• dcarlsonMI

About Dave

Dave grew up in Northern Michigan, and has spent the majority of his years exploring the many pristine lakes and rivers, wooded hills, warm neighborhoods, and lively downtowns in this area. After graduating from Petoskey High School, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. While in the Marines, serving both in the DC area and at the Presidential Retreat Camp David, Dave had the duty and honor of protecting the President, Vice-President, Secretary of State, foreign heads-of-state, and various others.

After the Marine Corps, Dave returned to Michigan to attend Hillsdale College. He graduated with degrees in Political Economics and English Literature, some of which were earned while studying overseas at Oxford University in the UK. Dave next attended Michigan State University, where he taught classes in film and literature and received his masters degree.

Returning to Northern Michigan, Dave married Deb Denton, also of Petoskey, who is a busy doctor of optometry in a thriving medical practice in Petoskey. Shortly after coming home to Petoskey, they purchased the downtown institution of a gift store, Toad Hall.

Dave increased his involvement in the region when appointed by Petoskey's city council to serve on Petoskey's Downtown Management Board/Downtown Development Authority. He serves as well on various related committees, to include the city's Economic Enhancement Committee. Dave has been active in the Lions Club of Petoskey, where he has been on the executive committee and held the office of treasurer for years. After closing Toad Hall, Dave followed his interest in real estate to Kidd & Leavy Real Estate, the top-selling firm in the area.

Dave and Deb have two children, and together the Carlsons enjoy all that makes Northern Michigan such a magical place to live and raise a family.

They love visiting and revisiting all the small towns and shops in the area, attending a local church, playing at the many playgrounds, scouring the libraries and bookstores for new finds, exploring the shorelines and swimming the lakes; they can frequently be found on the bike trails, ski hills, or hiking the acres and acres of conservancy land in the area.

Dave's in-depth knowledge of the area is a valuable asset as he works with his clients to buy or sell their Northern Michigan home or land. Whether you are looking to come home as well, establish a new home to raise your family, or buy your share of sunrises, sunsets, beaches, and up north friendships, Dave can help you make that dream come true.