Be it 10 minutes or 10 years, if you’ve met Daniel and Valerie Pampel before, it’s impossible not to walk away with a warm feeling. A remarkable pair with an epic love story that continues to this day. Rooted in family with strong values and an unwavering passion for life, their business is built on more than just their hard work. 

An Epic Love Story

We know that with every love story comes two perspectives, often one of complete adoration and the other of total obliviousness. 

For Dan, it all started in a classroom run-in with Val’s cousin, who quite adamantly professed the two would make a perfect match. So, understandably, Dan began to skip his lunch to sit next to her in the cafeteria. It was weeks before she noticed him sitting there. Then one unlikely day, as Val relayed details of a terrible car crash, she turned around to find Dan listening intently. 

So, they became fast friends, spending every minute they could together and the rest, history! 

Although, Val describes a brief moment before they knew each other’s names. They had made eye contact passing in their high school hallway; she says as soon as their eyes locked, “It was as though we had spent lifetimes together, and in that moment we recognized each other.” 

Now they’ve been together for 24 years and married for 19 - bragging more time together than time apart. 

Being a Pampel

To be a Pampel is to know the greatest joys of life, never stop learning, and always keep exploring. Daniel and Valerie Pampel have three incredible boys; Corban (19), Asher (16), and Gunner (9).

Having spent time in the air force academy, Corban is now working full-time for the family business with long-rooted aspirations of being a lawyer.

Asher spends every minute he can in the water, surfing or spearfishing; he’s even started cooking his catch with his filet station.

Lastly, Gunner, known for his head full of golden ringlets, is quite the pianist and claims bragging rights for skipping a grade in elementary school.

As a family, they all enjoy hobbies and interests that add to their life in some way. Whether it’s diving into a good book, going for a surf, planning their quarterly camping trips, or doing day hikes, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is an essential component to their family bonding.

And of course, like any true Santa Barbarans, they are good food enthusiasts - always scouting the next delicious endeavor for date night. 

How They Do it All

Balancing a family and a business is a tough gig. When the pair was running Daniel’s mom’s window covering franchise in Alabama, it was a well-oiled machine. But, Pampel Design, they had to build from the ground up, which meant a lot of sacrifices. 

Though eventually, they figured out a work-life integration that worked well for them. Often starting work at 5 am, helping the kids get ready for school, then an 8-hour workday. They’ve always said it’s important their kids could see a strong work ethic and what it takes to be successful.

And running a business hasn’t stopped Valerie and Dan from prioritizing intentional conversations and time with their kids, they are diligent about weekly walks, exercising, and eating healthy. Val says this deliberate effort to balance work and family life has been shaped by podcasts, books, and aligning themselves with the right people to keep them motivated. 

"I am huge on intention setting and manifestation practices. I set intentions daily, weekly, and monthly. I write down things I’d like to manifest within myself, within my family, and within my business - which allows me to show up and be my best for both.” — Val

Who would’ve guessed what started in a high school hallway would lay the foundation for a remarkable family business; one dedicated to their passion and committed to delivering quality to every individual that walks through their door.

So be part of our journey at Pampel Design - we can’t wait to work with you!

A Season of Gratitude for Dan & Val

“This year, I’m thankful for our team. We’ve experienced tremendous growth as a business, and it would not have been possible without them. I’m also thankful to have my family all together under one roof. Nothing makes me happier than doing life with the four of them." — Val

“I'm grateful to be a part of a community that intentionally supports its local businesses. We see and hear so much about the disappearance of the American “Main Street” small business dynamic. It's truly an honor to live and work where that dynamic isn’t just surviving, but growing and thriving.” — Dan