Dave Wikel
Special Needs Nonprofit
Dave Wikel is not allowing age to get in the way. He started his most recent business, Wolverine Roofing LLC, a little over three years ago.
Now, he’s 70 years old and the successful businessman is not thinking of retiring any day soon.
The job — “it still gives me a big charge,” he says. “There’s nothing like closing a deal. I love closing deals.”
After attending Duke University, Wikel started in the roofing business in the 1980s as a salesman and estimator. His friend, Don Cameron, had approached him, asking if he wanted a job.
Wikel took the opportunity. Then, in 2003, Wikel set out on his own. He started Therma Seal Roof Systems and five years afterwards, he sold it in 2008 for $4.2 million to Petersen Dean Roofing and Solar Systems.
Two other companies and fifteen years later, Wikel is now in charge of Wolverine Roofing LLC. The name is a shoutout to his home state, Michigan and to the University of Michigan, where his father, Howard Wikel, attended and played football in the late 1940s.
Another one of Wikel’s passions is being on the Board of Directors for Wheels For Kids and one of the nonprofit’s major donors.
“Being on the board is a very rewarding experience for me,” he says.
Started in 2003 by Denise Roeser, the organization’s mission is to help provide customized wheelchairs and other equipment to Palm Beach County children who have special needs. Since the inception, Wikel said the nonprofit has given away 80 customized wheelchairs.
“I love to see that look of happiness — not just on the kids — but their families’ faces too,” Wikel said. “The customized wheelchairs give the children access to things we take for granted.”
Wikel added Roeser is the engine who leads the nonprofit. He’s only there to support her.
Wikel is also a family man. He’s been married to his wife Cheryl since 1987, has four children — Ben, Abigail, Emily and Matt, and two grandchildren with a third one on the way. Of the four, Matt works with Wikel in the family roofing business.
Wheels For Kids, 1300 Old Dixie Highway, Lake Park, 561-577-3800, wheelsforkids.org
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