Meet Joshua David | Carpenter & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua David and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana, in the heart of the Midwest. As the second oldest of four children raised by a single mother, I learned early on the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. My mother worked tirelessly to provide us with opportunities, embodying the principle that service to others is not just a necessity but a rewarding and fulfilling life path.

One of the most significant influences in my life has been my grandfather, or ‘Pop pop’ as we affectionately called him. He served in the navy for 30 years and was a master craftsman. I still vividly recall the awe-inspiring experience of watching him build my aunt’s home from the ground up. His mastery, leadership, and patience showed me the limitless possibilities life presents when you put your mind and hands to work.

My upbringing in Warsaw had a profound impact on my career choice. The Midwestern values of integrity, honesty, and a commitment to quality are deeply ingrained in me. The local culture, which emphasized these values and the importance of community, resonated with me and inspired me to pursue a career in construction.

In my professional life today, I carry with me these core values I’ve learned from my upbringing. My Pop pop’s commitment to excellence, unwavering focus, dedication to craftsmanship are principles that guide my work. My mother’s example of selfless service has made me strive to add value to my community. And the values of my small-town roots – kindness, compassion, and the famed southern hospitality – form the backbone of my approach to relationships with clients and fellow professionals.

So, my background has shaped not only who I am today, but how I operate in my business and in life. Every project I undertake is an opportunity to honor the lessons from my past, to make a difference in my community, and to keep striving for the goal of becoming one of the world’s greatest carpenters, just like my Pop pop.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I see my carpentry and construction work as a form of art, which I believe is one factor that sets me apart in my field. My approach to each project is two-fold: I strive to create a design that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing as well. I have an obsessive attention to detail that often keeps me awake at night, dreaming of ways to improve my projects or make my processes more efficient.

One of the achievements I am particularly proud of was being one of the lead carpenters at this year’s Coachella & Stagecoach music festivals. Being part of creating stages and structures that bring joy and entertainment to so many people was an incredibly fulfilling experience. My journey to reach my current professional status has been full of unknowns, requiring a high level of problem-solving skills and adaptability. One of my key milestones was willingly taking on projects where I had to learn on the go.

Challenges are inherent in my career, but the ongoing quest to improve and outperform myself daily has been the most significant one. I have found that a sense of accomplishment grows with each obstacle overcome. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of having mentors and the power of networking in the construction industry.

When it comes to my brand and personal philosophy, it can be described as custom, forward-thinking, and tailored to my client’s needs. I emphasize sustainability and building science in all my projects and enjoy integrating new technologies like AI. The message I want to convey through my work is that with determination, the willingness to ask for help, and never giving up, success is attainable.

Currently, I am most excited about designing and building custom homes in the future. The joy and satisfaction that comes from transforming a set of goals and ideas into a finished project are beyond words. I am also thrilled about building my own advanced and efficient smart home.

In the future, I see my brand evolving to focus more on sustainability and renewable energy. My dream is to help create smart, green buildings, and make homes more efficient while reducing dependence on harmful fossil fuels.

In closing, I would like to say that it’s okay to switch careers. I started out in entertainment, but I found my calling in the trades. I urge everyone to stay open to change and be ready for life to take them on a wild and passionate ride!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert landscape that offers breathtaking views, fantastic hiking trails, and remarkable rock formations. If my friend were a nature enthusiast, we would spend a day or two exploring the park, including a hike up Ryan Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area. We’d also make sure to check out the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and Arch Rock.

For a hearty breakfast, we would hit up Country Kitchen, a local favorite. For lunch, I would take my friend to Pie for the People for a New York-style pizza. We could end our day with dinner at the quirky Pappy & Harriet’s in nearby Pioneertown. They serve great barbeque, and there’s often live music, too.

We would definitely stop by the Joshua Tree Saloon, a wild west-themed bar that serves a good variety of drinks and often has live music.

If we’re lucky, we might catch a live performance at the Joshua Tree Music Festival, which happens twice a year. If my friend is into stargazing, we could also join a night sky photography workshop.

We could spend some time exploring the local shops in the town of Joshua Tree, such as the Joshua Tree Rock Shop or The Station, where I love to buy most of my cool shirts and hats from

I would love to show my glamping campground – Desert Sky Escapes @desertskyescapes, a dreamy desert glamping resort where you can relax, unwind, and stargaze at night with your friends and loved ones.

For a relaxing day, we could visit the Integratron, a historical structure known for its sound baths. We could also spend a day doing some rock climbing or bouldering in the park.

I would remind my friend to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good hat, as the desert can get hot during the day. But also to pack a warm jacket for the cool evenings. We would definitely aim to see the sunset over the desert – it’s a magical experience! And if we’re up for it, a late-night drive to Keys View for some stargazing could be an amazing end to our trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my Pop pop, a truly exceptional individual and a remarkable craftsman who instilled in me the values of honesty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He was my mentor and my biggest cheerleader, always there to guide me and offer support.

Our relationship was marked by a profound mutual respect and a shared love for crafting and creating. His unwavering enthusiasm for my endeavors fueled my drive, and his guidance shaped me both professionally and personally. Whether we were hunting, fishing, or he was showing me his tools and his trade, every moment spent with him was a learning experience.

A quiet, thoughtful man, my Pop pop demonstrated leadership by example. I vividly remember him waking up at the crack of dawn, every day, ready to do whatever it took to provide for his family. His dedication to his craft was only surpassed by his dedication to his loved ones, a lesson that I’ve carried with me throughout my career.

Even now, his influence guides me. In challenging times, when faced with a difficult project or client, I often find myself channeling my Pop pop’s patient, deliberate approach to problem-solving. His spirit continues to inspire me, reminding me that the only limits we face are those we place on ourselves. Every day, I strive to honor his legacy, to bring the same level of passion, focus, and commitment to my work that he brought to his. This shoutout is for him, for his unwavering support, for the lessons he taught me, and for the indelible mark he’s left on my life.

Website: Davidbuildingcompany.com

Instagram: instagram.com/davidbuildingco