Celebrating Dave Hafenbrack

As Dave Hafenbrack steps into retirement, the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association is celebrating not only a longtime marketing partner, but someone whose creativity, leadership, and passion helped shape the organization into what it is today.

Dave’s relationship with DRMA dates back to the 1990s, when his marketing firm was hired to promote the organization’s tradeshow. What started as a business partnership quickly became something much deeper.

“I was skeptical of joining any association early in my tenure,” Dave shared. “But Angelia was persistent, and thus I joined. Joining DRMA was a huge pillar in my business growth trajectory.”

Over the decades, Dave witnessed — and helped lead — enormous changes in both manufacturing and marketing. Having founded his marketing firm in 1973, he built a career that spanned everything from the pre-computer era to today’s digital-first world.

“That was before computers, email, texts, and mobile phones,” he said. “So yes, it has been a total shift from when I started the business to the day I sold the business.”

One of Dave’s most impactful contributions came during a transformational moment in the organization’s history: helping evolve DTMA into DRMA. Dave led the branding and strategic marketing process, conducting member interviews, gathering feedback, and helping shape the organization’s future identity.

“I was honored to lead that important process,” Dave said. “The people I met and worked with during this process solidified for me the organization’s quality. We then developed the new/current DRMA logo and built the new brand identity.”

His work didn’t stop there. Even after selling his business, Dave returned to support DRMA once again through marketing consulting, event photography, and storytelling that highlighted the people and companies driving regional manufacturing forward.

Throughout his career, Dave remained passionate about one thing above all else: people.

“The quality of the association from Angelia through the members,” he said. “That is why I was excited when Angelia called me after I sold my business to once again do marketing consulting work for DRMA.”

Dave also shared his appreciation for the next generation of leadership, specifically recognizing Amy Schrimpf and the future of the organization.

“This last year, working with her and for her was one of the highlights of my career,” he said. “I respect her and look forward to seeing her at the helm for years to come.”

When asked about the impact he hopes his work has had, Dave pointed to manufacturing workforce development and inspiring young people to explore careers in the industry.

“I hope my event photography, LinkedIn, and other marketing channels inspire young people, especially females, to pursue careers in manufacturing.”

As for retirement? Dave is looking forward to “taking occasional naps :)”

But perhaps his most lasting contribution is the mindset he leaves behind:

“Do not sit still and accept the status quo. Always look to improve, expand, and serve the regional manufacturing community. Try new things, fail on a few — that’s how you learn.”

From all of us at DRMA: thank you, Dave, for your creativity, vision, friendship, and decades of dedication to manufacturing in our region. Your impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

And yes — you’ve earned those naps.