At The Exterior Zone, we believe that a company is only as strong as its people. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Dustin King! With an impressive background in operations, leadership, and building materials, Dustin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will help elevate our team to new heights.
In this interview, we get to know Dustin—his journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for The Exterior Zone. From his early days in the industry to his passion for continuous improvement, Dustin embodies the core values that define our company: precision, quality, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Let’s dive in and hear from Dustin himself!
Welcome to The Exterior Zone, Dustin! Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to join our team?
Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m truly excited to be a part of The Exterior Zone team.
My career has been a journey shaped by both hard work and the incredible people who have believed in me along the way. I began my professional path in 2008 as a Lot Associate at The Home Depot, where I worked across multiple departments, taking on various roles and responsibilities. Over time, I was fortunate to lead some of the most talented teams in retail, serving as a Department Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Store Manager, and ultimately, a District Merchandising Manager.
After 13 years with The Home Depot, I transitioned into the building materials industry, taking on roles in Operations and later as a Branch Manager at Wimsatt Building Materials (SRS). For five years, I had the privilege of serving contractors across Michigan, helping them meet their exterior building material needs.
In late 2023, I embraced a new challenge by joining Clement Construction, a large General Contractor, to develop and lead its Operations division. This experience broadened my expertise in project management, labor coordination (both in-house and subcontracted), and operational strategy. Working alongside ambitious and innovative colleagues pushed me to grow while also fostering growth in those around me—all in the relentless pursuit of excellence.
That same drive for excellence and passion for delivering outstanding service ultimately led me to The Exterior Zone. Having worked with the team as a supplier during my time at Wimsatt/SRS, I’ve long admired the company’s commitment to quality, its people, and the exceptional experience it provides to clients. I’m thrilled to now be part of a team that truly sets the industry standard.
Give us some insights about your role and what are you most excited about in it?
I have had an exciting career leading and growing businesses, and my role at The Exterior Zone will be no different. As I take on a leadership role in Operations, my focus will be on maximizing efficiency and driving continuous improvement.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in business and leadership is that adaptability is essential. Wearing multiple hats is often necessary, but with the right attitude and aptitude, transitioning between roles becomes seamless—allowing for both short-term execution and long-term strategic vision.
What excites me most about this opportunity is the ability to contribute to the growth, development, refinement, and leadership of many aspects of The Exterior Zone. I look forward to making a meaningful impact and helping shape the company’s future.
What are some key principles you follow when managing projects and teams?
That’s a great question. I am passionate about having tools in a tool belt—both physically and metaphorically. I have always approached leadership, whether in projects or with people, with the same philosophy: I strive to lead the way I would want to be led—with honesty, intelligence, strategy, compassion, and drive.
I often tell young leaders that the more tools they add to their tool belt, the easier it becomes to solve challenges. Inevitably, situations will arise where they don’t have an immediate answer—good. That’s an opportunity to learn and add another tool (solution) to their tool belt for the future.
I’ve found that when you lead with sincerity and an unwavering passion for growth, every experience becomes a chance to improve. And when a team embraces this mindset, there is almost nothing they cannot accomplish together.
The Exterior Zone is known for precision, quality, and customer satisfaction. How do you see yourself contributing to this reputation?
The Exterior Zone has built its reputation through relentless hard work and strategic thinking. Precision is essential—delivering quality requires unwavering effort and attention to detail. True excellence demands dedication, sometimes even at the cost of sleep, to ensure that both internal and external customers are genuinely satisfied with our work and results.
My goal is to contribute by consistently presenting tangible opportunities for improvement—both for myself and the team—so that we can refine our skills and enhance our service every day. There’s a saying: If you improve by just 1% each day, by the end of the year, you’ll be 365% better than when you started. I believe in this principle, but real progress requires clear, measurable goals—and, at times, a few sleepless nights. However, when your passion aligns with your purpose, even in moments of exhaustion, you remain motivated to push forward.
Are there any operational improvements or efficiencies you’d like to introduce at The Exterior Zone?
The Exterior Zone is a true industry leader in many aspects, continually striving for excellence. It is inspiring to be part of a team that is committed to continuous improvement every day.
In my career, I have played a key role in developing focus and cadence in communication strategies to ensure our teams stay informed and aligned. I have also contributed to the growth and development of employees and leaders, guiding them in their career journeys. Additionally, I have provided strategic vision for improvement across multiple levels, driving efficiency and innovation.
Can you share an example of a challenging project you’ve managed and how you ensured its success?
When I managed Wimsatt in Lansing, MI, I was not only responsible for the day-to-day operations of my branch, but I was also asked to help open a new branch in Ohio and train leaders. This presented significant geographical challenges and was time-consuming.
The complexity of this project extended beyond logistics—it required integrating company principles, constructing new operational frameworks, and maintaining high standards at both locations. It took time to fully understand the scope of tasks and challenges, but the most critical aspect of success was delegation.
Delegation became essential—not just within the new branch but across leadership teams and even at home. Managing such a complex set of responsibilities required placing trust and confidence in the people around me. This meant investing in their development beforehand and being intentional about growing their skill sets.
Once I was able to step back, delegate effectively, and follow up on progress, we established clear, realistic goals. This approach ensured we met our grand opening deadline and delivered on our commitment to being available for our customers when promised.
The exterior renovation industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of industry trends and best practices?
Continuous learning is not just important—it’s fundamental to how I approach everything in life. When I encounter something I don’t understand, I seek out resources to learn and grow. I strongly believe in the value of experience, and over the years, that mindset has served me well.
Building relationships across many years and diverse backgrounds has reinforced the idea that knowledge is often just a conversation away. More often than not, I know someone I trust who has either done what I’m looking to learn or can connect me with someone who has. I appreciate the concept of “tribal knowledge”—the wisdom gained from those around us—and I make it a priority to learn from others and apply those insights effectively.
In today’s world, the internet is an invaluable tool. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and even a simple Google search provide instant access to knowledge. Not only can you find answers to the tasks you’re trying to accomplish, but you can also explore different approaches and perspectives that may reshape your original thinking.
Lastly, leveraging suppliers, manufacturers, and vendor representatives as resources is crucial. These professionals are often subject matter experts with deep product knowledge, helping navigate industry shifts and emerging trends. Staying connected to these experts ensures adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do they help you in your professional life?
I truly enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as being at home working on projects like landscaping and minor improvements. When I’m not with them, I enjoy shooting, golfing, and following sports. I’m a passionate supporter of the University of Michigan and the Detroit Lions.
I believe my hobbies contribute to my professional life in meaningful ways. Hands-on projects help me develop practical skills that enhance the way I serve my customers. Spending quality time with my family and providing for them motivates me to keep pushing forward and strive for more every day.
Shooting, golf, and sports fuel my competitive nature, which I see as an essential trait in both life and business. When you genuinely strive to be the best at what you do, you push past your comfort zone, achieve new milestones, and elevate both yourself and your team.
Finally, is there a message or insight you’d like to share with our clients and team members as you embark on this journey with us?
I want my clients and team to know that I am always available. You can call or text me anytime. Your feedback and insights are invaluable—they give me the opportunity to improve, refine, and grow, both personally and professionally.
Being truly available allows me to gain knowledge that strengthens our team and enhances our capabilities. When we show up for those around us, we build trust and meaningful relationships that enrich not only our professional lives but also our personal lives.
Dustin’s experience, leadership mindset, and dedication to growth and innovation make him an invaluable addition to The Exterior Zone family. His approach to problem-solving, team development, and strategic efficiency aligns perfectly with our mission to provide seamless, high-quality renovation experiences for our clients.
We’re excited to see how Dustin’s insights and expertise will shape the future of The Exterior Zone, and we know that both our team and clients will benefit greatly from his presence.
Welcome aboard, Dustin!