David: A Wild Misfit
David Braswell quite possibly epitomizes the reason not to ‘judge a book by its cover.’
“My wife says that I’m literally just a teddy bear,” he says, laughing. “I might look like it but I’m really not big and scary.”
If you don’t know David personally, you have more than likely crossed his path if you have ever ordered from Corry Subway, owned by his mom, Sue. With over 17 years total and at least 7 of those years managing the restaurant, David has had a hand in making over one million subs for our community.
You may recognize him as the bearded, tattooed guy who flips knives and tosses around ingredients while building your perfect wrap or sub. While he says he does it to keep busy and constantly moving while at work, it is not lost on him that customers, especially the kids, are watching his skills and thoroughly entertained in the process.
And just as David knows what it is like to be judged for something you’re not, he’s passionate about causes that get that same reputation. Specifically, autism awareness, pitbulls, and reptiles.
David was born in Corry but spent a few years outside of town for a job that allowed him to work with autistic children, an experience and cause that he still holds close to his heart.
Now the owner of a mastiff pitbull and multiple reptiles, through his many experiences David knows a thing or two about being judged by outward appearance alone and empathizes greatly with others who are going through that same scenario, no matter the species.
“It’s hard to see people put a label on someone or something just because they’re a little different,” he says.
Along with his wife, who he admiringly explains is his favorite person and has been his best friend since seventh grade, David is also in the reptile business. The couple currently runs a reptile husbandry and breeding company from their home and have four different species and over 16 reptiles total.
Although David has a personal interest in these reptiles, he has a greater cause in mind and many plans for this second family business.
“Our mission is really to get people passed the stigma that reptiles are creepy, crawly, and disgusting,” he says.
By attending local events and educating people about the reptiles they own, David hopes to shed a new light on these gentle and beautiful creatures. Adding that he trusts the massive boa snake he has with his own three small children.
David and his wife, Malea, are working to expand their reptile business in 2022 by breeding the ones they currently have and adding more snakes to the family. Which includes a set of wild-caught snakes from Ecuador that are not yet bred in the United States.
“There is actually little known about them. We are excited to learn more, be in the forefront of that, and really get our foot in the door.”
Although David is about the “creepy and crawly” and is covered in tattoos, after talking to him in any capacity, if you still thought he was anything but that big teddy bear Malea describes him as, you’ve missed out on his character completely.
During our interview time, David has our team not only smiling and laughing, but nodding along to so many great truths we can all agree with.
Photos by Karrie Garde
He is a believer of “good juju,” that giving good brings you good in return. That being kind is always necessary. And that there is no reason not to help someone in need.
While he is self-proclaimed “a little strange” and extremely outgoing, he views having those traits as a positive and what gives him the ability to connect with others and be anyone’s friend.
Quite frankly, we need more people like David in the world. And our community is lucky to have him.
“I always just try to be kind because you never know what someone else is walking through.”
What great advice and what a great Character of Corry.
