After leaving his hometown of Edgerton, Wisconsin, Dave Hataj never thought he would return or take over his father’s business—a company that was rife with dysfunction, both professional and familial. Knowing the challenges would be huge, Dave obeyed God’s call to take on the role of president, succeeding his father. He then spent years transforming the company into what it is today—a model for holistic integration of faith, work, and collegial decision-making.  

Please join us to discuss Dave’s book, Good Work (Moody Publishers, 2020), which charts this Wisconsin native’s path to making the faith-work connection. Led by a kingdom-minded man with both feet on the ground, Edgerton Gear has a growing reputation for both its culture and the quality of its products. Human stories, innovative small business management practices, and love-infused mission combine to make Good Work a uniquely powerful read. Business leaders, as well as those with vision to elevate the trades and the people who practice them, will want to participate in this close-to-home “Read Wisconsin” event.  

Resources   

If you do not own a copy of Good Work, we recommend you purchase it from your favorite vendor in print or audio versions. 

Facilitator

John Terrill, Executive Director of Upper House

Author

David Hataj has served for over 40 years in his second-generation family business, Edgerton Gear, in Edgerton, Wisconsin. He completed his doctorate in 2014 at Bakke Graduate University, where his dissertation focused on developing a curriculum for high school students interested in technical education that emphasized character development and the role of mentoring relationships. His Master’s thesis focused on “Systems Theory and Family Business” at Regent College. His innovative approach to small business has birthed two more small businesses, two charitable trusts, and a partnership with the local high school in mentoring youth in the trades, called Craftsman with Character. Dave is a frequent speaker and consultant on the meaning and value of work, and he credits his passion for the Marketplace and Theology of Work to the late Pete Hammond of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Dr. Paul Stevens of Regent College.

Together with his wife, Tracy, he also serves extensively in Honduras, focusing on community transformation through the education and mentoring of young people. Dave and Tracy raised their three sons on a small farm in rural Wisconsin, where Dave embraces his “blue collar” identity, enjoying gardening, hunting, beekeeping, raising cattle and chickens, and cutting wood to heat the family home during the long Wisconsin winters.