David Dier has been involved in the screen printing and embroidery industry since his father, Jim Dier, opened Jim Dier Sportswear in 1973. The business initially sold wholesale Nebraska products to retail stores and had their own retail store at 1724 O Street. In 1983 the business moved to 4555 N. 48th Street and stepped away from the retail sporting goods store. In 1994, Jim sold his shares of the company and David and his wife had partners until 2004 when they bought back 100% of the business. They now have two locations on 3400 Madison Ave (Eclipse screen printing and embroidery) and a retail store and showroom on 1501 N. Cotner Blvd. called Huskerville.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Returning to college and completing my degree while working full time and having a family.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Taking control of the family business and building it for the future.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Terri has worked at LES for 30+ years and enjoys running. My daughter Megan is a Senior at Pius X and is a Captain on the Varsity Cheer Squad, and a great student. I’m extremely proud of both of them.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Having a family! Having Terri and Megan gives me a purpose and gives life meaning.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Staying home and spending time with my family. Sunday is my only day off.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I enjoy knowing how things work, whether it is science or business, understanding and applying what you’ve learned has satisfaction and is the reward.
What are you the most proud of? – My family! We come from a hard working group with a history of successful people. I believe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and we all learn from our families and the examples they set.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Work hard, work smart.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – To grow our business nationwide.
How would your friend describe yous? – Fun-loving, but works too much.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Woodworking and photography.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Envision the future and be able to utilize the knowledge.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – Make more time to exercise.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Gridlock by Ben Elton, the comic writer who wrote the screenplays for the British shows The Black Adder and The Young Ones.
What is your favorite movie? – Anything Hitchcock is good.
What is your favorite TV show? – Blue Bloods
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – In Lincoln, it’s The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge. But I also love Ditka’s in Chicago.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – JFK
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – E-mail: eclipseinc@windstream.net, Website: eclipseapparel.com
Eclipse Factory (3400 Madison Ave.) (402)-466-2362
Huskerville Retail Store / Showroom (1501 N. Cotner Blvd.) (402)-464-0002