Wilcox works hard to improve quality of life for area residents
Sept. 15, 2002

Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK David Wilcox

By ALLISSA HOSTEN
Observer-Dispatch

David Wilcox is improving the quality of life in the Mohawk Valley — one home at a time.

Wilcox, 32, owns and operates a successful contracting business, as well as an establishment that “water-proofs” leaky basements.

“I saw a need and I wanted to help,” Wilcox said modestly. He said he’s loved working with his hands since age 14, but never expected to win awards for it.

“(Accent on Excellence) is nice. It’s a pleasant surprise,” he said from his home office in Holland Patent.

Wilcox’s brother Zachary Wilcox nominated him by saying, “It’s hard to know where to start. ... (David) is the type of big brother anyone would be proud of.”

His brother couldn’t have been more correct.

For starters, Wilcox co-chaired agency volunteer day for the United Way’s Young Leaders United. In this capacity, he led his group in repairing the playground at Thea Bowman House. Wilcox was drawn to the project because the foster home “tries to keep siblings together, rather than split them apart,” he said. Giving them a good place to play was a priority.

“I’m very big on giving back, especially to those who may not be able to do things for themselves,” Wilcox said.

This is why Wilcox loves doing “Christmas in April.” This spring, he and his crew went into 10 dilapidated homes in West Utica to do repairs. The owners were either elderly or otherwise incapacitated.

“We painted, modified homes for handicap reasons and did maintenance jobs,” he said proudly.

Besides contracting, Wilcox even found a way to share his water-proofing vocation.

Last year, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation partnered with Lewis Custom Homes for a Children’s Miracle Network fund-raiser. A new home was raffled and Wilcox sealed its basement for “next to nothing,” he said.

Between his philanthropy and everyday work, Wilcox still makes time to volunteer in professional and not-for-profit organizations. As vice president of the Mohawk Valley Home Builders Association, Wilcox financially supported the Make-a-Wish Foundation’s local golf tournament this year.

Also as vice president, Wilcox led an effort to allow BOCES high school students to work half-days with contractors for experience.

Wilcox also is an active member of the Workforce Investment Board, serving on its youth council. Finally, he sits on the Mohawk Valley Regional Water Board, representing the towns of Deerfield, Schuyler and Trenton.

With all the accolades and accomplishments he has amassed, Wilcox insists his greatest accomplishments are his children. He and his wife, Anne, have two sons and a daughter: Logan, 3, and twins Reagan and Cole who are 2.

“My children are the best. They have changed my life,” he said.

Wilcox said his children may inherit his businesses much later, but “they won’t be pressured,” he said. Until then, he will continue to work with his crew of nine to make homes for the Mohawk Valley.