About Dave Wage

Dave was born and raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and is a 1977 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School.  Dave attended the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with an emphasis in Nuclear Physics.  Dave also completed significant graduate studies in radioactive waste management at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).

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After college Dave accepted a position with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation as Nuclear Training Supervisor – Science and Academics at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant.  During his time in the nuclear power industry Dave represented Wisconsin Public Service on a national consortium that developed a remotely delivered Bachelor of Science Degree program in Nuclear Science through the University of Maryland – College Park.

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During this same period, Dave represented the residents of Manitowoc County as Sixth District County Board Supervisor.  During his tenure Dave served as Chairman of the Public Safety Committee and as a member of the Public Works Committee and the Manitowoc County Health Care Center Committee.  Dave also served on the Manitowoc County Jail Building Committee during design and construction of the facility.  As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee Dave worked closely with the Clerk of Circuit Court, Circuit Court Judges, Coroner, Emergency Management, District Attorney, Family Court Commissioner, Register in Probate, and Sheriff.

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In 2000 Dave purchased the assets of HMF, a small automation design-build firm in downtown Manitowoc.  Twenty-three years later, Dave had grown that business into Formrite Companies with 200 employees and $30 million in annual sales.  A manufacturer of hydraulic system components, Formrite’s largest customers include John Deere, Caterpillar, and Case New Holland, to name a few.

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Dave currently serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations including Ascend Services, The Capitol Civic Center, The Boys & Girls Club of Manitowoc County, and the The Chamber of Manitowoc County.  In 2009 Dave was selected to receive the Manitowoc Chamber’s Joseph P. Schmitt – Speak Up award.  This award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the quality of life for citizens of Manitowoc County.

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In June of 2023 Dave sold a majority of his business assets and again decided to give back to his community through public service.  Dave is currently running for Wisconsin State Assembly in the 25th Assembly District.  To quote Dave “I just want to give back to the community that has given me so much.”  Dave has pledged that if elected, all of his income from his assembly position will be donated back to 25th Assembly District non-profits.