Today we’d like to introduce you to David Lewis
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Professionally and workwise, my journey started at the age of 13. My parents from an early age taught us we had to work hard to get what we wanted in life. My dad by having us do chores around the house, keeping us out of trouble and growing a healthy work ethic and my mom by her endless support of our lives and activities. My first job was working for a neighbor down the street. I was 13 and I would go over and help him cut wood and stack it, as well as watch his two sons when they got home from school until their mother arrived home from work. Both were of course paid cash, and I can remember it being my first job interview. He even asked how much I was willing to work for, and how often.
From here I worked various jobs though high school. Summers I would work more than 40 hours the week I could get my hands on it. I learned to find jobs I would enjoy like working in a gym, lifeguarding, and teaching snowboarding.
I paid for my first car in cash, paid insurance, gas, and for my first cell phone. It was just normal for me to have to work hard and make money for the things I wanted. My needs were always filled by my parents until I was ready to move out, and I am grateful for that, but anything I wanted I had to go get it.
I hated college. I hated sitting at a desk all day paying for an education, when I could be at work making money and learning how to grow in my jobs. I never wanted to be a career man. I never saw myself staying with a company for years of my life as my dad had always done. I saw opportunity everywhere. I would meet and impress another business owner as I got into my automotive trade, and be offered a new job almost yearly. I knew I had potential and knew not to settle.
By 23 I was a service manager at a Dodge dealership, and hated it. Working for a large business wasn’t for me, and I was paying my way through flight school. Which was expensive, and also going to set me up to work a repetitive monotonous job. I knew I wanted something more, and to build something for me.
I had always created ways for more income, but by trading my time. I was now at the age where I learned to trade time for money, and then money for assets. By 26 I had bought and flipped about 30 cars, and only ever lost profit on 2. I had started a vape sales company with a friend, and that flopped. At 27 I was married and my now ex wife and I no longer wanted to live in our home town, so we looked for a way to explore and learn what we wanted in the world. We purchased an old campervan and after several months of renovating, my current job came to an end due to the business being sold, and we hit the road.
We knew we needed to have income and not rely on our savings, so I created another income. I worked with another friend, who also was in vape sales. We became their social media and marketing team. We worked remotely as we traveled, and were able to explore the country for nearly two years. This exploration ignited in me the want to do so much more with life. I started to work on a marketing business, as well as became an equity holder in Explorevanx.com.
I would hold various jobs that were work from home positions, and all the while I started building my businesses.
Over time, I have grown this mindset and have multiple businesses in the campervan community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is not a smooth road. I feel like it would be too boring if it was.
There have been many challenged, daily hurdles and pivots to be made.
One of the largest struggles is just in oneself. I have tried every way I know how to grow into the most productive and best version of myself. But that came with some heavy animosity that I felt towards myself when I wasn’t working. I had to learn to balance life and all its aspects. Life is hard and when you add relationships, money, and goals on top of it, it can seem impossible sometimes. But learning to create a balance that lets you live that optimal life is crucial when trying to juggle as much as I do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since 2017 my niche has been in the campervan industry. This industry exploded due to the pandemic, and everyone want to explore, get outside, and stay healthy.
I run a marketing/ business directory platform www.Explorevanx.com.
I opened in June 2024 a Campervan rental service in Charleston South Carolina called Charleston Wandervans.
I am also working on Upfitternetwork.com, a warranty/service network for all campervan builders and owners.
I am most proud of the team that I have built overtime and the relationships I have created.
I have learned to become a great leader and manager. I have learned how to find great people and give them the tools they need to produce the best outcomes. I have built a functioning business from an idea more than once, and that gives me joy.
Any big plans?
I know my businesses will grow and progress., I know I am just getting started. I am happy to know that I can always pivot my career choice, and thrive doing so as I have done in the past. I want to continue to build great businesses and great people.
I am excited for my time with my son in the next few years. I want to be the best parent I can first, and be the best business owner second. I would like to be able to delegate even more so that I have more time with him, and eventually teach him how to be the best version of himself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://explorevanx.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/explorevanx
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/explorevanx
- Other: https://www.wandervans.com/charleston-booking
Image Credits
David Lewis and Janine Lewis
