# David Easterbrook

> David Easterbrook is the founder and president of AME Companies, a facility-design and equipment business he launched in 2001 after 23 years in Kmart executive roles and service as a U.S. Navy petty officer. AME grew from its original AME Vertical identity into automotive, industrial and government divisions, while Easterbrook and his family also built the Foundation for Ashley's Dream into a platform for decision-making education, scholarships and high-school trades infrastructure.

- **Role:** Founder and President of AME Companies
- **Organizations:** AME Companies, AME Automotive, The Foundation for Ashley's Dream, Kmart, United States Navy
- **Education:** Fisher College, Boston, Massachusetts
- **Known for:** Founded AME Companies in 2001 and developed it into automotive, industrial and government divisions., Established AME as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business after retiring as a U.S. Navy petty officer., Built AME into a named primary supplier of back-room equipment for Penske Automotive Group, Collection Automotive Group and Tesla Automotive, according to AME's official biography.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2001** — Spent 23 years at Kmart in executive marketing and human-resources roles.
- **2001** — Founded AME Companies under its original name, AME Vertical.
- **2014** — AME Automotive became a distinct division of AME Companies.
- **2017** — AME and partner businesses helped redesign and equip Troy High School's automotive technology lab.
- **2024** — AME Automotive joined Rahal Ducati Moto's partnership roster for the MotoAmerica Supersport program.
- **2026** — Tico Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in AME Automotive; terms were not disclosed.

## Achievements

- Founded AME Companies in 2001 and developed it into automotive, industrial and government divisions.
- Established AME as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business after retiring as a U.S. Navy petty officer.
- Built AME into a named primary supplier of back-room equipment for Penske Automotive Group, Collection Automotive Group and Tesla Automotive, according to AME's official biography.
- Helped organize the redesign and equipping of Troy High School's automotive technology lab.
- Co-created the Foundation for Ashley's Dream, whose speaking programs have reached more than 100,000 students, according to the foundation.
- The foundation reports that it awarded $500,000 in scholarships to more than 200 graduating seniors over 12 years before shifting toward trades-program infrastructure.
- His foundation work was recognized by former President George W. Bush in 2010 and former Michigan Governor John Engler in 1999, according to the foundation.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — Published a Foundation for Ashley's Dream post arguing that high-school students should understand the opportunities in skilled trades during a new industrial era.
- **2026-05** — The Foundation for Ashley's Dream announced sponsorship of the Full Throttle Files automotive podcast.
- **2026-03** — David and Gail Easterbrook supported renovations, solar panels and solar-powered water tanks for the All Souls Mission pastoral center in Binga, Zimbabwe.
- **2026-03** — Tico Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in AME Automotive.

## Links

- Website: https://amecompanies.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-easterbrook-b623a911
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/amevertical
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amecompanies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMECompanies/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/david-easterbrook
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-25