Chamber Spotlight - Dave Lajeunesse

Name: Dave Lajeunesse
Company Name: Carbitex, Inc
Title: Vice President – Engineering and Operations
Years at Company: 2.5

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? 
​I have always been interested in how things work and how they are made, so engineering was a natural fit. I started my career in the automotive industry, which sparked my interest in making products. 

What are three things you use at work every day? 
Computer, personal communications (old fashioned, talking to people), my mind (most days).

What was your first job? 
I delivered the morning newspaper when I was 11 years old; I actually used a bike with a shoulder bag and had to get up at 5:00 to get finished before school.  

How do you spend your free time? 
Since my wife Loree and I are new to the Pacific Northwest, we like to go explore when the weather is nice. New towns, hiking, mountains; lots of great places to experience. Lots of dog walking with two large dogs. We also have a boat and like to spend time on the river. In between, we have three grown kids spread out across the country to we like to visit them 

What are three words that best describe you?
Hardworking, honest, and trustworthy.

What did you want to become as kid? 
Seems like too long ago to remember, but most likely a professional baseball player (this is serious).

Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future? 
Into the future

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 
My wife and I have lived in the Tri-Cities for about 2 ½ years. We are originally from Ohio, but have also lived in Detroit, Tokyo and Los Angeles before moving here.

Where is your hometown? 
Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, many losing sports teams, and lots of great people.

Do you have any special talents?
Common sense…

One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field?   
Learn to solve problems creatively and think outside of the box.   

What was the first concert you attended?
Rush during the 70’s

What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
It's exciting to see a group of people focused on making the community better.