Today we’d like to introduce you to DUSTIN ENGLE.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2017, I hired a fence contractor, Dalton Fence, to build a cedar fence. They were kind enough to leave 30 extra fence pickets as spares. I put them in the back of my shed and nearly forgot about them. Then, in 2019, my wife clipped our mailbox post while backing out of the driveway. I saw it as an opportunity to build a new mailbox, integrating the spare fence pickets. After a week or two, I had something built and ready to install. Shortly after, a neighbor asked me to build one for his family. By 2020, the Dayton community gradually embraced me as their mailbox guy, providing opportunities to design, build, and install mailboxes. As time went on, I developed a website, built a social media presence, formed strategic partnerships, and with a bit of dumb luck, I now have the opportunity to share my story with you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Any entrepreneurial effort comes with its share of growing pains, and this is was no exception. One challenge involved learning the nuances of individual HOAs, some have detailed mailbox specifications down to the exact shade of color, while others have no specifications at all.
The most commonly used wood for mailbox construction is pressure-treated, ground-contact pine. When exposed to intense summer heat, this wood can dry too quickly and develop large splits or cracks. When many customers reported this, I addressed the issue by patching the splits and repainting the mailbox post.
To mitigate this going forward, I added a dehumidifier to my shop to more gradually reduce the moisture content of the pine before installation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in mailbox design, build, and installation. I’m known for my original mailbox designs, detailed estimates, and clear communication. I’m humbled and grateful to the Dayton community to letting me be their mailbox guy. I offer 14 original mailbox design series.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m actually a senior robotics engineer with over 20 years industry experience.
Pricing:
- starts at $388/installed
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themailboxguydayton.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themailboxguydayton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561555275574
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themailboxguy-dayton
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/the-mailbox-guy-kettering
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themailboxguydayton
