Dennis McDade is one of the few people who can say that he is a multidisciplinary master. McDade is a fashion designer, musician, author, entrepreneur, and veteran who has forged a career through constant innovation and drive. He talks candidly about his career from Air Force mechanic to multi-industry inventor and how he keeps pushing the envelope of what is conceivable.
Q: You’ve worn many hats—how did it all begin?
McDade: I grew up in Cleveland, and the Air Force was my first big step. From 2000 to 2006, I was a jet mechanic. That role taught me discipline, precision, and accountability. Every task, no matter how small, had consequences. That mindset still drives me today.
Q: After the military, you shifted into electrical engineering. Why that field?
McDade: It was a natural transition. I studied at the Community College of the Air Force and Cleveland State University and then spent over ten years at Dominion Energy. I loved the technical side, but I always wanted more than a pay cheque. I wanted ownership and impact. So in 2018, I started A+ Electric LLC, a veteran-owned business that emphasises quality and community.
Q: How do you combine your passion for leadership with service through A+ Electric?
McDade: It’s about giving back. We don’t just wire buildings—we’re building futures, especially for veterans. I see it as a platform to empower people, promote sustainability, and reshape what success looks like in the trades.
Q: Let’s talk about your writing. What inspires your books?
McDade: Life. Justice. Struggle. Triumph. My first book, Daddy’s Right, stemmed from my personal experiences as a father. Then came the Free Dumb trilogy—stories that provoke thought and challenge norms. I don’t just want to entertain; I want to ignite change.
Q: You also make music under the name Dyverse. What’s your message through music?
McDade: Music is my soul speaking. My single Can’t Get Enough had a great run on 103 JAMZ, but beyond charts, it’s about storytelling. Albums like Legendary and Rockstar Life are rooted in my journey—overcoming stereotypes, owning my identity, and collaborating with others through my collective Next Week. We’re stronger together, and our projects like Holidays in Harmony reflect that unity.
Q: You went viral for a workplace safety rap. That’s not your average corporate safety initiative.
McDade (laughing): Definitely not. At Dominion, I saw a disconnect in how safety messages were delivered. So I used what I knew—music—to get the message across. The Safety Rap video went viral and actually led to a 27% drop in incidents. It even won first place at the UCI Better Communications Competition. Creativity isn’t just for the stage—it has real-world applications.
Q: Let’s pivot to fashion. What do Dyverse and Sakari represent to you?
McDade: Expression. Power. Identity. Fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making a statement. Dyverse and Sakari challenge norms and celebrate individuality. When someone wears our clothes, they’re not just getting dressed—they’re speaking volumes.
Q: What’s the common thread across all your ventures?
McDade: Authenticity and evolution. I refuse to stay in one box. Whether I’m writing a book, producing a track, launching a business, or designing apparel, I’m telling a story—my story—and encouraging others to tell theirs.
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
McDade: I want people to remember me as someone who didn’t settle. Who dared to reinvent? Who used every tool—pen, mic, wrench, or sewing machine—to inspire and empower others. My legacy is limitless because I believe human potential is, too.
Dennis McDade’s story isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s a blueprint for fearless reinvention. From transforming industries to touching hearts through art, he stands as a modern-day renaissance man, driven by service, passion, and purpose.
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