David Shank

David Shank is an executive vice president at Cool-Off, currently based in Houston, United States.

David is an expert in patent litigation and provides clients with advice on various aspects of intellectual property and innovation management.

Early Life and Education

Shanks served in World War I as an embarkation commander at the Port of Hoboken in New Jersey, earning both the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Subsequently, he rose to become a major general.

In Orangetown, New York, the United States Armed Forces named a military post after him that served as an embarkation center for soldiers preparing to go overseas during World War II. Unfortunately, it was eventually demolished in 1954.

David and Wilma Shank were Mennonite mission workers who served with the Mennonite Board of Missions from 1950 to 1973 and 1979 to 1989 in Belgium and West Africa. As AIC (African Initiated Churches), David and Wilma Shank set the standard for biblical and theological training in Benin.

Professional Career

David Shank is a trial and appellate attorney with extensive expertise in business litigation, class actions and mass torts. Additionally, he provides advice to clients regarding intellectual property matters.

He is a member of both the American Bar Association and Texas State Bar. In 2016, he was recognized by his peers on the Rising Stars list for 2016-2023 based on peer recognition and professional accomplishment in legal practice.

As chief censor of New Zealand, his duties include selecting which films, videos and other content should be accessible to the public. He has made controversial decisions such as banning videos of suicides, child pornography and a brand of campervans with offensive slogans.

Achievements and Honors

Dave and Wilma Shank ’46 have dedicated their lives to serving God on three continents through missions work. Their service has been marked by an unwavering dedication to serving others in Christ’s name.

In 1979, David and Wilma were called by Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM, a predecessor agency of Mennonite Mission Network) to West Africa where they ministered for eight years. During that time, David earned his doctorate in religious studies from the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) and wrote his dissertation on Prophet William Wade Harris – widely considered one of Africa’s greatest religious leaders over two centuries.

After their retirement in 1989, the Shanks returned to Goshen, Indiana. There, they have been active volunteers for numerous community service organizations throughout the region and staunch supporters of Goshen College and Berkey Avenue Mennonite Church.

Personal Life

David Shanks is a renowned actor best known for his role as Dr Daniel Jackson on Stargate SG-1 series. He has also featured in several other popular television series and movies.

He is married to Betty (Betty) Shanks and they have three children and eight grandchildren. Together, they enjoy spending time with their family and friends.

Before entering law practice, David served as a manager at Swift & Company meat-packing corporation. There he spearheaded several important projects and contributed to their growth as an industry leader by managing price volatility and creating new products.

Net Worth

David Shank is a commercial trial lawyer who represents clients in high-stakes disputes before federal courts, state courts and arbitration panels throughout the U.S. His cases range from trade secret misappropriation to securities fraud to class actions.

David has extensive expertise in cross-examining key witnesses at trial and winning dispositive motions. Additionally, David frequently represents his clients on appeals.

Shanks has been a lifelong Tennesseean and part of the local community since childhood. As an experienced commercial real estate appraiser, broker, contractor and investor, his skillset complements those of an MAI Designated appraiser – making him an invaluable resource to clients seeking to maximize value from their properties.