Every month we sit down with one of our amazing ABA members to get to know them a little better! For August, spoke with Dustin & Gabrielle Mignault, owner of Dawnland Auto Glass, LLC. We ask each member the same questions, providing an opportunity for our members to highlight the important work that they do in our communities. If you’re an ABA Member and would like to be considered for future Monthly Member Highlights, please reach out to us via email at info@altonbusinessassociation.com
Q: Tell us about your business?
A: Dawnland Auto Glass is a mobile rock chip repair service, we save windshields! We are currently serving a 30-mile radius of the town of Alton. Our core market is working with other local business owners and servicing their commercial vehicle fleets as well as reputable car dealerships. Dawnland Auto Glass can process insurance claims for our retail customers, we are partnered with Safelite Solutions and Lynx services, two of the nation’s largest third-party insurance affiliates. Our business is family operated; you very well meet our daughter Liberty on service calls. She is our little mascot. We are providing top notch professional glass repair with a neighborly feel that the big glass companies cannot match.
Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: Dustin is Native American Elnu Abenaki to be specific. I was born in Manchester, NH and lived in the Claremont area until I was 8 years old. We moved across the Connecticut River to Westminster VT where I lived and worked on the largest organic farm in New England. I graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 2005. As teenager I began doing historical re-enacting. The French Indian War and the American Revolution really peaked my interest. Growing up my family knew we had native ancestry as well as family members who died on Breeds Hill commonly known as the Battle of Bunker Hill. Once I joined woodland confederacy a re-enacting unit devoted to Abenaki living history I began to do more ancestral exploring with the help of some elders. We traced my native roots back through family trees and discovered I was indeed Abenaki and actually distant cousins with reenacting friends. I also love heavy metal. Specifically, metalcore a subgenre that was born in New England in the late 90’s early 2000’s. It combines fast drumming and guitar riffs like thrash metal but incorporates New England hardcore scream vocals and brutal rhythmic breakdowns. I also enjoy snowboarding in the winter months.
Q: How did your business get started?
A: I got into the glass industry 6 years ago working for a very large regional company that has been in northern New England for generations. I learned the craft and quickly became the leading auto glass technician in the southern districts of NH. A series of events within that company led to me going on out my own. I noticed the industry was leaving behind lots of valuable customers. I decided to start Dawnland Auto Glass as a windshield repair service because the market is screaming for a speedy and personally catered service. Dawnland Auto Glass sets itself apart from the competition because we are small, local and we have a genuine care for our customers.
Q: What has your relationship with the Alton Business Association done for you or
your business?
A: Working with the ABA has been awesome. Since we are new to town and a new business it has been a great way to meet our neighbors and help establish ourselves in the community. Our Facebook posts that have been picked up and shared by the ABA has increased our social media reach.
Q: What do you value most about this community?
A: We love how everyone supports each other and wants to see us all be successful.
Q: Why did you want to open your business in this community?
A: Because we live here and care about our town and the surrounding communities.
Q: What business accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: We are very proud to hold local accounts with Dulac Motor Sales and Lakes Region Auto Source. We also have a key account in Rochester with Feliciano Limousine where we service their entire 22 vehicle fleet!
Q: What does the future hold for you and your business?
A: The future is bright for Dawnland Auto Glass. We plan on adding a new service this year with headlight restoration. We are also working towards being a full-service glass replacement shop in the future. That would mean the capability to replace windshields, back glass, door glass, vent glass and quarter glass as well as replacing side view mirrors.
Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you had as a new business owner?
A: No one has given us advice; we have been doing this alone so any and all advice is always welcome.
Q: How can people who want to learn more about you or your business get in
touch with you?
A: Give Dustin a call 603-333-0655 or check out DawnlandAG.com or email us at dawnlandag@protnmail.com
