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Moore To The Story: Structural Snow Fences with Dusti Ewing

Dusti Ewing, a Project Coordinator at Moore Engineering, has taken a unique approach to honoring her father’s legacy. Dusti owns a business focused on installing structural snow fences and gate closures, an endeavor closely tied to her late father’s career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Since MnDOT primarily serves as the clientele for this type of work, her father, upon retirement, could no longer contribute directly. Instead, he shared his ideas and inspired Dusti to carry forward his vision.

How It All Started

Dusti’s father spent his career developing a prototype for structural snow fences. When he retired in 2020, he presented Dusti with the opportunity to start her own business to bring his ideas to life. That November, D&C Contracting was born. With her father’s guidance, Dusti navigated the initial challenges of understanding the product’s construction, durability, and potential applications.

Building Skills and Overcoming Challenges

Though Dusti credits her father for the foundation of her knowledge, she has developed her skills through hands-on experience. Learning the ins and outs of construction and materials has been a journey of trial and error. One of the most significant challenges has been sourcing high-quality materials for mass production while also securing bank support for larger projects.

A Memorable Milestone

One of Dusti’s standout achievements was a $1 million contract for a three-mile structural snow fence project. Initially hesitant to bid due to financial constraints, Dusti pushed forward with encouragement from her family. Her bid was the only one submitted, and with the help of her support system, the project was completed successfully. This milestone solidified Dusti’s belief in her abilities and her business’s potential.

A Labor of Love

Dusti’s favorite part of her work is continuing her father’s legacy. Although he’s no longer with her, she knows he would be proud of how far she’s come. The connections she’s built with MnDOT and local property owners have been invaluable. For Dusti, it’s not just about the fences; it’s about the relationships and the sense of purpose her work provides.

Lessons Learned

Running her business has taught Dusti the importance of patience, adaptability, and teamwork. She’s also discovered her resilience and capacity to handle stress. From navigating material shortages to managing complex schedules, Dusti has honed skills that benefit both her business and her role at Moore Engineering.

Looking Ahead

Dusti’s goals are rooted in honoring her father’s vision. She dreams of advancing the use of structural snow fences to improve road safety during harsh winters. While she plans to keep her business as a side hustle, she’s eager to see it grow and continue providing additional income for her employees.

If you’re interested in structural snow fences or know someone who might benefit from them, Dusti encourages you to reach out at [email protected]. Whether you’re a farmer, a local government official, or a community member, starting a conversation could lead to a lasting partnership.

Dusti’s story is a testament to perseverance, family bonds, and the impact of a well-placed snow fence.

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