The Life of Brian: How A Shop Owner Realized His Dream Goal

I didn't know Brian Dancy, but I surely wish I had.

The Greensboro, North Carolina man passed away on June 5 at the remarkably young age of 54. He died from complications of colorectal cancer, just a few years ago, realizing his life's dream of owning a business, which he did when he purchased United Metal Finishing in 2019.

For Brian, it was a lifelong goal to be his boss, to call his shots, to deal with the headaches of being the President and CEO, and to also reap the benefits of realizing the American Dream.

Brian was the sales manager at Metal Works of High Point in North Carolina for over 23 years before leaving in 2018 to run his own business. Yes, he was co-owner of Powder Works in Thomasville for 17 years, but he always aspired to be his boss, without partners. Sometimes a person just wants to know they can do it on their own.

When Brian had the opportunity to purchase United Metal Finishing in 2019, he seized it. The company had been in turmoil for several years when the previous owner was trying to sell it, but Brian took the chance and invested his life savings in the business.

"Brian was a warrior, never letting his illness get in his way of brightening another person’s day."

But the glee was short-lived when Brian was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer less than a year later in 2020. It was something that seemed surreal to him when the doctors delivered the news.

“I didn’t quite believe it," Brian said on a podcast back in 2021. "I didn’t want to believe it.”

Faced with that hard news, he still successfully operated UMF while undergoing numerous cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries.

He tried like hell to make it work for him, but as he became weaker and the prognosis became worse, he sold the business in 2023.

In his obituary, which family and friends put together, the words described how Brian took great pride in being a business owner.

It also described him as the type of person we all wish we had as a friend.

"Brian was a warrior, never letting his illness get in his way of brightening another person’s day," his obituary said. "He loved people more than anything — except maybe golf — and thrived on meeting new acquaintances and learning their stories, as much as he enjoyed the company of lifelong friends. He connected with all on a level that few achieve, with the ability to make you feel special and interesting, downplaying his achievements and attributes. Brian’s bright blue eyes, big smile, and familiar nature drew folks quickly into various circles of friends. He was honest, kind, loyal, and unforgettably funny. He lived to make others laugh."

I know so many in the finishing and coating industry who are just like Brian. They worked for other people for many years, and finally got the chance to own a company, and they dove in. That is not a trait that many people possess in this day and age. Being an owner has its perks, for sure, but it’s not for the weak of heart and soul. Some days can be gut-wrenching and hard, such as when a troublesome customer demands more than what can be delivered. Or if they have to let go of employees because of a slow economy, through no fault of their own.

People like Brian Dancy take a chance on themselves, and it pays off for the most part. I often see that when I meet owners of finishing and coating operations. They are a different breed, a tad hardened by what they have been through, but still tender enough to treat their fellow person with kindness and respect.

We can only hope to be like Brian and live the life he lived. The world would be a better place because of it.