Navigating Repairs and Rivers: Dave Waters, Go Fishing!
Navigating Repairs and Rivers: Dave Waters, Go Fishing!
At KWL, the Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) team is the backbone of keeping homes safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. At the heart of that team is Dave Waters, a Supervisor who has steadily built a respected career since joining the business in 2012. Starting as a Void Supervisor after transferring from Keir, Dave has spent the last five years deeply involved in R&M, managing a demanding workload with a calm, steady hand.
Dave’s role is no easy task. Repairs and maintenance is a fast-moving, often unpredictable environment where priorities shift daily. Queries can come thick and fast because the work directly impacts customers’ homes and lives. Yet, Dave approaches these challenges with a positive mindset, always striving to keep customer satisfaction to a maximum. His focus is on safety, quality, and ensuring the right job is done at the right time — a balancing act that requires both leadership and empathy.
Interestingly, Dave doesn’t come from a traditional trade background. He began as a handyman and labourer at Keir and has worked hard to earn the respect of the skilled tradespeople he now supervises. “You can’t tell them how to do their job,” Dave says with a smile. Instead, he leads by example, with a culture where safety and quality come first, and where customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal.
Mentoring the Next Generation
One of Dave’s proudest achievements is mentoring Jordan Casey, a second-year apprentice joiner. “I couldn’t wish for a better apprentice than Jordan,” he says. “He’s a great young man, and I’m very proud of what he’s achieved at KWL. Everything I’ve asked of him, he’s done, and the feedback from operatives on site has been fantastic, but he’s kept his feet on the ground.” Their relationship goes beyond work, with Dave offering guidance on personal matters as well, showing the depth of care he brings to his role.
Youtube Fishing Adventures
Away from work, Dave’s passion for fishing is a world of its own. Fishing has been part of his life since childhood, a tradition passed down from his dad and grandad. Recently, he took his hobby to the next level by creating a YouTube channel dedicated to his fishing adventures. What began as sharing videos with family on WhatsApp blossomed into a channel with 43 videos, where Dave not only shows his catches but also talks through his rigs, bait choices, and the wildlife he encounters.
“I’ve really got into it,” Dave admits. “I do all the editing myself and have even learned how to add music. It’s not just about fishing; I like to highlight the surroundings because I’m inviting people into my world.” Among his favourite moments was spotting a wild Mandarin duck at Brough — “It just dropped in, it was amazing.” He also treasures fishing off the coast near Bempton and Flamborough, where he once witnessed a pod of bottlenose dolphins, an unforgettable experience.
Dave’s fishing hero is John Wilson, whose infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge make fishing look effortless. He also appreciates how comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have recently promoted fishing as a relaxing sport that benefits wellbeing, especially heart health.
Looking ahead, Dave plans to expand his channel by reviewing fishing equipment and promoting it further. Though filming can be time-consuming — sometimes shooting 12 hours for a 20-minute video — he enjoys every part of the process. His main goal is to inform, educate, and share the joy of fishing with others.
Connecting the Generations
Fishing is a family affair for Dave. His grandson Oliver, aged twelve, shares the passion, as do his son and son-in-law. It’s a pastime that connects generations, creating memories and traditions.
Dave also reflects on changes he’s noticed in fish behaviour and habitats. “I’m not sure if climate change has affected haddock, but my dad used to say it was impossible to catch haddock from the beach or a boat because they’re deep swimmers. Now, there are plenty around those areas. Maybe the wind turbines have changed the habitat — I don’t know what causes it.” He notes how fish migrate seasonally to shallow waters to breed, recounting catches like a smooth hound toothless shark, a thornback ray, and a 50lb tope — all species that come closer to shore during breeding season.
At 63, with three adult children and five grandchildren, Dave balances a busy professional life with his love of fishing and family. His story is one of dedication, both to his work at KWL and to a lifelong passion that brings him joy and connection. “I have to say, that I couldn’t do my fishing without the blessing of my lovely wife Teresa, who tolerates the hours I’m fishing and the editing I have to do when at home.”
Dave Waters is a reminder that productivity and passion can go hand in hand, and that sometimes, the best way to recharge and succeed is to cast a line and enjoy the quiet moments by the water.