One of the founding executives of HGTV, Dawson joined HGTV in 1994 and lead Scripps Networks efforts in customer service, Internet and digital development, digital video, video on demand, and interactive television. Prior to HGTV, he worked as a communication specialist and editor in magazine publishing for the New York Times Company, Sunset Magazine, Home, and others. He has served as an advisor to start-up digital video and publishing companies and as a mentor to digital entrepreneurs. He currently consults in the digital and television arenas.