Dallas Desantis, owner of Iron Designs, shed a few tears of joy when he got the news he’d be participating in the 2018 St. George Parade of Homes. His top-quality, custom-built gates, railings, and chairs elevated the appearance of a $1.2 million home on display. He is currently living his dream and living a full and happy life, but this wasn’t always the case.
When Dallas was 15, he found himself with an unstable family and little motivation in school.
“The only class I liked was my first period, which was like a study period,” he said. “We would have guest speakers come share about different programs, and that’s where I learned about Job Corps.”
His life took a tumultuous turn when he was faced with two choices: foster care or detention. Instead, Dallas applied and was accepted to the Weber Basin Job Corps Center. While at Job Corps, Dallas earned his high school diploma, completed his training in welding, and met his wife, Natalie. He received hands-on experience that would propel his career. After he graduated, he soon found a job.
“I was working with guys who had full-on degrees in welding, and they had no idea how to weld in the real world,” Dallas said. “So there I was, teaching college graduates how to weld because they were taught in such a structured environment they didn’t know what to do.”
Dallas decided to start his own welding business. He was able to get started by working other jobs on the side for a number of years. In March 2017, he decided to devote his full attention to Iron Designs, and the business boomed. He also just celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with Natalie, and they have a 5-year-old son, Xander.
“It wasn’t easy. It was never easy, but I love Job Corps!” Dallas said. “I feel I gained so much from it, and because of my experience there, I now own my own successful business.”