After 24 years with TanHoldings, Uncle Dave retires

David M. Sablan Sr., more affectionately known as Uncle Dave, poses with Bishop Ryan Jimenez on the former’s last day of work at the JP Center in Garapan. (Michael T. Santos)

David M. Sablan Sr., undeniably a linchpin in the development of Saipan, has retired after 24 years with TanHoldings Corp.

The veteran TanHoldings consultant, affectionately known as Uncle Dave, expressed his desire to resign effective last Jan 1.

Sablan said his resignation is mainly due to his age.

“I feel that a younger generation must take over. I am now almost 85 years old. I want the new generation to take over and if the young generation needs some prompting, I am available for that purpose,” said Sablan.

Sablan has mixed feelings about his retirement—both happy and sad—but assured that he would still serve as an on-call corporate consultant to TanHoldings for three years.

“I have mixed feelings about leaving the company because I am not the kind of person that stays home and hope that things would work out. I would always report for work,” said Sablan.

“Fortunately, TanHoldings president Jerry Tan provided me with a three-year consultancy contract for TanHoldings’ parent company. For a period of three years, I will remain available for the Tan family, here or anywhere in Micronesia that I am needed to do work for them,” he added.

Sablan said he enjoyed working for the company so much that, at one point, he offered his services for free, which TanHoldings declined.

“It has been a lot of fun and it was very challenging. The feeling that I have working for this company is just out of this world. I enjoyed working for them. There have been several times where I told Jerry [Tan] that I am willing to work for him for free,” said Sablan.

On the other hand, Sablan is also saddened by his departure and wishes to continue assisting the corporation.

At the end of his three-year contract, Sablan would be considering writing a second book.

“After the third year of the contract, I would mostly stay home and do some homework and maybe write another book,” he said.

“Many people that have read the book I wrote would like me to continue writing, possibly covering the area of what life was like here before the war and before the Americans invaded the islands. I am seriously considering writing the second version of the book,” added Sablan.

Sablan played a key role in bringing Toyota to Saipan through Atkins Kroll and the formation of the Rotary Club of Saipan, just to name a few of his accomplishments. At one point, he was president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.