Shared Experiences

Looking back, David and Dawn's story began at a popular Tex-Mex restaurant in Phoenix. Both new to the area, Dawn says, "He got my number and here we are today 15 years later."

Dawn's father was in the military. She was used to making friends quickly and often from repeated relocations. When her father retired from the military and became the chancellor at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, the family settled in Prescott, Arizona. Her social skills translated well into her career in sales, managing a division at a staffing agency.

David grew up in Chicago and went to college and business school out East. He began working in New York as an analyst in the investment banking division of Merrill Lynch, and then he moved to Dallas to work for a global management consulting firm.

In 2000, David added PetSmart to his management portfolio. It was that introduction to the company that led him to Phoenix as the senior vice president of PetSmart when he eventually met Dawn.

"I've always been willing to take on different roles and experiences," he says. "I actually worked in the stores for a year and a half. This helped me learn more about business and retail and, I think, allowed me to continue to move up until I was CEO."

David was CEO from 2013 until PetSmart's buyout in 2015. These days he's enjoying his family time and is on the board of directors for a local children's hospital and a North American dog day care company. Today the couple shares a love of travel, sports and contemporary art.