Donnie McMillan Jr. didn’t just stumble into the home improvement scene. Picture a young guy starting out in a business where he was selling windows and learning the ropes, one sale at a time. Over the years, he honed his skills, going from salesman to national sales manager, but the big shift came when he faced the unexpected — a company shutdown that pushed him to rethink his future. Instead of taking the safe route, McMillan decided to build something of his own. In 2011, he founded DaBella, a moniker he cribbed from his twins, David and Isabella.
“I wanted to name the company [after them] so everybody could keep it in the front side of their mind that this is all about family,” he said in a Qualified Remodeler profile.
“It’s about the families that you go and see out there day to day in their homes — our customers,” he added. “It’s about the families and opportunities we provide for ourselves.”
This was never going to be your average home improvement company. It was always going to be about family — both his own and the families DaBella would serve.
Donnie McMillan Jr.’s Grounded Philosophy
Fast-forward a few years, and DaBella is a name that resonates in 17 states, with new branches coming to communities with a benchmark for genuine customer care. McMillan’s approach to running DaBella is grounded in a down-to-earth philosophy: Treat every home like it’s your own, and remember that it’s all about the relationships you build. He believes that people are buying more than just a service; they’re trusting DaBella with their homes, their investments, and their comfort. And McMillan takes that trust seriously, creating a company culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction as much as business growth.
“We try to treat everybody like they’re family,” he told Qualified Remodeler. “We only like [to hire] people who want to lead through influence — which means you’ve got to be a good person, and people have to want to follow you. We’re very particular on those three core values, and it means a lot to the company.”
McMillan’s team is a close-knit group of 2,000 employees, many of whom are trained and promoted from within. Entry-level positions are entries to success at DaBella. New hires know if they put in the effort, they can rise through the ranks. “All of our people know: no matter where they start, they could be a general manager, they could be an executive— they could be whatever they want,” said Donnie McMillan Jr.
“All of our branches … are all started by people who started off in entry-level positions. Whether it’s a canvasser or an operations person, we have not had to go outside to grow.”
McMillan’s created a workplace that doesn’t just encourage people to show up; it makes them want to stay and grow. His approach to building DaBella’s team is less about hiring for roles and more about finding individuals who align with the company’s values and goals. He wants people who share his belief that good work is built on respect, effort, and a sincere drive to improve the lives of others.
DaBella — Doing Things Right
But let’s talk about the work itself. DaBella is all about doing things right, even if it takes longer or requires more effort. McMillan’s philosophy is that you don’t just slap a new roof on or toss in a window. You look at the entire structure, consider the family’s needs, and build something that’s going to last. Take roofing, for instance. When DaBella moved into that market, they didn’t just offer a roof; they created “roofing systems,” complete with ventilation, insulation, and everything needed to protect a home properly. And customers noticed. In some states, roofing became DaBella’s primary offering because people could see the difference in quality and care.
So, what makes DaBella different? Donnie McMillan Jr. says it’s the company’s people-first ethos. It’s about giving employees a place where they feel valued, giving customers a company they can trust, and giving back to the communities that support them. McMillan’s approach is simple but powerful: He’s created a place where hard work, integrity, and genuine care aren’t just talked about but lived every day. And in an industry where many companies focus on fast growth, DaBella’s steady, heartfelt approach is a ray of light.
Another layer to DaBella’s success is its adaptability. McMillan has a knack for understanding local market needs, which means that each branch is customized to serve its community effectively. In some areas, roofing takes center stage, while in others, window replacements or siding upgrades might be the top priority. McMillan encourages his teams to be flexible, allowing each branch to meet the specific needs of their market instead of following a one-size-fits-all model. This flexibility keeps DaBella relevant and responsive, making it a go-to choice for homeowners across 17 states.
In a world where many companies push for uniformity, DaBella’s adaptability and personal touch make it stand out. For Donnie McMillan Jr., success is about more than just business. It’s about building something that feels genuine and lasting — one branch, one project, and one satisfied customer at a time.
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