The Big 6-0! Don Van Vark’s Six Decades of Service
Don Van Vark is a beloved member of our Pella team, and on April 27, 2024, he achieved an incredible milestone – 60 years of service!
Don officially joined the Rolscreen Company in 1964 after his deployment in the U.S. Army ended. “I’d worked with Rolscreen engineers before,” remembered Don. “I contacted a Chief Engineer at Pella, and told him I was interested in joining the tool room.”
And the rest, as they say, is history!
Don got right to work, starting out as an apprentice, then a journeyman, then a draftsman. He’s spent his entire career in the same department, perfecting and elevating his trade. Today, Don is a Tool Die Designer and a key contributor to the Pella team. He primarily focuses on die designs, but he’s happy to help out with expense build design projects when needed. He’ll often do preliminary design work before his team officially kicks off a project with a business partner, which helps facilitate key discussions earlier in the project timeline. Don’s in-depth knowledge, flexibility and years of experience are invaluable.
As for retirement? “Don and I were talking recently about his upcoming 60th service anniversary, and I asked him if this was a major milestone he has been working toward in preparation for retirement,” shared Senior Project Engineer Todd Sheffield. “Don paused, a grin came across his face, and he replied, ‘Well … my wife thinks it should be.’ Then he chuckled and rolled his head to the side. Clearly, he is enjoying what he does and plans to keep at it.”
Congratulations, Don! Thank you for being part of the Pella team. You are a testament to our purpose of building for brighter futures and the success that comes from a lifetime of learning.