Meet Thomas Dawson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thomas Dawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding your purpose is often a journey shaped by pivotal experiences, reflections, and choices. Based on the foundation of your entrepreneurial ventures, your book Choices: A Journey to Uncharted Purpose, and your commitment to inspiring others, here’s a narrative that aligns with your journey:

For me, finding my purpose was not an overnight realization—it was a process born out of adversity, reflection, and a desire to create something meaningful. Like many people, I went through periods of uncertainty, questioning whether I was on the right path. Losing my main source of income and facing financial challenges was a turning point. It forced me to reevaluate what truly mattered to me and what I could offer the world.

In those moments, I leaned on my faith, my family, and the belief that life’s toughest seasons often plant the seeds for growth. I discovered that my purpose wasn’t just about building a business—it was about making a difference in people’s lives, whether through the services I offer, the inspiration I share, or the relationships I nurture.

Starting Dumpster Intervention Patrol, and later Turf Intervention Patrol and R&R Clean Co., gave me a practical way to turn my purpose into action. These businesses weren’t just about cleaning; they were about restoring pride in spaces and providing reliable services that gave clients peace of mind. Each time a client expressed relief or gratitude, it confirmed that I was doing more than running a business—I was fulfilling a need that aligned with my values of trust, quality, and service.

Writing my book, Choices: A Journey to Uncharted Purpose, was another step in this journey. It allowed me to reflect on the decisions that shaped my path and share the lessons I learned along the way. Through storytelling, I realized my purpose extended beyond entrepreneurship—I wanted to help others navigate their own challenges, find clarity, and step into their potential.

Today, my purpose is clear: to uplift, inspire, and create meaningful impact. Whether it’s through my podcast, public speaking, or helping aspiring authors share their stories, I am committed to helping others see that purpose isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you create, one choice at a time.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Thomas F. Dawson, known as Awesome Dawson or Thomas D DumpsterIP. At my core, I’m an entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker passionate about building businesses and platforms that uplift, inspire, and create meaningful impact. Over the years, I’ve learned that life’s challenges often lay the foundation for our greatest opportunities, and my story is a reflection of that belief.

What I Do

Professionally, I wear many hats, but my focus centers around three key areas:
1. Entrepreneurship:
My wife and I co-own three service-driven businesses:
• Dumpster Intervention Patrol (DIP): Specializing in external cleaning services such as bin cleaning, solar panel care, gutters, roofs, and windows.
• Turf Intervention Patrol (TURFIP): Providing deep-cleaning and maintenance for artificial grass.
• R&R Clean Co.: Offering detailed in-home cleaning for residential and commercial clients.
What sets our businesses apart is our commitment to customer relationships. We don’t lock clients into contracts; instead, we deliver quality that keeps them coming back by choice. Each service is designed to improve people’s daily lives by creating clean, safe, and beautiful spaces.
2. Creative Work:
I’m also a published author. My debut book, Choices: A Journey to Uncharted Purpose, explores the power of life choices and provides readers with tools to navigate their own challenges and purpose. Writing this book was a transformative experience for me, as it allowed me to reflect on my journey and share insights that can inspire others to take bold steps toward their goals.
In addition to writing, I founded Creative Unified Publications (CUP) to help other authors share their stories. There’s something powerful about giving people the tools to bring their ideas to life and connect with readers.
3. Motivational Work:
My podcast, Talking Trash, Keep it Clean, is launching soon and will serve as a platform for authentic conversations about personal growth, resilience, and purpose. Through the podcast, I’ll explore topics like entrepreneurship, overcoming setbacks, and building a legacy. It’s an extension of my mission to inspire others to step into their full potential.
I also speak publicly at schools, organizations, and events, sharing my journey and lessons on making impactful choices. My goal is to equip others with the confidence and tools to take ownership of their lives.

What’s Exciting About It

What excites me most about my work is the ability to make a difference, whether it’s through cleaning services that give people pride in their spaces, a book that sparks someone’s transformation, or a podcast episode that resonates with someone looking for direction. The opportunity to connect with people on a personal level and empower them to live purposefully keeps me motivated every day.

I also love the challenge of constantly expanding and innovating. For example:
• Expanding Services: We’re exploring ways to bring more specialized cleaning solutions to our clients, like additional turf care products and advanced sanitization services.
• Collaborating with Authors: CUP is growing as more authors look to share their stories, and I’m excited to help them amplify their voices.
• Upcoming Events: I’m planning book signings, podcast launch events, and live speaking engagements to connect with audiences in person.

Anything New

There’s so much on the horizon:
1. Podcast Launch: Talking Trash, Keep it Clean will go live soon, and I can’t wait to have conversations that inspire and challenge listeners to think differently about their lives and choices.
2. Business Growth: I’m exploring acquisitions of small businesses from owners looking to transition out, which is an exciting way to grow while preserving the legacy of those companies.
3. Public Speaking Expansion: I’m actively working to reach more schools, colleges, and organizations to share my message of resilience and purpose.
4. Creative Projects: My second book is in development, and I’m thrilled to continue writing and publishing works that impact readers.

What I Want People to Know

At the heart of everything I do is a belief that no matter where you are in life, you have the power to choose your path and create something extraordinary. Whether it’s through my businesses, my book, or my voice, my goal is to inspire others to step into their purpose and live with intention.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. And if I can help even one person see their own potential and act on it, then I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.

For anyone interested in connecting, learning more, or collaborating, I encourage you to visit thomasfdawson.com to explore my work and reach out. Together, we can create impact, one choice at a time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities and skills have been instrumental in shaping my path and achieving the growth I’ve experienced: resilience, relationship-building, and purpose-driven decision-making. Each of these has played a unique role in my personal and professional life, and I believe they’re essential for anyone starting or navigating their own journey.

1. Resilience: The Ability to Bounce Back

Why It Was Important:
Life throws challenges our way, and in my case, losing my main income and starting over required me to develop an unshakable resolve. Resilience allowed me to turn setbacks into stepping stones. Whether it was rebuilding my credit, taking financial risks to start my businesses, or persevering through uncertainty, this quality ensured I didn’t let obstacles define me.

Advice for Others:
• Embrace the Struggle: Understand that challenges are part of the process. Instead of avoiding difficulties, see them as opportunities to grow.
• Build Emotional Endurance: Practice mindfulness, journaling, or talking with mentors to process setbacks constructively.
• Stay Focused on the Bigger Picture: Keep your vision at the forefront—it’s what will motivate you to keep going when things get tough.

2. Relationship-Building: The Power of Connection

Why It Was Important:
No one succeeds alone, and the relationships I’ve built have been pivotal. Joining Business Networking International (BNI) was a game-changer, connecting me with supportive professionals who believed in my vision. Relationships with clients, collaborators, and mentors opened doors and opportunities I couldn’t have found on my own.

Advice for Others:
• Be Genuine: Approach relationships with authenticity. Focus on what you can give, not just what you can get.
• Seek Out Communities: Join networking groups, attend events, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
• Nurture Relationships: Follow up, stay in touch, and show appreciation. Relationships require ongoing care to grow and thrive.

3. Purpose-Driven Decision-Making: Staying Aligned with Your Values

Why It Was Important:
Understanding my purpose—helping others, building trust, and creating lasting impact—has guided every major decision I’ve made. Whether it was launching my businesses, writing Choices, or starting my podcast, I stayed focused on work that aligned with my values. This clarity not only gave me direction but also built trust with clients and collaborators.

Advice for Others:
• Define Your Purpose: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What impact do you want to have? What values drive you?
• Evaluate Your Decisions: Before committing to something, ask, “Does this align with my purpose?” If it doesn’t, it might not be the right move.
• Be Open to Growth: Your purpose may evolve as you grow. Stay flexible and willing to adapt while staying true to your core values.

Closing Thoughts

For anyone early in their journey, developing resilience, relationship-building skills, and purpose-driven clarity will set a strong foundation for success. These qualities take time and effort to cultivate, but the rewards are immeasurable. My advice? Start small—reflect on your strengths and challenges, connect with people who uplift you, and take intentional steps toward your goals.

Remember, the journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, one choice at a time.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong sense of resilience, faith, and values that have shaped every aspect of my life. They taught me, through both their words and actions, that life is full of challenges, but it’s how we respond to those challenges that defines us. They never shielded me from the realities of life; instead, they equipped me with the mindset to face obstacles head-on and find opportunities within them. This foundation of integrity, hard work, and respect for others became a guiding force in how I approach relationships, business, and personal growth.

My father, in particular, left me with a piece of advice that has resonated deeply throughout my life: “Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.” He showed me that wisdom comes not from speaking, but from observing, listening, and understanding before responding. This lesson taught me the power of being present, paying attention to details, and thoughtfully navigating situations—a principle that has been invaluable in my journey. Whether it’s making important decisions, connecting with others, or finding clarity in difficult moments, this wisdom has become a cornerstone of how I live and lead.

In my book, Choices: A Journey to Uncharted Purpose, I reflect on how these lessons shaped my ability to persevere through adversity. My parents’ unwavering belief in my potential gave me the confidence to take risks and pursue dreams, even when the path was uncertain. They taught me that setbacks are temporary and that with persistence and purpose, I could create a better tomorrow.

Perhaps the greatest gift my parents gave me was faith—not only in a higher power but also in myself and the process of life. They showed me that success is not just about achieving your own goals but about uplifting others along the way. Their legacy of resilience, intentional action, and purpose-driven values continues to influence the way I lead, learn, and connect with others. It’s a lesson I strive to pass on to my children and those I mentor: true strength lies in resilience, thoughtful observation, and purposeful action.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Self produced by me, Thomas Dawson

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