For someone who describes himself as an introvert,Donnie McMillan Jr. has built something towering and remarkable in the home improvement industry. As founder and CEO of DaBella, he’s created a company that spans 52 locations across 20 states, maintains a 97% customer satisfaction rate, and consistently gives back to its communities. But perhaps most remarkably, he never intended to enter the industry at all.
Building DaBella From the Ground Up
In 2011, McMillan founded DaBella with 12 people from the shut-down company. Five of those original employees remain with DaBella today.
The company’s name itself reflects McMillan’s commitment to family values, combining the names of his twins, David and Isabella. This family-first approach extends beyond the name to influence every aspect of the business, from customer service to employee development.
Unlike many companies that bring in outside talent for management positions, DaBella maintains a strict policy of promoting from within. “We don’t acquire anybody,” McMillan explains. “You have to start off as an entry-level person in the company and work your way through sales before you can be put in that class to go with the location for us.”
This commitment to internal development is backed by substantial investment in training. Every employee receives approximately two hours weekly of self-growth, teamwork, or leadership training. For those in management positions, about 10% of their time is dedicated to coaching or teaching.
Innovation in Products and Service
DaBella has evolved from its initial focus on windows to offer a comprehensive range of home improvement services. The company has secured exclusive partnerships with major manufacturers like GAF, recently launching an innovative solar roofing system that integrates seamlessly with traditional roofing materials.
“If I can’t guarantee it for a customer and say this is the best quality that’s out there, we won’t do it,” McMillan explains, describing his approach to product selection.
DaBella’s commitment to community service is substantial. In October 2024, the company raised $290,000 for cancer charities through its DaBella Cares initiative. Through Operation Hero, in partnership with the GAF Community Contractor Initiative, DaBella provides free home improvement projects for veterans and families in need.
The company has set an ambitious goal to provide free projects in every community where it operates. “We’ll probably get halfway there in 2025,” McMillan says, “and we’ll complete that mission in 2026.”
What’s Next for DaBella
While many companies in the industry rely on private equity funding for expansion, DaBella remains family owned. McMillan’s goal is to achieve nationwide coverage while maintaining complete control over the company’s operations and culture.
“We’re trying to attempt something that’s never been done before,” he explains, “which is to grow from sea to shining sea without any private equity money. Do it all self-assured or self-funded.”
As DaBella continues to grow, McMillan remains focused on the principles that have guided the company from the start. “Leadership is an awesome responsibility,” he says. “It’s not about money. You’d better know that it’s about taking care of other people.”
This commitment to putting people first — whether they’re employees, customers, or community members — has proved that success in business doesn’t require compromising values. Through careful growth, consistent investment in people, and unwavering dedication to quality, Donnie McMillan Jr. has built more than just a successful company; he’s created a model for how business can be done differently.