David knows the importance of a good job, because he built a business that has created thousands. Prior to entering public service, David had a successful career in business as founder of Total Wine & More, the largest independent wine and spirits retailer in the country. He started his business as employee number one, with a single store while attending graduate school on student loans, eventually growing into more than 260 stores in over 28 states with 12,000 team members.

Long before he entered public service, David was making a difference in people’s lives and knew that success only means something if you give back. Total Wine & More was one of the first to ban the box – hiring over 1400 returning citizens to date – and provide partner benefits for all team members. Everyone who works for the company can take advantage of cost-free education benefits, including earning a college degree. The company has donated tens of millions to support tens of thousands of local, state, and national charity organizations. David and his family have been strong supporters of the American Civil Liberties Union, where the Trone Center for Justice and Equality is the focus of the ACLU’s activities on criminal justice reform. The family’s foundation has supported organizations working on mental health and substance use treatment, education, and medical research.

David lives in Potomac, Maryland. He has four adult children and three grandchildren.