Meet the Board - Dave Bartel

“You don’t hear things like “radical hospitality” being thrown around, but it’s embodied here, and that makes it so unique.”

Meet Dave Bartel, a longtime Longmont resident with a global education and decades of experience in sales and marketing leadership. Since retiring from the pharmacy automation industry, he’s channeled his energy into nonprofit volunteer work. When he’s not giving back, you’ll likely find him lost in a good book or chasing after his grandsons.

L: How long have you been on the board at RCL?

DB: I have been on the board now for 2.5 years.

L: Where are you from?

DB: Eugene, Oregon. After my sons were born, we moved here to Longmont in 1990.

L: What are your hobbies and interests?

DB: A lot of reading, walking, and spending time with my two grandsons.

L: What is your professional background?

DB: I started in data processing, but that got a bit crazy, so I moved to healthcare. I spent 30 years working in pharmacy automation.

L: Can you tell me the story of how you got involved with the Café?

DB: I had a friend who was a big supporter of HOPE, and the Café was just getting started. She encouraged me to check out the program [at RCL], and between my connection to Kent Nelson and meeting Lawson, I was interested in getting involved. I donated, and it was Lawson who called me to thank me, and after that, I was on board.

L: How would you describe the role of a board member? Have you served on any other boards?

DB: I’ve served on three boards, including this one. The other two were business boards, which are more focused on the market, mergers, and fiscal oversight. A nonprofit board is very different. You have to align with the mission and recognize your potential to make a difference, then be willing to help point the organization in the right direction when your expertise is needed. You have to be willing to listen, dig deep, and understand. I don’t see this board as an overriding, judgmental force, but more as a resource.

L: How has being a part of RCL impacted you?

DB: There’s personal satisfaction in working here and seeing the impact on the community; there’s so much joy in seeing the individuals in the program get involved and get their lives back on track. Even just being here and seeing the environment, the amount of directions we go in each day – it all brings me joy.

L: What drew you to say yes to joining the board?

DB: The mission – I wish this had been around for my son years ago.

L: What part of our mission speaks to you the most?

DB: Community; if there had been a place like this for my son, his experience could’ve been different. You don’t hear things like “radical hospitality” being thrown around, but it’s embodied here, and that makes it so unique. Here, he could’ve built a community in a safe space where people would listen, versus coming out of treatment and being bounced back into normal life with group meetings as his sole means of recovery support.

L: What does community mean to you personally?

DB: It means gathering, and everyone being included. A community should cross all the boundaries and welcome everybody.

L: What are your hopes for RCL in the next few years?

DB: I want to see things grow here, but also see this amazing outreach effort continuing. My son went through programming at STEP in Denver, and to have connections with organizations like that, giving people a place to be after treatment, would make such an impact.

Boulder approaching us and asking RCL to bring its program there is such a huge win – there’s recognition for the success of what we’re doing here. We’re doing something right!

L: What is your favorite Café event you’ve attended?

DB: Open Mic Nights are the best. Dale’s Piano Playhouse was great too, but I love the community aspect of Open Mic.

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L: What is the best book you’ve read recently?

DB: I believe it’s called “First Watch.” It’s all about the Secret Service protecting the recent Presidents and First Ladies. It’s a fascinating read and gives you a whole different perspective on some of the people featured in it.

L: What is your favorite food?

DB: It’s basic – the old steak, baked potato, and salad combo.

L: Do you prefer movies or TV shows?

DB: Before, I would’ve said movies, but with streaming, it’s so easy to get hooked on a good series. How could you not like Yellowstone?

L: What’s something you never leave the house without?

DB: My phone. Sadly.

L: Who is your role model?

DB: Mandela – he means a lot to me. As a leader, he inspires me the most.

L: What does a perfect day look like to you?

DB: Wake up, put on a pot of coffee, and read the news – electronically, of course, but then spend the rest of the day unplugged.