“Listen to what people are saying and give them what they want” is the business philosophy of David Dishke, Owner/Manager of Grand River Home Hardware in Caledonia Ontario. For over fifteen years, it has been David’s goal to send every customer away happy and, under his management, the Grand River Home Hardware has flourished. Sales have increased by 70% and David has been able to withstand growing competition from hardware chains.

David has served on Home Hardware’s National Advertising Committee, Paint Committee and he heads the Joint Advertising Committee for Haldimand County. In 2004, David was chosen as one of eight winners of the “Young Retailer of the Year Award” presented by the National Retail Hardware Association, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Of the eight winners, David was the only Canadian. Never satisfied with the role of the passive learner, David was an advocate for debate challenging traditional management practices. As a student, he assumed leadership roles in discussions on business ethics and best practices; in particular, he spoke out regularly in favour of fair and equitable treatment of employees.

David is not only a former Mohawk student, he is a teacher. In the classroom, David draws on his practical experience running successful businesses to benefit today’s business students. A frequent guest speaker in Mohawk’s Small Business classes, David has also hosted visits by Small Business students who toured both the hardware store operation and the car wash. He has mentored several students and has always offered to assist any student seeking his advice.

It has always been David's belief that you have to give back to the communities that support you. He is known and respected in Caledonia for his generous contributions to charitable causes and his tireless work in the community. He has worked very hard as a Kinsman (Treasurer and Past President) raising money to hold the Santa Claus Parade each year. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, coaches with Haldimand Youth Soccer, and serves on the executive of the Mary Poppins Pre-School. As Manager of GRHH, David has directed charitable donations to the Hospital for Sick Children, the Special Olympics, Trees Canada, Tsunami Relief, the Caledonia Library, and the Alzheimer Society of Haldimand-Norfolk.