Young couple looks ahead
When he graduated from Tech in 1982, David McBride expected to work in the corporate world as preparation for starting his own business. The economy at the time, however, was in the doldrums, and the job market dried up, so he started his own construction firm right away.
David and Joy McBride
"From adversity came one of the best things that ever happened to me," he says in retrospect. The business is now 22 years old and employs eight people. He notes that some of his employees have been with him for nineteen years. "It's very rewarding," he says, to be in a position to provide livelihoods for eight families besides his own.
It's characteristic that McBride thinks of the livelihoods of others. One other benefactor of his success is Michigan Tech. McBride and his wife Joy have arranged for an estate gift, which he describes as "giving back to Michigan Tech so others can have the opportunities that I had."
Those college years were important to McBride. He came to Tech after checking out several other colleges. He was most impressed with the people and programs at Tech. Once on campus he enjoyed the outdoor activities, watching the Husky hockey games, and making "great friends" who have lasted the years.
He says Tech prepared him "very well" for his work. That attitude comes from the perspective of years and experience, though. "I don't think I realized the value of my education when I was young," he says. "But the longer I'm out of school, the more I appreciate the benefits. The knowledge I received at Tech has contributed to the success I have achieved in my business and my life."
Put another way: "Studies and classes paid off," he adds. "I learned discipline and hard work. I use some skills taught in classes that I thought weren't important at the time." Two important lessons were "staying focused and managing time."
Besides schooling," McBride is asked, "what did it take to get where you are now?"
His response is a litany of virtue: "Hard work. Perseverance. Taking risks. Not being afraid to fail. Continuing to go at it every day. Making every setback an opportunity."
His business, residential remodeling, is his third priority now, behind family and church. His success allows him to indulge some passions: snowboarding, wind surfing, and travel. These diversions are "very important," he says. "They give balance."
His guiding principle these days is, "You work to live, you don't live to work." He allows, though, that this thinking has come only with time. Earlier in his career, he had to push really hard. Now it's a motto he can indulge.
He says his financial support of Michigan Tech makes him feel "comfortable." He is thankful not only for being able to help others, but also for the guidance and training about estate planning that he and his wife have received from Tech Fund professional staff.
Eric Halonen, assistant vice president for major and planned gifts, says McBride is a" wonderful example" of a young alumnus who has reconnected with the University and is giving back. It's unusual, Halonen says, for someone to make plans for deferred giving at such a young age. David and Joy McBride are both 44. Besides donating gifts of securities, they have set up a deferred charitable gift annuity.