Dawson learned of the contest when he saw an ad online.

“And it kind of went from there. I followed the process and it came down to that night,” he said.

Dawson is purchasing a van with part of his winnings and he also has some other ideas of how to use the money.

He takes over as owner of Showdra Meats, Jan. 1, 2022.

He became interested in purchasing the local business when the Dauphin jail closed last year.

“I worked at the jail for 11 years and I stayed in the justice system, but it solidified me in wanting to do something else,” he said. “I went to school to be a meat cutter before getting into corrections. So I heard Dave (Showdra) wanted to retire, so I thought that would leave a big hole in the community, losing a butcher shop and it’s the only one.”

Dawson has some new ideas he hopes to implement once he takes over the business. He plans to buy from local farmers as much as possible.

“Using the farm-to-table aspect. Showing off our farmers and our beef and pork producers around here,” he said, adding he may add deli meats to his product line down the road.

Dawson was up against some stiff competition when it came to the Community Infusion contest. His competitors included Hempsense of Gilbert Plains, Grow Media of Dauphin, Joe Dandy’s of Oak Lake and Grand Vieux Liquor Company of Grandview.

To be a finalist, each entrant was required to provide a detailed business plan, which was reviewed by the judges prior to the final pitch.

Dawson was speechless when he learned he won.

“I still thank the Fusion Credit Union for everything. I don’t know if it has fully sunk in yet. But I was amazed. I was shocked. I wasn’t expecting it, that’s for sure,” he said.

Dawson was at a loss to explain what is was about his final pitch that was the deciding factor.

“I’m still at a loss for words for that, because there were four great other businesses there. I don’t know what made me stand out. I never asked the question. But somehow I won,” he said.

Dawson is looking forward to his new venture with Showdra Meats.

“I hope everyone will come on down to Showdra Meats and let us meet your needs in any way,” he said, adding he does not plan on changing the name of the business anytime soon.