How Donnie McMillan Jr. Scales DaBella’s Success

Donnie McMillan Jr. isn’t your typical CEO. Picture someone who grew up in the home improvement industry, from selling windows to spearheading his own remodeling company with ambition as bold as his vision. That’s McMillan’s story, and he’s the driving force behind DaBella, a company that took root in the Pacific Northwest and is now growing far and wide across 17 Western states.

McMillan’s journey started back in his days as a national sales manager, where he was building a foundation in an industry that didn’t always promise stability. When the company he worked for shut down, McMillan found himself with a rare opportunity to start fresh. He took the leap, founding DaBella in 2011 with a commitment to building something more than just a business. “When we started the company, we wanted to make sure we had a family atmosphere, so I named it after my two twins, David and Isabella,” he told Qualified Remodeler. “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.” For Donnie McMillan Jr., every step was as much about creating a community within his company as it was about tackling the business side.

Donnie McMillan Jr.: Building on Quality  

DaBella quickly took off under McMillan’s energetic leadership, expanding across Oregon, and as of the time of this publication, 17 states. But expansion for him is less about quantity and more about quality — finding those pockets of opportunity where the company’s services make the biggest difference. McMillan built DaBella’s reputation on quality work and customer satisfaction. His focus? It’s all about making every project feel personal, whether it’s replacing windows, improving siding, or roofing. “For some families, they are doing go-overs,” he said of the roof overlay technique. “They weren’t putting roofing systems on, so they didn’t care about ventilation. They didn’t provide the intake vent, exhaust vents. And that’s not how we do work at DaBella.”

With a 2,000-strong workforce, employee growth at DaBella is a core value for Donnie McMillan Jr., and he’s crafted a unique system to support it. His branches are built by people who’ve climbed the ranks within the organization; people who started in entry-level roles but found or created opportunities for themselves to lead. McMillan makes it clear: If you’re part of DaBella, you’re here to grow. He explained, “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.

“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, every employee has an opportunity.”

Catching Game-Changing Opportunities 

It’s not all smooth sailing, though. In the early days, Donnie McMillan Jr. had to get creative when it came to resources. Starting with windows, DaBella soon jumped into roofing after McMillan saw a game-changing opportunity through a certification from a major roofing manufacturer. This shift was more than a product line update; it provided DaBella with a substantial boost. Today, roofing makes up the majority of DaBella’s business in some states.

DaBella operates like a “continuous startup” — always looking for the next challenge, rethinking approaches, and adapting based on what’s working. “We’re always in a growth pattern, so what we’re doing today won’t be the way we do it six months or a year from now,” he said. And yet, the core remains steady. For Donnie McMillan Jr., it’s about supporting a family-centered culture where everyone feels they’re a part of something bigger. The motto? “Lead. Care. Grow.” That’s not just a slogan; it’s the heartbeat of the company, and employees take it to heart.

DaBella’s People-Centric Approach 

It’s rare to find a company like DaBella, where the founder’s values shape every corner of the business. Donnie McMillan Jr.’s vision is to create a place where employees can thrive, customers feel valued, and every project is done right.

At DaBella, success is defined not by numbers, but by the impact the company makes on the lives it touches. McMillan has a way of encouraging his team to treat each customer’s home as if it were their own, bolstering a sense of ownership and pride that’s rare in the industry — indeed, in most industries. This personal investment translates into projects that consistently exceed expectations. Clients frequently praise the team’s commitment, often surprised by the level of care they receive from a company that now spans several states.

This people-first approach has a ripple effect on DaBella’s workforce as well. Employees who feel respected and valued are more engaged and motivated to uphold the high standards McMillan has set. DaBella’s training programs, including mentorship opportunities and practical modules, ensure employees gain hands-on experience in every facet of home improvement. It’s a workplace that values ambition, encourages initiative, and celebrates milestones — whether it’s opening a new branch or mastering a new trade.

In a competitive industry where the focus is often on high-volume sales, McMillan’s model of intentional growth — centered on values, quality, and relationships — sets DaBella apart. It’s a blueprint for success that’s both ambitious and sustainable, grounded in a belief that success is about lifting others as much as it is about expanding. For Donnie McMillan Jr. and DaBella, every project is a testament to what they stand for: quality work, real relationships, and a long-lasting impact on the communities they call home.

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