40 Under 40: Daniel Wangel
Senior Quality & Process Engineering Manager, Storyteller Overland; With Company: 4 years | Industry experience: 4 years
Daniel Wangel was Storyteller Overland’s very first engineering hire, setting the foundation for its production and quality systems at a pivotal stage of growth. He was quickly promoted from process and quality engineer to senior quality and process engineering manager in less than a year, reflecting his rapid impact and leadership potential.
“Daniel directly manages a team of six and indirectly oversees 11 additional team members, multiplying his impact through both leadership and mentorship,” a peer says.
The rapid growth of Storyteller Overland required scalable, standardized systems — something Daniel took ownership of from day one. He built the company’s change management system in 2022, which has since overseen more than 650 process improvements, enabling the company to stay agile while maintaining quality.
At Daniel’s hire date, production stood at three units per day with 677 total units completed. By August 2025, total output reached 2,828 units reflecting significant growth in both volume and variety. He also developed the company’s quality management framework, which now includes over 1,000 documented process steps and supplemental standards to help ensure the company manufactures products that closely follow all applicable standards and regulations.
His leadership extends beyond engineering, however. He mentors and manages a cross-functional team of 17 and is a founding member of the company’s Product Safety Committee, where he facilitates recalls, technical bulletins and safety investigations. Additionally, he is a contributing editor for Storyteller Overland’s User Guides, which are critical to the customer’s experience.
Under his watch, Storyteller Overland has also received multiple industry recognitions, including: 2024 Inno Fire Award Honoree by Birmingham Business Journal, 2024 “Top New Debut” Award at the Elkhart Open House for CREW MODE and 2025 Red Dot Award in the Off-Road Vehicle Category.
His peer adds, “While these accolades are company-wide, they directly reflect Daniel’s role in building the systems and processes that made such achievements possible.”
Outside of Storyteller Overland, Daniel is also having an impact in his community and personal growth. Last year, he took the initiative to organize and orchestrate a highly successful fundraiser for WaterStep, an NGO (nongovernmental organization), bringing together several community members to support a vital cause.
“His curiosity and drive for continuous improvement extend beyond work, reflecting a well-rounded leader who inspires others both professionally and personally,” the peer notes.
In his free time, Daniel is known for his passion for people, animals, traveling, the outdoors, adventure and hands-on problem solving, which aligns with the very spirit of the RV and adventure vehicle lifestyle.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry?
Listen more than you speak, stay committed to continuous improvement both personally and professionally, stay humble, treat others with respect and have fun along the way. “Take the blame, share the fame, avoid the shame and enjoy the game” – Ed Wehmer.
What does it mean to you to be a 40 Under 40 honoree as part of the RV industry?
I’m honored to be recognized among this year’s 40 Under 40 and thank all of those who have helped me get to where I am today. I truly appreciate the opportunities Storyteller Overland has given me thus far. I’m excited to keep shaping systems and teams that not only move our company and industry forward, but inspire trust, joy and confidence in every adventure our customers take.
