David VanEpps, Chief Operating Officer
Dave@exceptionaldifference.com
Impact and amplification. These are the tenets that inspire David VanEpps in his work as Chief Operating Officer at Exceptional Difference. Through his work, he seeks to ignite technical teams to deliver breakthrough results, grow high-performing organizations, and create Cultures of Excellence where everyone thrives.
David employs a motivational approach to leadership, seeking to bring out the best in those around him and enhance their ability to rapidly deliver value. As a proven leader, he strives to delight engineers, end users, and key stakeholders by bridging the business-technology gap and simplifying complex concepts into digestible components and actionable requirements. David’s belief in people allows him to develop enterprise strategies, roadmaps, and action plans designed for high-performing teams capable of delivering results that scale high growth companies.
Exceptional leaders are forged in the heat of high-stakes, fast-paced, mission-critical situations, and David is no different. As Chief Operating Officer at Exceptional Difference, David is continually placed in the most challenging client situations in which engineers, leaders, and teams are facing critical challenges under tremendous pressure for results. He excels when the stakes are high and breakthrough results are not just desired, but required. As Vice President of Engineering at Ursa Space Systems, he drove 3x scale while executing a leading-edge portfolio of products and services that leveraged AI and Machine Learning to provide high-quality satellite intelligence in real time. As Senior Director of Delivery at Acxiom, he achieved best-in-class client satisfaction through exceptional delivery & professional services while growing employee satisfaction over 30% and improving profit margin 25%. He also improved first-time quality by 64% and speed to value by 37%.
As a leader, David focuses not on addressing symptoms but on creating a Culture of Excellence where commitments are consistently met, high-quality is a foregone conclusion, and speed-to-value is the name of the game. He values people as the heart of the organization culture, and he continually finds ways to help engineers, teams, and leaders to reclaim their joy by focusing on value, growth, learning, and mindset. “Optimism isn’t about seeing the world through rose colored glasses. It’s about looking reality square in the eye and dealing with it in a way that leads to a better future.”
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Software Development and Management, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology. An avid runner and cyclist, he has completed 8 Ironman Triathlons, 18 marathons, and 6 ultra-marathons. David is also a published author of three books and conducts speaking engagements for leadership, athletic, and faith-based audiences. He and his wife reside in Harrison Township, Michigan.
David encourages you to live a life of impact and make a positive difference in all that you do.