Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

David Weatherly: Always Learning

By Matt Solis, Editor

Before he was a plumbing professional, David Weatherly spent 15 years behind the counter at a coffee shop. It was honest work, but when he and his wife found out they were expecting, he knew he needed to build something more sustainable. “My younger brother was already working in plumbing and he told me I should give it a try,” he recalls. “Once I did, that was it—I’ve been working in the industry ever since.”

David’s professional path eventually led him to Ongaro & Sons, where he found the mentorship and educational opportunities he was looking for. “I had asked my previous employer about training and they basically told me to read a book at the library,” he says. “At Ongaro & Sons, education is part of the culture. We have great camaraderie within the plumbing department and between all the teams. Plus, I get to travel throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties, and it’s tough to beat working in such beautiful places.”

David lives in Forestville with his wife, Danielle, and their nine-year-old daughter, Avery, where they enjoy everything their scenic community offers, from swimming and boating on the Russian River to day trips along the Sonoma Coast. Outside of work, David likes fishing, golfing, playing drums in his church’s worship band and attending his daughter’s softball games. On a typical night, the family keeps things simple: dinner together and some TV time on the couch with their dog, Lucy.

A man of faith, David leans on one scripture in particular for personal and professional guidance. “Proverbs 3:5-6 says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path,’” he offers. “That’s one of my favorites and it’s something I live by every day.”

When asked what his life might look like if he retired tomorrow, David says his first move would be taking his family on a tropical vacation. “We would go someplace warm and beautiful, like Bora Bora, Cancun or Hawaii. Honestly, I don’t know if we’d ever come back!”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: What’s your favorite genre of movies?
A: Comedy.

Q: What’s your favorite band?
A: Foo Fighters.

Q: If you could immediately master an instrument, what would you choose?
A: Piano. It’s the first instrument I ever played and I wish I would’ve learned more.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas. My birthday is the next day, so it’s always a fun time.