We recently connected with David Workman and have shared our conversation below.
David , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I grew up in a small coal town nestled in the hills of southern West Virginia, where the scent of hard work and the echoes of faith shaped the rhythm of our lives. My grandfather was a preacher—a man of deep conviction, known and respected by all. His sermons weren’t just words but seeds of wisdom planted in the hearts of those who listened. My parents, both teachers, were also pillars in the community. My dad, a PE teacher and coach, had a knack for inspiring confidence, often telling me, “You come from good stock.” That phrase echoed in my mind through every challenge I faced. My mom, a dedicated teacher, was no less influential, teaching me the value of discipline and kindness.
In our household, faith in God was the cornerstone of everything. My parents instilled in me an unshakable belief that no one could define my limits but me. “Never let anyone say there’s something you can’t do,” they’d remind me. Those words became a mantra, a quiet fire fueling my determination.
When I graduated high school, my guidance counselor suggested I attend a smaller college where I could stay focused. But I had other plans. Against her advice, I enrolled at West Virginia University, determined to prove I could thrive in any environment. At WVU, I threw myself into campus life, eventually becoming student body president. My purpose at that time was clear: prove them wrong. I also led my fraternity and balanced a demanding academic schedule.
But then came a moment that reshaped my perspective forever. One day, a close friend left me a voicemail: “You’re so busy all the time. Did you forget about your friends?” I thought, I need to catch up, but I’ll do it once I finish my work. Tragically, she passed away in an accident the very next day. That voicemail still echoes in my heart. In that moment of loss, my purpose shifted: never be too busy for the people who matter most.
I carried that lesson with me as I pursued a master’s in Industrial Engineering and embarked on a career in the furniture industry. Along the way, I met my wife, and together, we built a beautiful family with three incredible children. My purpose evolved again—providing for my family while giving them all the love and opportunities they could ever want.
Navigating the corporate world wasn’t easy, especially with a southern accent that sometimes came with unfair perceptions. I had to work harder to prove my worth. Throughout my journey, I’ve understood the complexities of corporate America and the need to navigate through politics, relationships, and shifting dynamics. I’ve found that focusing on genuine connections and collaboration makes all the difference. I deeply believe in the power of building strong teams—surrounding yourself with talented and driven individuals inspires everyone to perform at their best. My approach is rooted in leading with empathy, not fear, because while fear creates tension, empathy fosters trust and stronger connections.
Through all of life’s trials, I’ve remained an altruist at heart. Whether it’s building relationships, leading teams, or simply finding joy in the little things, my guiding principle is this: laugh often, work hard, and never lose sight of what truly matters. This world can be overwhelming, but humor and kindness can lighten even the heaviest burdens.
Looking back on my journey—from a coal town kid to a leader, husband, and father—I see a thread of purpose woven through every season. It’s a purpose rooted in faith, resilience, and an unwavering belief in people. My grandfather’s sermons, my parents’ teachings, and my own experiences have all led me here: to a life of meaning, driven by love, connection, and the pursuit of something greater than myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In my current role as Executive Vice President of Sales and Merchandising at American Leather, I have the privilege of working with an extraordinary luxury brand that creates incredible custom furniture. This position allows me to wear two hats, and both are equally exciting and fulfilling.
On the sales side, I get to do what I love most: build relationships and support others in their success. I’ve been in the furniture industry for nearly 25 years, and during that time, I’ve been fortunate to cultivate lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike. It’s not just about selling furniture—it’s about partnering with our customers to help them grow their businesses. Their success becomes my success, and being a part of that journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. Leading and building an exceptional sales team is another highlight. Seeing our team excel and knowing we’re all aligned in delivering exceptional service and solutions makes every day worthwhile.
On the merchandising side, I get to tap into my inner engineer. Collaborating with the brilliant minds in our Innovation department is like playing in the sandbox of creativity and problem-solving. Together, we explore how to stay forward-thinking as a company, always asking, “What’s next?” Our work doesn’t just focus on creating beautiful furniture—it’s about driving growth and sustainability for the 700 employees who make American Leather what it is. Our merchandising team is top-notch, always pushing boundaries to design pieces that fill gaps in the marketplace and meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Every day brings its own challenges, but the moments of triumph make it all worth it. There’s nothing like hearing a customer walk past a new product we’ve developed and say, “Wow, this is amazing.” It’s a testament to the hard work, innovation, and passion that go into everything we do.
As for what’s new, we’re continually working on exciting product launches and exploring ways to expand our footprint in the luxury furniture market. We’re also refining how we approach design to stay ahead of trends and meet the unique needs of our diverse customer base. At American Leather, it’s not just about what we make—it’s about why we make it: to bring joy, beauty, and functionality into people’s lives while supporting our employees and partners.
I truly feel lucky to work in an industry that blends creativity, strategy, and meaningful connections. It’s not just a career; it’s a purpose-driven journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities stand out as the most impactful in my journey: resilience, relationship-building, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These qualities not only shaped who I am but also allowed me to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow both personally and professionally.
For anyone early in their journey, my biggest advice is to focus on being intentional. Your choices, relationships, and mindset today will define your opportunities tomorrow. Stay resilient, build authentic connections, and never stop learning because the path to success is less about where you start and more about how you keep moving forward.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was getting me involved in church at an early age and teaching me the value of hard work. They gave me a foundation built on faith, integrity, and a strong work ethic—qualities that have carried me through every phase of my life.
From the start, they instilled in me the importance of earning what you have. I spent my youth doing all kinds of manual labor, from mowing yards to roofing houses and taking on other tough, physical jobs. I laugh now when I think about those hot summer days, drenched in sweat, muttering to myself, “Whatever I need to do to not be doing this, sign me up.” But looking back, those experiences were invaluable. They taught me not only the worth of a dollar but also what it takes to achieve your goals.
It wasn’t just about hard work, though—it was about the lessons behind it. Those jobs taught me discipline, resilience, and the satisfaction that comes from putting in the effort to accomplish something tangible. My parents were intentional about giving me opportunities to grow my character alongside my faith, whether it was through Sunday school lessons or the responsibilities they gave me at home.
Their approach shaped who I am today. They taught me that faith is a guiding light, hard work is non-negotiable, and nothing worth having comes easy. Those lessons don’t just stay with you; they define you. Every success I’ve had stems from the seeds my parents planted in those early years. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
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