AUSTIN, Tex. — For Donnie McMillan Jr., the home improvement industry represents more than just a series of tasks—it’s a powerful opportunity to positively impact lives. As the CEO and founder of DaBella, a leading home improvement company, McMillan has reshaped the sector through innovative leadership, unwavering commitment to people, and a vision focused on purposeful growth.
Since its inception in 2011, DaBella has grown into a company that operates across 20 states, setting a new standard in an industry often plagued by customer dissatisfaction and workforce instability. McMillan’s leadership has transformed DaBella into a symbol of excellence, and his values and approach provide a roadmap for transforming not just a company, but the entire industry.
A Purpose-Driven Start
McMillan’s entry into the home improvement world wasn’t by design—it was shaped by the twists and turns of life. Initially a salesperson in the computer industry, he transitioned into selling windows, and after his previous employer closed, McMillan founded DaBella. "There were people in my life and employment-wise, they were saying, 'What's next?' and I wanted to help them," McMillan shares. "I started this company, in some ways, for them."
The name DaBella, inspired by his twins David and Isabella, represents the family-oriented ethos McMillan wanted to create. "When we started the company, we wanted to make sure we had a family atmosphere," McMillan recalls. "It's about the families that you go and see out there day to day in their homes — our customers. It's about the families and opportunities we provide for ourselves."
Revolutionizing Customer Experience
A key goal for McMillan was to elevate the customer experience in an industry often criticized for poor communication. "Home improvement can have challenges with customers and contractors not seeing eye to eye, and we want to change that at DaBella," McMillan admits. "Communication, transparency, and honesty are key to our values."
McMillan instilled a culture of honesty, care, and respect. Employees are trained to treat every project as if it were their own family member’s home. "I like to ask people, if that was your grandmother, or was your mother, how would you want to treat that person?" McMillan asks.
DaBella’s commitment to customer satisfaction has earned it a reputation for quality and integrity, with customer reviews consistently praising the professionalism and dedication of the company's teams.
Investing in People
At the core of McMillan's transformation of the industry lies his revolutionary approach to workforce development. DaBella has an internally-focused growth strategy. "It doesn't matter where you start. It matters where you finish," McMillan emphasizes.
To foster this growth, DaBella offers robust training programs, weekly self-improvement courses, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities. "We spend a lot of time on leadership development and teamwork," McMillan says. "Roughly, you know, an average employee is getting about two hours a week in some sort of self-growth, teamwork, or leadership deal."
The company’s focus on internal promotion has paid off, with nearly all of DaBella’s branch leaders having started in entry-level positions. "All of our branches — there's 52 of them now — are all started by people who started off in entry-level positions," McMillan explains.
Innovation in Products and Services
In addition to transforming customer relationships and employee development, McMillan has redefined innovation within home improvement. Under his leadership, DaBella has expanded its product offerings to include energy-efficient windows, solar roofing systems, and sustainable siding solutions. These products align with growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly options while also enhancing quality of life.
One standout example is DaBella’s exclusive solar-integrated roofing systems, developed in partnership with GAF, a leading roofing manufacturer. "Our goal is to provide solutions that make homes not just beautiful but also functional and sustainable," McMillan says.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
McMillan’s vision for transforming the home improvement industry extends beyond business success. Through DaBella’s philanthropic initiatives, such as DaBella Cares, the company raises funds for cancer charities. In October 2024, DaBella raised $280,000 through self-funding. Additionally, the company offers free home improvement services to veterans and families in need through its Operation Hero program in collaboration with the GAF Community Contractor Program.
"It's not just about growing the business. It's about making a difference, one home at a time," McMillan says of the company's community engagement goals.
Building a Culture of Excellence
What truly sets McMillan apart is his ability to foster a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of DaBella’s operations. This culture, rooted in the company’s core values of leadership, growth, and care, guides everything from hiring practices to customer interactions. "Growth with success through the success of others. That's a cultural thing. We can't get anywhere on our own," McMillan explains.
McMillan’s leadership has also fostered a sense of purpose among employees. "Every voice here matters," he says. "If you're in leadership, it's an awesome responsibility."
Looking to the Future
As DaBella continues to expand, McMillan’s focus remains on pushing boundaries and redefining the home improvement industry. "We refer to ourselves as a continuous startup," McMillan says. "What we're doing today won't be the way we do it six months or a year from now."
This mindset ensures DaBella stays adaptable and innovative, ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of the home improvement sector.
Redefining Industry Standards
Donnie McMillan Jr.'s combination of servant leadership, groundbreaking innovation, and unwavering commitment to people has made DaBella a model of excellence and integrity. His focus on empowering employees, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and building a company that gives back has redefined what the home improvement industry can achieve.
As McMillan himself puts it: "Leadership is an awesome responsibility, and it's about taking care of other people." This philosophy has propelled DaBella to success and serves as a blueprint for others to follow.
About DaBella
Founded in 2011 by Donnie McMillan Jr., DaBella is a family-oriented, values-driven home improvement company known for delivering quality products, exceptional craftsmanship, and superior customer service. DaBella is committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive and homeowners receive industry-leading service.
Originally reported by Construction Dive.