I’ve always been creative. I was in the school plays and choruses through High School and College. I love to write, and actually published my first book in 2022 called Verbal Vigilante. It details how to write a persuasive and influential letter so that you get what you want in any situation. I like staying active and I hike, ski, boogie board, and go off by myself taking photos in the wilderness. I love science fantasy and aliens. My wife and I both currently run our own separate home businesses in Spring Valley. I drive an electric vehicle.
About Dave Ray
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Mary Jo and I married in 1993-I was 35 years old. We got our boys James and Patrick in 2000 when they were 5 and 4 respectively. They had a lot of issues due to neglect, as did their 3 other siblings. Patrick is now 27 and he’s learning to be a Plumber in Alpine and is really good at it. He struggles with a few mental health problems but is doing better every day. He has a really great and understanding boss, Larry. We lost James to suicide almost 6 years ago and I think about him a lot. We also have a pseudo-adopted son, Kurtis, who is an old high school friend of Patrick’s. Kurtis is currently deployed overseas in the Army and is having his own adventures.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m a business coach and trainer. I’ve recently specialized in public speaking training, and I really love it. My mission is to “Eradicate ‘Death By Powerpoint’ from the face of the Earth.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Step out of your comfort zone whenever you can. Always be trying something new and difficult. Stretch your capabilities.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I currently love my business and I’ll probably work ‘til I die. I see myself growing my business, hiring some employees and assistant coaches, giving back to the community where I can, and definitely taking more vacations. Two places Mary Jo and I want to go to are Ireland and Alaska.
Dave Ray & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Charley’s Famous Hamburgers in Lemon Grove & La Sinaloense (Mexican) Restaurant in Spring Valley
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in the San Diego Area since 1981. I’m currently an East County guy, living in Spring Valley.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Josh and Stephanie Klein of Lemon Grove. They’ve committed to organizing local citizens to pick up trash and document graffiti in Lemon Grove every single morning for a year, all at their own expense.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
There used to be a Radio Shack in Spring Valley that has long since been closed. I bought a lot of really cool stuff at Radio Shack over the years.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love driving out into the backcountry such as Dulzura or Potrero. They have some small family-owned stores and restaurants that are amazing.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Probably Mark Cuban. I’d love to pick his brain on business ideas. I’d take him to one of the small Taco Shops in Barrio Logan to see a micro-business that has managed to thrive despite the oppressive state business regulations we must deal with.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Star Wars Episode 4 (The Original One)
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I nearly flunked out of flight school in the Navy. There was this one phrase that I just couldn’t visualize this concept. Then one day, I got it. Just like they say. It was like a switch was flipped and it made perfect sense.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Skiing at Mammoth Mountain in Central California in the Spring and Summer. The scenery is stunning and the weather is warm and sunny. Wear LOTS of sunscreen!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Wife Mary Jo. When I’m too busy or exhausted to say “yes” to someone for something, I just think of her and how much she does for everyone else.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Safety, and “the grass needs mowing again.”
