David Dennis | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Fun, Informative, Engaging, Motivational

David Dennis & Martijn Stiphout of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies are captivating public speakers, blending fun and information with infectious enthusiasm.

David, a former public-school teacher and current principal product manager at Microsoft, brings his exceptional teaching and product development skills to the stage, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

Martijn, with his background as a woodworker and marine biology educator on the Monterey Bay, adds a unique perspective on artisanship, environmental stewardship, and ocean conservation.

Together, they share their passion for product innovation and sustainable surfboard and product creation, engaging audiences with stories of artistry, history, eco-responsible practices and, of course, surfing.

Their motivational style inspires creative and responsible approaches to business success making their sessions both enlightening and uplifting.

Current position (2)

Co-founder

Ventana Surfboards & Supplies

Principal Product Manager

Microsoft

Achievements (1)

TEDx Speaker

“Don’t Quit Your Day Job”, challenges the conventional notion of pursuing a single career path. Instead, you advocate for embracing multiple roles and careers simultaneously.

Degrees (3)

Political Science

San Diego State University

1990 to 1991

Sociology

San Diego State University

1986 to 1990

Marine Biology

CSU Monterey Bay

1996 to 2000

Presentations

Presentations (9)

Sustainable Business Practices for Innovation and Profit

Explore how Ventana Surfboards integrates sustainability into its business model. Discusses the importance of using reclaimed wood, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable practices. Highlights the challenges and successes in creating high-end, eco-friendly products and how these practices can be applied to other industries.

Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Roles

Sharing a journey of balancing a career at Microsoft with running Ventana Surfboards & Supplies. Discussion of time management strategies, the importance of passion projects, and how skills from my corporate role enhance your entrepreneurial ventures.

The Art of Storytelling in Marketing

Delves into how storytelling can elevate a brand. Using examples from Ventana Surfboards & Supplies and other values-driven businesses, I illustrate how sharing the stories behind your products and materials can create a deeper connection with customers and drive sales.

Innovative Product Development: From Concept to Market

Discusses the process of developing innovative products, from initial concept to market launch. Highlight the importance of testing, minimizing risks, and maintaining ownership. Uses Ventana Surfboards’ journey as a case study with examples from product development at Microsoft.

Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

Explores how social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have driven sales and brand awareness for Ventana Surfboards & Supplies - some as large as $25K from a single social media post. Shares strategies for creating engaging content, building a loyal following, and converting followers into customers.

Sustainable Luxury: Creating High-End Eco-Friendly Products

Discusses the niche market of sustainable luxury products. Highlighst how Ventana Surfboards creates high-end, eco-friendly surfboards that double as art pieces. Explores the growing demand for sustainable luxury and how businesses can tap into this market.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Doing the Right Thing and Contributing to the Bottom Line

Examines the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in modern business. Shares how Ventana Surfboards’ commitment to sustainability and community engagement enhances its brand and customer loyalty. Discusses how other businesses can implement effective CSR strategies.

Building a Brand with Purpose

Discusses the importance of building a brand with a clear purpose and values. Shares how Ventana Surfboards’ commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship has shaped its brand identity and customer base. Provides tips for other businesses looking to build a purpose-driven brand.

Supercharging Your Marketing & Business Success with Artificial Intelligence

Learn how AI can revolutionize marketing and business growth. Enhance customer engagement, optimize campaigns, and streamline operations with AI tools. Gain insights on how to use AI to speed innovation and productivity in novel ways.

Past talks (8)

Don't Quit Your Day Job

TEDx Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

April 24, 2015

Turning Trash into Treasure

Freeman Camp Buck 2024

Monterey Convention Center

August 22, 2024

Building Surfboards from Trash

Event Santa Cruz: Our Ocean

Monterey Bay Marine Discovery Center