What started as a simple résumé referral turned into a career-defining chapter for Dave. Since joining RJE in 2017, he’s been the driving force behind our federal government partnerships, turning persistence into progress and relationships into results. His leadership helped RJE earn an Air Force-wide Interior Design Honor Award, but for Dave, the real win is always about the people he connects along the way. Get to know more about Dave by reading below.
Name: Dave Brune
Location: Indianapolis, IN and Cincinnati, OH
How long have you been with RJE, and what’s your role in one sentence?
I joined RJE in February 2017 and have been leading RJE’s sales efforts to the Federal Government since that time.
What led you to RJE?
Pure chance. I applied for a government sales position with another company, but the position had been filled. That company forwarded my resume to RJE who was also looking for someone to work with its Federal Government customers. The rest is history!
What’s a project or moment at RJE that’s stuck with you—and why?
We were awarded a contract for Building 32 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 2019. The project was our first significant project at Wright Patt after many years trying to win business with no success. The project eventually won an Air Force Wide Interior Design Honor Award for Facility Renovations & Additions.
What do you look forward to most in your workday at RJE?
Interacting with our team, as well as our customers. I enjoy being the “connective tissue” between organizations.
If RJE were a person, how would you describe them?
A good friend. Always there with a smile and a helping hand when needed.
How do you personally bring “hug your customer” to life?
As they say, “the best ability is availability,” so I do my best to be available and responsive to my teammates and customers. My goal is to make their work easier in any way I can.
What elements make a space inspiring to you? Color? Flow? Light? Something else?
I’m an outdoor person and sun worshiper, so anything that brings the outdoors in is appealing to me.
What’s your signature style when working with clients or partners?
I’d say I try to function as a “trusted advisor.”
What is your current favorite product from Allsteel and its portfolio of brands?
Big fan of the Approach Storage.
Why that one?
Overall functionality, look, and feel.
Salty or sweet?
Salty
Drop your most-used emoji
😂
Favorite place you’ve ever been
Talkeetna, Alaska.
Personal mantra or words to live by
“It aint over ’til it’s over.”
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I have visited 49 of 50 states and will be visiting Oregon next year to make it all 50.
If you hosted a podcast, what would it be called and what would it be about?
I’d have to steal the title from John Mellencamp…Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did. It would be about nothing in particular, just whatever was on my mind that day.
What’s your go-to recharge activity outside of work?
Hitting the Monon Trail for a run.
What’s your favorite hidden gem in Indy (or your city)?
Mid-Town, Carmel — but don’t tell anyone, I don’t want the secret to get out….LOL!
If you had a secret superpower at work, what would it be?
I’ve always thought it would be fun to be invisible.
What’s your go-to pump-up song before a big meeting or presentation?
Baba O’Riley (by The Who).
What’s something new you’ve learned or tried recently?
I’ve been trying to learn how to utilize AI.
If you could swap roles with someone at RJE for a day, who would it be and why?
Bob Manley…..who doesn’t want to be Bob Manley?!?!