An author, CEO, mechanic, entrepreneur, and passionate animal lover, Dave left the college bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to make his mark on the world. And that he did.
When Dr. Seuss said, “Oh the places you’ll go,” perhaps he was predicting the many and varied adventures of Luther College alumni Dave Hedt.
A graduate from the Class of 1995, Dave has packed quite a bit into his thirty years since leaving Luther College. An author, CEO, mechanic, entrepreneur, and passionate animal lover, Dave left the college bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to make his mark on the world. He began his professional journey as a Diesel Mechanic with Volvo Trucks, his talents not going unnoticed, an opportunity soon arising with Mack Trucks, where shortly after he was appointed Contract Manager.
This position took him to the United States for several years, a country that would eventually become his permanent home. But it’s the adventures that unfolded in-between that truly showcase Dave’s adventurous spirit. The travel bug bit hard a few years into his career, Dave making the call to backpack around the world for six months—a decision that would shape his worldview and future endeavours. A few years later he worked at Whistler in Canada as a snowmobile guide and then an ATV guide and hummer driver, combining his mechanical know-how with his love for adventure and the outdoors. This year, he is set to achieve a lifelong dream by visiting the seventh and final continent, taking a trip to South Africa with wife Nicole. This achievement will crown an already impressive travel resume that includes 36 countries and a particularly memorable three-week expedition to Antarctica.
With backpacking out of the way, Dave returned to his roots in truck driving and farming. But the entrepreneurial spirit was already stirring. In 2011, he partnered with a friend he had met at Whistler to open a bicycle shop in Mount Waverley, later selling his half to chase bigger dreams in the US. In South Dakota, Dave founded Walkabout Developments, a venture that demonstrated his growing ambition and vision. Not satisfied with small projects, he also opened a shopping centre, something he still owns today.
Drawing on his farming background, Dave also established Walkabout Mother Bins, a farm machinery company that would become his most successful venture yet. The business has expanded, gaining recognition throughout the agricultural sector for its innovative designs and practical solutions for farmers. Dave’s inventive mind didn’t stop there, developing the Outback Wrap, a hydraulic hose identifier, which is now sold in over 30 countries in almost 600 dealerships. His personal life has been equally blessed. Married in Hawaii, Dave found a partner in Nicole who shares his values and supports his entrepreneurial journey. Nicole works in the challenging field of radiation oncology, a profession Dave speaks about with immense respect and admiration.
Dave’s formative years at Luther College as a boarder, having come from central Victoria, clearly shaped him. “The camaraderie in the boarding house was incredible; it was like living with a bunch of brothers,” he reminisces with clear fondness. “We played footy and volleyball every week and really supported each other with unrivalled friendships.” Among his fondest school memories was producing LTV (Luther TV) for two weeks each year.
“It was such fun and a great opportunity to build writing and producing skills,” he explained, the enthusiasm still evident in his voice decades later. But it was in the workshop where Dave was in his element. “John Collyer, the woodwork teacher (not the music one!) was always so encouraging of me,” he recalls.
“Although I wasn’t academic and quite often struggled in that area, I did do well with practical things. If I ever got to see him again, I would love to shake his hand and thank him,” he said.
Today, Dave lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where the desert landscape provides a stark contrast to his Victorian upbringing. From this base, he continues to expand his business, with Mother Bins now exporting to Australia and soon into Kazakhstan, Ukraine, South Africa, and beyond.
When not building his business, Dave embraces life with the same passion he brings to his work. He and Nicole love to travel and hike, exploring natural wonders and cultural landmarks around the world. Perhaps most touching is Dave’s deep commitment to animal welfare, particularly rescue dogs. This passion led him to add “author” to his already impressive resume, with the publication of The Adventures of Frank and Musky, Squirrel and Husky—a heartwarming tale inspired by his own beloved husky.
Dave’s professional accomplishments continue to accumulate. Recently, he claimed an engineering award for the Mother Bin, prevailing against industry giants like John Deere and Case—no small feat for an independent company. This recognition from peers in the agricultural engineering sector underscores the innovative quality of his designs.
“Most proudly,” Dave shares, “I have won the Leaders Award for Kerwin Rae’s K2 business group, which is one winner voted by a community of 300 business owners—a group you need to be invited to. This is something I am immensely proud of.” The recognition from fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of building successful businesses makes this achievement particularly meaningful. When asked what wisdom he would share with current Luther College students just beginning their own journeys, Dave offers three simple but powerful principles that have guided his remarkable life:
“The magic you are looking for is the work you are avoiding.”
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
“Never ever give up!”
The college is proud of Dave Hedt and can’t wait to see what’s next.
