Daniel began working at Vanport Marine in 2011. As was tradition in his family, Daniel was required to work his first job out of high school at the family business. The sentiment of his Father (Steve Van Domelen) being “If nothing less, you will understand the value of the dollar.” Daniel started as a welder’s apprentice, absorbing teachings and gaining experience from the journeyman that surrounded him. It was in this Summer of 2011 that he determined he would commit to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Early in his career, Daniel bounced back and forth between school and Vanport. In 2015, he graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Construction Engineering Management. During these early years Daniel’s role in the company was that of a tradesman (welder/fitter/rigger/mechanic), physically executing the projects assigned. In 2015, upon graduation, he began to take more managerial roles within the company. By 2016, Daniel was routinely tasked with management of Vanport’s largest revenue projects, often out-of-town. Around 2019 Daniel’s ratio of out-of-town work was drastically reduced, as Steve felt there were more important lessons to teach regarding running the business that were not project related. In late 2020 a mutual determination was made between Steve and Daniel that he was ready take-over the business. In early 2021, Daniel would officially take over the business and Steve would retire a year earlier than planned.
As President, Daniel oversees the business as a whole. His role is to make decisions that promote the well-being and advancement of the company and its employees. A subset of his duties would include estimating, sales, project management, AUTOCAD design, manpower planning, business development, maintaining customer relations, and problem solving.
Daniel is a fan of challenging objectives, for himself and for his trusted team. As the saying goes, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Outside of work Daniel maintains an active lifestyle. Snowboarding, Surfing, Basketball, and Hiking are a few activities he enjoys. His ideal day concludes with a gathering of friends and family over some good food and drinks.