On a crisp Friday morning, February 7th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort embarked on an inspiring visit to Main Street, where they met with Dusty Davis and his business partner, Ryan Dashner. As lifelong friends turned entrepreneurs, Dusty and Ryan shared their passion for revitalizing historic buildings in downtown Washington, aiming to bring people back to the heart of the city.
During the visit, Ryan reflected on past projects and ongoing efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving architectural heritage. His personal journey, from planning retirement to joining Dusty in community-focused restoration work, underscored the impact of craftsmanship and purposeful business decisions. He encouraged the cohort to prioritize their time, hire wisely, and always seek ways to support their community.
The students also gained insight into securing state grants for preservation and learned that seeing profits from such projects often takes years. A highlight of the visit was touring a recently completed Airbnb above Main Street shops, where the cohort admired the meticulous craftsmanship and vision behind the renovation.
As the visit concluded, the students expressed gratitude for Dusty and Ryan’s time and expertise. The experience left a lasting impression, reinforcing the power of historic preservation and its role in community development.