Dave Murray's journey with CADimensions began 30 years ago, driven by an extraordinary work ethic and a passion for the tech industry. After a layoff from GE, where he worked for 9 years, the electronics industry in the CNY area had limited opportunities. Determined to reinvent himself, Dave enrolled in a BOCES program, learning AutoCAD and mechanical drawing. This decision set him on a path that would define his career and shape his future.
When Dave started, CADimensions was a small operation with just 6 employees, Dave being the 7th hire. The office was on Adler Dr, and technology was in its infancy—no email, no internet, and limited access to cell phones. Dave reminisces about the heavy CRT monitors and the excitement of using a 21” monitor for demos, a far cry from today's sleek flat screens (we’ll discuss later in this blog). The company's growth and technological advancements over the years have been remarkable. From considering a CD burner for archiving customer files to embracing cloud technology, CADimensions has evolved significantly, reflecting the broader changes Dave has witnessed within the industry.
“It’s amazing how things change. When I started, we did not have email. We did not have internet. Most people did not have cell phones. Pete DiLaura (CADimensions Founder and CEO) had some giant thing that may have been a DynaTAC or something similar. Nothing even close to what we have today. I recall Pete was bouncing around the idea of purchasing a CD burner for a few thousand dollars so we could burn CD’s for customers.” – Dave
Pete DiLaura aimed to establish a dedicated role for handling support calls for DataCAD, CadKey, and AutoCAD, since they had previously relied on an answering machine and returned calls when possible. This need led to Dave being hired as CADimensions' first tech support employee.
Noteworthy Customer Demos
It was understood that Dave would eventually transition into teaching once he became proficient in CAD software. Soon after, he began conducting software demonstrations. As the company expanded, Dave took on the role of Technical Support Manager, and later, the Training Manager – traveling across New York state to places like Jamestown, Arcade, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and Poughkeepsie, among others. In those early days, the company was continuously evolving and growing, with more people joining and taking on different responsibilities. And for a long time, Dave focused on what he did best: teaching by embarking on various demos and answering support cases.
“I loved going on demos with the sales people. In the beginning, it was John Boyce. After that it was Pete. We went to Marrietta Corp for a demo that was particularly memorable. They manufactured those tiny shampoo bottles you see in hotels. There’s a matter of cosmetics in that industry. When filled, the product has to be at a certain position on the neck of the bottle. Even though it’s something the customer is getting for free, it still needs to look right.
The bottle might be for 25 ml, but they would have to put as much as was needed into the bottle in order for it to look cosmetically appropriate. It might not seem like a lot of extra product, but it adds up when tens of thousands of bottles are getting filled. I showed them how they could precisely model the bottles and know exactly where the amount of product would rise on the neck. That’s a simple thing to do in SolidWorks. The amount of money they would save would quickly outweigh the cost of SolidWorks.” – Dave
“We used CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors back then. Way heavier than the flat screen monitors we use today. The largest monitor we owned was a 21” CRT that was extremely heavy, but it was good for demos because it was so big, at least for that era.
After one particular demo, I had packed up my gear and was pushing it across the parking lot to my car. It was the end of the day, so employees were leaving. Some of the people I did the demo for were driving by, so I waved. At that moment, I hit something with the cart. The 21” monitor rolled off the cart and landed face down on the asphalt. I lifted it up and set it back on the cart, embarrassed. I was also astounded it hadn’t broken. There wasn’t even a crack in the glass, just a little spot where a small stone had gouged a tiny divot. After that day, every time I used that monitor, I looked at that little gouge in the glass and remembered how close I came to breaking that very expensive monitor.” – Dave
“Another memorable demo was for customers who built flexible shafts for drilling and other disciplines. They used wires surrounded by additional wire strands that twisted around the main core. The owner mentioned they had been looking for a CAD program who could model that for them for years. Nobody could do it. I knew SolidWorks could do it with the Sweep command and Twist option. I modeled it up in less than 5 minutes and they bought the software.” – Dave
Surmounting Obstacles and Monumental Accomplishments
Dave's career is marked by numerous triumphs and challenges. One of the most significant hurdles he conquered is his fear of public speaking. His first AutoCAD class had him on the brink of passing out from nervousness, but he pushed through, gradually becoming more comfortable and confident. This personal triumph underscored his resilience and determination to face his fears head-on.
“I almost didn’t graduate high school because I was deathly afraid of speaking in front of people. My first class was an AutoCAD class in the front room we used for training at the Adler Drive office. There were 9 people in that class. I stood at one end of the room with everyone looking at me and started getting into it. I distinctly remember my vision narrowing and I thought I was going to pass out. My heart was hammering in my chest. Somehow, I got through it, and things gradually became easier. I faced my fear and came out stronger for it.” – Dave
In the stages of his career, Dave made significant contributions to the field through his writing. He penned multiple magazine articles that shared his insights and expertise, helping to disseminate knowledge and best practices within the industry. Additionally, Dave co-authored 2 influential books, further establishing his reputation as a thought leader. His passion for writing and educating others continued with the authoring of 4 "Inside SOLIDWORKS" books, which provided comprehensive guides on using the software. These books were so well-regarded that some were translated into other languages, expanding their reach and impact globally. Dave's written works have played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and application of CAD technologies. “I love computer aided design, working at CADimensions, helping customers. I wrote magazine articles in the early days, co-authored 2 books, authored the 4 Inside SOLIDWORKS books. Some were translated.” – Dave
Dave Murray took his expertise in SOLIDWORKS, a tool not typically intended for home design, and used it to design his own house, demonstrating his ability to blend his professional skills with personal goals. This unique project showcased Dave's creativity and technical prowess, allowing him to bring his vision to life using the software he knows best.
“My house was designed in SolidWorks. This was not something I did on a whim. I used to draw layouts on graph paper when I was in elementary school, built houses out of Lego’s. I had wanted to design my own house for years. Funny thing, though. My actual home had a lot less secret rooms and trap doors than those old Lego designs!” – Dave
Influential Colleagues, Cherished Memories and Building Company Culture
Early CADimensions crew
Reflecting on his career at CADimensions, Dave Murray holds certain professional relationships close to heart. These bonds, each unique in their influence, underscore Dave's appreciation for the personal and professional connections that have defined his journey.
“John Boyce was a salesman, an older gentleman. We would go out on demos together. John wrapped a calm and experienced aura about himself. I wound up getting in on some mutual funds we had talked about and am still holding them today.
Linda McHugh had been there from the start. Though we did not work together directly, I’ve always enjoyed talking to Linda. She always had some insight or funny story or bit of advice.
And then, of course, there’s Pete. I would not be where I am today without him. Pete would be the closest thing to a "mentor" I've had. He feels almost like a big brother to me.” – Dave
Dave's stories from the field are a testament to his adaptability and sense of humor. From forgetting a company meeting where he was to receive a 10-year anniversary plaque to sneaking a NASCAR bobble-head into a colleague's collection, his anecdotes reflect a career filled with memorable moments.
“I had to teach in Albany one week. I did that a lot. I got to know the restaurants on Wolf Road very well. After driving from Albany to East Syracuse, it was after hours on a Friday. I dropped my stuff off at the office and went home. As was par for the course, I would be exhausted. I didn’t spend any more time in the office than necessary. I made sure the lights were off and the door was locked and went home.
The next day, I was working around the house. Yard work, home projects, whatever. I was usually staying busy, much like I do now. Cecile & I had made a trip to Home Depot. We were sitting in the car. I was a filthy mess. Hot, sweaty, covered in dirt.
Pete has only called me a few times, so when I saw that it was Pete, I thought “Gee, I wonder what’s going on?” Turns out the company meeting was taking place at the Park Hill Tavern, and I had forgotten all about it. It was written down on my calendar, but I had been gone, quite literally, all week. It had completely slipped my mind.
To make matters worse, Pete had wanted to present me with a plaque for my 10-year anniversary. I really wish I hadn't forgotten about that meeting!” – Dave
“Another story starts with me using Valvoline Oil for an oil change. I bought a 5 quart container of oil and an oil filter, and there was an offer for a NASCAR bobble-head. I don’t care about NASCAR, but it was free, and some little voice in my head told me to send away for it.
The bobble-head was delivered to me at work. I got stuff delivered to work a lot back then, because if it went to my house in Meridian, it would sit on the front porch. We lived on a main traffic route, and it made more sense to get things delivered at CADimensions.
I stuck the bobble-head in my file cabinet. Might have been Dale Earnhardt, I don’t know. Anyway, Dale stayed in my cabinet for many months.
Along comes the pandemic, and it’s decided we will be working from home. I cleaned out my office. It’s amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in 25 years.
After getting most everything packed up and moved to the car, I’m thinking about what to do with Dale. Then it hit me. Andy has a collection of baseball bobble-heads. I’ll sneak it in there and see how long it takes him to notice.
That was the last I’d think about Dale for quite some time.
Eventually, the pandemic wound down and CADimensions had an in-person company meeting again. I thought about Dale, and said to Andy DiLaura “Hey Andy, you ever find a Dale Earnhardt bobble-head in your office?” “Yeah! Was that you? I’ve been wondering how that got there for years!”
I chuckle to myself every time I think about that!” – Dave
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His first on-site training in Buffalo, without the convenience of internet or cell phones, stands out. Armed with a paper map and a knack for problem-solving, he navigated his way to a Homewood Suites. “I stayed in a Homewood Suites, which was more expensive than I should have paid for, but it was all I could find. I had no idea where I was. It was definitely the nicest hotel I had ever stayed in. I stole a towel. I still have it, lol. I hope they didn’t bill Pete for that. I might owe you for the cost of that towel, Pete!” – Dave.
Dave fondly recalls the early development of the culture at CADimensions, from Halloween dress-ups to winter snowman-building sessions and TGIF get-togethers. These moments of fun and connection with colleagues were instrumental in creating a vibrant and supportive work environment.
“As a company, we have fun at CADimensions. The atmosphere and camaraderie are great. People would dress up for Halloween. In the Winter, we might go outside and make a snowman. For a few years, we did a “TGIF” get together after work on Friday. Somebody would buy some fun kind of beer and a few of us would hang out telling stories. You’d get to know somebody more in that one hour than you would in a month of working down the hall.” – Dave
Anticipating the Future, Balancing Personal Aspirations with Professional Objectives
Dave looks forward to retirement, spending time with his family, working on his land, and traveling with his wife. Professionally, he aims to accomplish a few more projects before stepping into this next chapter. Driven by a timeline, Dave has personal goals like building a horse barn and a game room before retirement, which keep him motivated and focused. His pride also extends far beyond his professional achievements; raising three stepsons, writing books, and designing and building his house are among his most cherished accomplishments.
Dave's Wisdom and the Lasting Legacy He Will Leave
One standout piece of advice Dave has for those in any career is to "roll with the changes." He emphasizes the importance of constant learning and adaptation and believes in growing where you are and staying on your toes to keep up with industry changes! “The only thing that never changes is that things are always changing. It’s necessary to constantly learn and adapt. The grass may look greener on the other side, but that’s only because the grass won’t have a chance to grow under you. That’s a good thing. It keeps you on your toes.” - Dave
Dave Murray's 30-year tenure at CADimensions is a testament to his dedication to the field and unwavering commitment to growth and development. His journey, marked by personal and professional milestones, reflects the spirit of a true CAD enthusiast and a dedicated team member. As he looks forward to retirement and the next chapter of his life, Dave's legacy of customer support and innovation within CADimensions will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. “I hope the customers I’ve helped appreciate and remember the quality of support I strive to provide and think of me as somebody who truly wanted to help them to the best of my ability.” – Dave
As someone deeply involved in shaping both the company and its culture, Dave concludes with this “CADLIFE is an acronym used to describe a lifestyle that I have lived. Point is, CADLIFE didn’t impact me. I impacted CADLIFE.” - Dave
Acknowledgments from Dave and Fellow CADLIFER's
Pete DiLaura expressing his appreciation and recollections with Dave Murray at our July Corporate Communications Meeting.
Dave Murray highlighting remarkable moments and expressing gratitude for the past 30 years at CADimensions during our July Corporate Communications Meeting.
"Dave has been an inspiration to not just me, but the entire team at CADimensions. A wealth of knowledge spanning decades that can be witnessed in every interaction. It’s not often you get to learn from the original material on a subject; learning from the person who wrote the original material is even more of a rarity. He doesn’t just excel in knowledge, but he is also a great person to just strike up a conversation with, from brewing beer to building and designing his own home, every conversation is just as fun and entertaining as it can be educational.
A great person to work with, as well as a great person to just know. Thanks for all that you do Dave!" - Fred Compton, Sr. Technical Support Application Engineer
"What can I say about the man who literally wrote the book on SOLIDWORKS? One thing that I find fascinating about Dave, is that after 30 years in this business, he still has a thirst and drive to learn. In the past 6 months he has passed 8 certifications. He digs into the What's New document for SOLIDWORKS each year so he can learn the enhancements and be ready to share that information with our customers. He has set the bar for what our customers can expect with support and maintains overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers. And just a fun fact - Dave taught me SOLIDWORKS in 2008 during a college Spring Break, so he really helped kick start my career in engineering. " - Tom DiLaura, VP Technical Services
"Dave has been a wonderful employee for the past 30 years. I appreciate his sense of humor, his ability to work with our customers and to live up to our Mission every day.
Thank you, Dave, for all your dedication and loyalty over the past 30 years. We have been through many changes during this time, but you have always managed to keep focused on the tasks at hand and get the job done. I appreciate all you have accomplished and look forward to our continued future. All the best to you, my friend!" - Pete DiLaura, CEO
"Early on during my time at CADimensions one of my co-workers mentioned that Dave “wrote the book on SolidWorks”. I laughed it off just thinking that it was a way of them saying that Dave knew a lot about SolidWorks, but then I found out that he actually did write multiple books on SolidWorks! Once I found that out, I would tell prospective customers all the time that if you buy SolidWorks from CADimensions and you need tech support you will literally be getting help from the guy that wrote the book on SolidWorks and then I’d send them a link to Dave’s book. Don’t get me wrong, the hundreds of demo’s Dave has done in the last 30 years helped close a lot of deals, but I’d be willing to bet his reputation and status in the SolidWorks industry helped close more! I have had a copy of Dave’s book on my bookshelf since the day I started at CADimensions as a reminder that I have the privilege of working side by side with the pioneers of our industry." - Andy DiLaura, President
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