SPEAKERS

January 12, 2026

David is currently the President of Southern States Material Handling, a Toyota Industries Company, that provides material handling solutions to its customers. His organization has over 500 associates spread over 10 locations in Georgia and Florida. David has been with Toyota for 13 years and leading the organization for 8 years. He expanded the business from selling Toyota Forklifts to being a complete material handling integrator to the extent of fully automated solutions supporting the largest names in retail distribution. During his 8 years leading the organization, the dealership has earned 7 consecutive Toyota Presidents Awards placing the dealership in the top 10% nationwide. Prior to Southern States, he served for 22 years as an Army Officer. His leadership career in the military involved leading aviation organizations including piloting scout helicopters. He served in several locations in the United States, Europe, and two years in the Middle East where he was awarded two Bronze Stars.

He is veracious learner reading everything from Peter Drucker to the Bible, consistently improving his leadership abilities to better serve his associates, customers and company. He holds an MBA from the Whitman School of Management and a Master of Arts in Public Administration both from Syracuse University, which is also where he developed an allergy to cold weather.

Dave and Crystal, his Wife, merged their families 14 years ago creating a household of six kids, although four are on their own now, for the most part. Crystal works from home as a certified Guide Dog trainer for Dogs Inc. while trying to train twin 17 yr old boys at home. They love to travel and have been to numerous destinations around the globe from Dubai to Bora Bora.