Leading a fourth-generation family business has instilled in David Greer, the semi-retired CEO of Wire Belt Company of America, a deep appreciation for legacy and innovation. Each successive generation of Greers has built upon the foundation laid by their predecessors, evolving the company from its beginnings as the manufacturer of some of the world’s first automated confectionery and bakery equipment in 1919 to its status as a multinational metal conveyor belt manufacturer.
Under Dave’s leadership, the family business has grown and prospered, earning steady accolades, including Business NH’s “Best Companies to Work for in NH” almost every year since 2008. He has received several distinguished honors, including the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the UNH CEO and Family Enterprise Center and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire.
Dave expresses that two missions drive him: “Our company’s mission is to grow manufacturing in New Hampshire by being a lean, green, value-driven company. My personal mission is to help people get where they want to be.” He achieved both objectives by endowing a scholarship fund and establishing a bequest through The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges.
The David L. Greer Scholarship Fund provides need-based financial assistance to students pursuing a career in Advanced Manufacturing at any of New Hampshire’s seven community colleges, with preference given to Manchester Community College students. Through this fund, Dave and his wife are creating a career path for new generations of manufacturing students while also developing the skilled workforce that manufacturers need to thrive today.
The manufacturing industry has become increasingly technical and requires students who are starting this rewarding career path to develop specialized knowledge. The challenges in finding employees with the right skill sets have highlighted a lesson Dave learned from his father long ago: “My father established a scholarship fund for the children of employees, which planted the seed that education is key,” he explained. In addition to the scholarship at The Foundation, the Greers have also contributed to the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine, Dave’s alma mater.
Dave and his wife approached The Foundation about charitable giving opportunities because of the community colleges’ pivotal role in transforming lives. “I know many people who didn’t think they were college material, but community college allowed them to dip a toe in the water and find that it was achievable,” Dave remarked.
In collaboration with Tim Allison, Executive Director, the Greers will create a lasting impact on the community and a legacy for the family. Dave marvels at how straightforward the process has been. “I wanted to do something good with the wealth that I created, and I am very happy with where we landed,” he said.
As he hands over the reins of Wire Belt Company of America to his nephew, the fifth generation of Greers, Dave is gratified to support countless generations of manufacturing students through his contributions. In addition to the David L. Greer Scholarship Fund, Dave and his wife have also established the David L. Greer Emergency Aid Fund to support community college students needing urgent assistance for non-tuition-related expenses, helping them to remain enrolled and continue their education.
