Amidst the echoing clamor of a nation in crisis, a leader was born. The year was 1933, the era of the Great Depression – a time of intense hardship when scarcity was the rule rather than the exception. On the stage of this tumultuous period, a star emerged, a beacon of resilience, and a future marketing icon in the plumbing industry: Dave Cass.
Born on the teeming streets of New York City, the young Dave Cass was an anomaly. Athletically gifted, he played football, traded blows in the boxing ring, and ran like a gazelle both on the field and in the labyrinth of urban streets. While he might have been a member of a gang in his youth, his running wasn’t merely for sport or mischief – it was a bid to outrun the specter of a negligent father who cast a long shadow over his life.
For most, such a background could easily predicated a troubled path. But for Dave Cass, it would become a crucible in which a remarkable character was forged. A character that, in the grand architecture of his life, would be the bedrock upon which Cass Plumbing, a Tampa beacon of service excellence, was built.
In his radiant life, Dave Cass chose not the path of his father but instead strode towards the sunlit path of love, commitment, and service. Together with his beloved wife, Carole, of 63 years and counting, he blossomed into an exemplary father, the likes of which would eclipse the legends of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle in a hypothetical Father’s Hall of Fame. If there was a Father’s Hall of Fame, Dave Cass would certainly be a first ballot inductee.
Beyond his personal life, Dave Cass infused his values into the heart and soul of Cass Plumbing. His core tenets of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and an unyielding desire to serve others became the cornerstone of a business that has, for over two decades, provided unrivaled plumbing services to tens of thousands of homes and businesses across the Tampa Bay region.
But the narrative of Dave Cass is incomplete without a nod to his audacious spirit and entrepreneurial foresight. A risk-taker by nature and a New Yorker at heart, Dave uprooted his family in 1984 and planted their roots in the sandy soils of Tampa, Florida. With the piercing vision of an eagle, he foresaw the imminent explosion of growth in Tampa, a prophecy that has since played out to the letter.
On the cusp of turning 90, Dave Cass has become a symbol of ageless strength and vigor. With the curiosity of a teenager, he’s never lost his zest for learning and his passion for innovation. These traits, combined with his marketing acuity, have been instrumental in keeping Cass Plumbing not only relevant but at the forefront of the Tampa plumbing industry. Dave is the marketing maestro behind Cass Plumbing, his innovative genius as integral to the company’s success as the wrench is to a plumber.
Through this tribute, we wish to acknowledge Dave Cass, one of the men behind the success of Cass Plumbing, the figure who has become synonymous with dedication and perseverance. His life and values are woven into the very fabric of Cass Plumbing and the people that work in it. His tireless work ethic, his keen foresight, and his boundless love & devotion to his family are the guiding light that have led Cass Plumbing through the darkest nights towards brighter days.
Indeed, if the Cass Plumbing we see today is a towering skyscraper, then Dave Cass is the foundation upon which it stands. But his influence extends far beyond the business realm. His children and grandchildren, molded by his glowing example, are testaments to his legacy, embodying his values in their character.
So, today, on this Father’s Day, June 18, 2023, we raise our glasses high in tribute to a remarkable man, Dave Cass – a tireless worker, a loving husband, an exceptional father, an astute businessman, and the heart and soul of Cass Plumbing. His life and legacy are a testament to the extraordinary outcomes that can be forged from a commitment to unwavering values and the audacity to dream big.
Here’s to Dave Cass – the titan of Tampa, the patriarch of the Cass Family, and an enduring symbol of resilience and vision. Your story continues to inspire, and your footprints serve as a guide for future generations. Happy Father’s Day, Dave Cass!
