top of page

Coast Inc's Corner Chat: Dean Riske

Updated: Jun 3

At Coast Inc., we often find that some of the most inspiring stories come from people who didn’t plan to land here—but did so with purpose. In this feature, we spoke with Dean, who came from a decade in the trades and found a whole new chapter of growth, support, and opportunity. From navigating career uncertainty to becoming the sole provider for his family, his journey is proof that when drive meets the right environment, anything is possible. Read on to hear his story in his own words.


 

Q: How did you hear about Coast Inc?

A:  Honestly, it’s kind of the same story I’ve heard from some other people I’ve interviewed. I was just applying everywhere I could. Once I got the call from Maria, I looked into the company a bit more. I checked out the website, the YouTube videos, and I thought—this actually looks like something I could do. It had what I was looking for. After that, I moved forward with the second interview. That’s when I met Nicole—and it was over after that. Before this, I was a painter for ten years. I grew up in the trades. Totally different world, a harsh environment. In that world, no one coddles you. It was toxic, negative—it was just everyday life.


When I started at Coast, I remember during my first few Zooms, I kept turning my camera off. Nicole pulled me aside to ask if everything was okay. I kept tearing up. I had never been in a work environment that was positive or uplifting. It was a huge adjustment going from dragging myself to work to waking up excited every day to hop on Zoom and have fun.



Q: How does working at Coast Inc. fit your personality?

A:  I used to work in the union as a painter, and honestly, I hated it. It was all politics. I came in wanting to be a foreman, wanting to move up—and I got in trouble for working too hard. They told me to slow down because we all got paid the same. That didn’t sit right with me.

I’ve always been ambitious. My mom was a single parent and worked her whole life, and she has no retirement to show for it. I don’t want that for myself or my kids. At Coast, everything is merit-based.  In my first week, I had learned sales and was a respected member of the team, I wasn't below anyone. Nobody stands in my way. I’m not waiting 20 years for someone to retire. It’s all on me now—and I love that.



Q: How has Coast Inc. helped you achieve your goals?

A: When I started, I was in a rough spot. Summer had been slow and I didn’t have money saved. I was a couple months behind on rent and afraid I’d lose my house. I was scared to start something commission-based. I even kept my weekend job at North Star just in case.

But after my first week at Coast, I quit that job.


Now, I take care of my daughter, my mom (who lives with me), and my girlfriend. I even had my mom quit her job because it was stressing her out. I’m the only income in our house, and we’re doing just fine. I’ve got money in the bank and I’m finally the provider I always wanted to be.



Q: What does working at Coast Inc. mean to you?

A:  It means a light at the end of the tunnel. I tell my trainees all the time—maybe you’ve had a job where you worked hard thinking there might be room to grow, but all you got was a pizza party, a pat on the back, or some company bucks.


Here, I’m working just as hard, but I know it’s leading somewhere. I’m building a real career. I see a future where I don’t have to stress about retirement or what’s in my bank account. That’s the difference.



Q: What is the funniest or most meaningful memory that you have of working here?

A: Nicole picked me to go with her to our Conference in Denver, and it was an amazing experience.


When we got there, she was a little carsick from the plane and the Uber, so she suggested we walk to dinner. I found two Bird scooters and told her we were riding instead—she laughed and went with it.


I brought my notebook to dinner because we were meeting other business owners, and I wanted to take notes. Nicole told me, “Put the notebook away—we’re just having dinner!” I loved that. I was still trying to mentally take notes while eating Italian food with all these successful people. I looked at Nicole like, how am I going to remember all this? I couldn’t wait to write everything down when I got back.



Q: What advice would you give to candidates?

A: It’s your decision. But if you’ve ever woken up and thought, Great, time to bust my butt and get paid the same while doing triple the work, then this is your way up.


If you bring a good work ethic, a student mentality, and a positive attitude—Coast provides the rest. That’s all I had when I started, and they gave me everything I needed to succeed.


Q: Reno is a new market for us. What makes it a great place to work? 

A: Reno has some of the best people. One of my favorite parts of this job is meeting customers. I’ve had people invite me hunting, show me geology collections, or offer me newspaper clippings from the day after Buddy Holly died. One customer even made me a metal decoration for my house. I’ve been invited to dinner, given homemade Filipino empanadas—it’s wild.

People here are just so grateful for what we do. That’s why Coast works so well—it’s built on win-win relationships.



A former union painter with over a decade of experience in the trades, Dean made a bold leap into a completely different environment—and never looked back. Driven by the desire to provide for his family and build a career based on merit rather than politics, he embodies the grit, heart, and positivity that Coast Inc. is all about. Now leading in a new market, he’s proof that with the right attitude and the right opportunity, transformation is always possible.



This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. You can learn more about Coast Inc. here.


Comments


© 2025 by Coast Incorporated

  • Black Facebook Icon
  • TikTok
  • Black LinkedIn Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon
bottom of page