Thirty Years, One Team: Celebrating Dustin McLean

Dustin McLean, Vice President of Mustang Freightways, started with the company on March 1, 1996, the very first day Mustang opened its doors. Beginning as a part-time data entry clerk in a small, driven team of 10 to 12 people split between Edmonton and Calgary, Dustin quickly became part of Mustang’s foundation.

He Said Yes Before He Even Had a Title

Because the company was lean and growing fast, there was always something new to take on. Dustin moved through customer service, payroll, pricing, operations, and sales, not because it was a plan, but because the work was there and he showed up for it. “I didn’t set out to take on every department,” he says. “But the opportunities were there, and I’ve always been someone who says yes.”

The Call That Changed Everything

In 2001, Dustin became General Manager at age 30. “It was a bold call on management’s part,” he says with a laugh. The experience reinforced his belief that leadership is about trusting the people around you—a perspective that has guided his journey ever since.

In 2022, Dustin was promoted to Vice President. This milestone marked the culmination of years of growth, gratitude, and shared success. “None of it happened alone,” he says, underscoring the importance of teamwork throughout his career.

The Haunted House Everyone Talks About

Ask Dustin what he does outside of work, and he’ll joke that work is pretty much all he does. In reality, he tends a large raspberry patch, takes his three dogs out for daily walks (two poodles and a doodle), and makes sure family time is protected. That’s where he recharges.

He also gives back quietly and consistently. Dustin donates regularly to local food banks, and every Halloween, he transforms his property into a full haunted house complete with real actors. Last year, the line stretched all the way down the driveway. “I just love doing it,” he says. “Seeing people come out and have a good time, that’s the whole point.”

The Best Part Is the People

Thirty years in, Dustin is one of the few people who has been with Mustang from the very first day. The company has grown well beyond those 10 to 12 people, but his take on what makes it work has never changed. “It’s the people,” he says. “It always has been.” He’s not slowing down. If anything, he’s more invested in what comes next. “The best is still ahead of us. I really believe that,” he concludes.