Dave Maroon, Jr. | Peoria, IL
Business Manager | United Association of Plumbers Local 63
Born and raised in Peoria, Dave Maroon, Jr. values family, hard work and making daily decisions for a better future. He attended St. Mark’s grade school followed by Peoria Notre Dame, graduating in 2005. After completing his five-year apprenticeship for Plumbers Local 63, Dave became a journeyman and began running projects for J.C. Dillon Plumbing.
Dave’s involvement with the union also grew during this time. He was elected to the Executive Board in 2017 and voted to be Vice President three years later. Then in June 2022, the Business Manager of Plumbers Local 63 announced he was stepping down from his role partway through his three-year term. Dave was chosen to complete the term and has subsequently been re-elected for the role twice, having earned the trust of the local’s 300+ members.
As the Business Manager, Dave oversees the day-to-day operations of Plumbers Local 63, ensuring the wellbeing of the membership and the finances. He also represents the local on several boards and in contract negotiations. James Dillon from West Central Building Trades observes, “Dave is what I would refer to as a servant leader. He never asks anyone to do something he isn't willing to do himself."
Outside of work, Dave volunteers his time and skills to help friends and local organizations, like Camp Big Sky. He serves on the board of directors for Limestone Baseball and Friends of Fatherless Boys, as well as the City of Peoria Construction Commission.
“Every day you wake up is a chance to prove to yourself that you are better than you were the day before. If you can improve yourself every day, there is no stopping what you can do tomorrow.”
Dave believes that the way you respond to challenges shapes who you are and determines where you are going. His favorite cause is Sophia’s Kitchen which was dedicated in memory of a cousin who passed away at the age of three. Sophia's serves 300-700 meals a day to people in need. “The fact that out of this tragedy came a cause that has and will continue to impact our community for years to come is truly inspiring,” writes Dave.
He has also been greatly impacted by his grandmother, Cecilia Maroon. “Every Sunday she would prepare lunch for anyone that could make it to her house. I would look forward to spending that time with my cousins and having her Lebanese food. Those Sundays when I was younger made me grow up to appreciate the importance of family.”
Dave and his wife Kim have been married since 2013 and have two children, Megan and David—the third generation of Maroons to attend St. Mark’s. Dave enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Notre Dame games or helping out with ham smokes for the Friends of the Fatherless Boys down at Jimmy’s. Dave believes, “It’s not the spot that makes the place, it’s the company you spend it with that does.”