Inside Business 2022 Women in Business: Dawn Best, Vansant & Gusler Inc.

Job title: Director of business development and corporate communications, Vansant & Gusler Inc.

At work: In my daily activities, I focus on a healthy combination of marketing and management. Most of my day is comprised of strategic business development and senior management responsibilities. My business development efforts encompass the pursuit of pre-solicitation information on performance vehicles such as indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, request for proposal, request for quote, public-private partnership, architect-engineer and general contractor design bid/build, leadership in energy and environmental design and life cycle delivery methods. From my background as a legislative consultant, I enjoy being involved with industry legislation on the state and federal levels and industry/construction technologies and their environmental impacts. My diverse experience and comprehensive tenure in the industry have served me well.

Volunteer activities: HER Shelter, Rotarian and Eastern Star.

Home and family: I’m a proud Chesapeake’n with family ties in New Jersey.

Motivating factor: Life has an expiration date. Don’t waste it. I had a life-altering health occurrence in 2001.

Advice for women in business: I’d have to say that because I’m still learning how to be a subject matter expert in business, I’m not one to offer any advice except that at the end of this journey, you will have to live with your choices. So do what makes you happy. Don’t settle for a position or job that you’re not happy with.

The one thing I would change about Hampton Roads: Maybe encourage stronger engagement among the seven cities on issues that impact all Hampton Roads citizens.

Professional goal in five years: Five seems like a lifetime from now, when I like to take each day one step at a time. I try not to make plans. I honestly focus on being in each day. Maybe I’d like to be finished with the construction of my second home in Panama for retirement.

Downtime: My 2022 Harley Street Glide 114 is my pride and joy! #HarleyCigarBourbonChik.

What really gets under my skin: Slow people in the fast (left) lane.