Dave Bahl Sr. Named 2023 Don Richards Leadership Award Winner

Congratulations to founder of Weldall Dave Bahl Sr. on being named the 2023 Don Richards Leadership Award winner.

Don Richards was publisher of The Milwaukee Business Journal and president of the Board of the Waukesha Area Chamber of Commerce (now the Alliance) in 1993. Don’s hands-on leadership, ethics and delight in achieving tangible results left a lasting impression on our leaders today. The Don Richards Leadership Award was created in his honor in 1993 to inspire and motivate business people to take community leadership roles.

Recipients for this prestigious award are selected based on their vision for the communities in which they serve, their impact and their ability to involve others in the leadership process.

In 1973, Dave Bahl borrowed $800, got a welding machine, rented a 500 sq.-ft. shop and Weldall was born. Fast forward to today, and Weldall is a global company focused on providing superior products and services with nearly 300 employees across multiple locations. Throughout the last 50 years, Dave has grown the company through its reputation for the highest of quality and integrity in its work. Throughout the years, both Dave and the company have been recognized with the Alliance’s “Business of the Year” awards and as a Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Dave’s leadership of the family-owned business has inspired the company to address the most complex applications and differentiate Weldall from competitors all over the country. Weldall takes pride in its community and supports a wide range of nonprofits and partners with area education organizations to help create the future talent pipeline.