Mr. Dean is a graduate of the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and The University of Florida with a degree in Interior Design.  He received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Florida College of Architecture and Allied Arts in 1993.

Mr Dean's company was a recipient of the Chambers of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. The company was also recognized with an Award for the Preservation and Restoration from the Tampa Historical Society for the restoration of their 1890 buildings on Whiting Street in Downtown Tampa