Team

Dave Trond

CEO

Dave began rowing for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1979. After a short career in the yards building aircraft carriers and submarines, he returned to rowing as UMass Amherst’s Head Coach. Always interested in finding ways to improve his coaching skills, Dave earned his Masters in biomechanics and coached at pre-elite camps in the summer. In 1991, Dave joined Vespoli as the first and only salesman touring the country. As CEO, Dave is proud to lead the company in its employee-owned era. He lives in Hamden with his wife Liz, a rowing coach, and their dog Rio.

Tony Garcia

CFO

Tony has more than three decades of finance, business strategy, and general management experience. As Vespoli’s CFO, Tony oversees the company’s financial reporting, employee stock ownership program, and administrative functions. He spent over 25 years in the construction industry before joining the Vespoli team, holding various positions in management, financial preparation, and reporting. Tony holds an accounting degree from Quinnipiac University.

TBD

Design/Manufacturing Engineer

IP

Pete Smith

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Pete’s boat building career began in the 1970s at Carbocraft in the U.K. Carbocraft was the first company to make racing shells with aerospace materials, bringing revolutionary carbon fiber technology to the world of rowing. Pete transitioned to Vespoli in 1981 and is now the company’s Senior Manufacturing Engineer, overseeing repairs and boat production and designing prototypes. He loves seeing an idea through from start to finish and finding those small improvements and alterations that make all the difference on the water. Click for more on Pete.

Matt LeBlanc

Repair Manager

Matt LeBlanc is Vespoli’s Repair Manager, overseeing all aspects of repair and refurbishment. His rowing career spanned from high school crew to rowing and coaching for Grand Valley State University, and he served as boatman at the University of Michigan for 14 years before opening his own repair shop. Matt also founded Michigan’s Bomber Rowing Club in 2012. His expertise lends to quick repairs, easy transport, and streamlined administration.