Home improvement might conjure images of contractors hammering shingles or installing windows, but for Donnie McMillan Jr., the industry represents far more than a series of tasks — it's about creating lasting impact on people's lives. As CEO of DaBella, a leading home improvement company he founded in 2011, McMillan has reshaped the industry through innovative leadership, a relentless commitment to people, and a vision that prioritizes growth with purpose.

Today, DaBella operates in 20 states, setting a standard for excellence in an industry that has long struggled with customer satisfaction and workforce stability. McMillan's journey, approach, and values provide a blueprint for transforming not just a company, but an entire sector.

Starting With a Purpose

McMillan's entry into the home improvement industry wasn't planned — it was the result of life's unexpected turns. Originally a salesperson in the computer industry, he transitioned to selling windows, and after the company he worked for closed its doors, he went on to found DaBella. "There were people in my life and employment-wise, they were saying, 'What's next?' and I wanted to help them," McMillan recounts. "I started this company, in some ways, for them."

DaBella's name, inspired by his twins David and Isabella, reflects the company's family-oriented ethos. "When we started the company, we wanted to make sure we had a family atmosphere," McMillan says. "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."

From the start, McMillan envisioned DaBella as more than a business — it would be a force for good, rooted in empathy and respect for both customers and employees.

Transforming Customer Experience

One of McMillan's primary goals has been to elevate the customer experience in an industry often criticized for poor communication and unmet expectations. "Home improvement can have challenges with customers and contractors not seeing eye to eye, and we want to change that at DaBella," McMillan candidly states. "Communication, transparency, and honesty are key to our values."

McMillan has instilled a culture of honesty, care, and respect. Employees are taught to approach every project as if they were working on a 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?" he says​.

This commitment to customer satisfaction has earned DaBella a reputation for integrity and quality, with customer reviews frequently highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the company's teams.

Investing in People: A Workforce Revolution

At the heart of McMillan's transformation of the home improvement industry is his revolutionary approach to workforce development. DaBella has an internally focused growth plan. "It doesn't matter where you start. It matters where you finish," McMillan says​.

To facilitate this growth, DaBella offers robust training programs and clear career pathways for employees. Weekly self-improvement courses, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities are integral to the company's culture. "We spend a lot of time on leadership development and teamwork," McMillan shares. "Roughly, you know, an average employee is getting about two hours a week in some sort of self-growth, teamwork, or leadership deal."​

This investment in people has paid dividends, 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. The company's focus on internal promotion boosts morale, and it also ensures that leaders fully understand the business and its values​.

Driving Innovation in Products and Services

In addition to transforming customer relationships and employee development, McMillan has redefined what innovation looks like in 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 meet growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly options while also aligning with McMillan's vision of reducing environmental impact while improving quality of life.

A standout example is DaBella's partnership with GAF, a leading roofing manufacturer, to offer exclusive solar-integrated roofing systems. "Our goal is to provide solutions that make homes not just beautiful but also functional and sustainable," McMillan says. These innovations are part of what has positioned DaBella as a leader in an increasingly competitive market​.

Building Community Through Philanthropy

For McMillan, transforming the home improvement industry goes beyond financial success — it's about creating a positive impact in the communities DaBella serves. The company's DaBella Cares initiative, which raises funds for cancer charities, exemplifies this commitment. In October 2024, DaBella raised $280,000 through self-funding. Additionally, the company regularly provides free home improvement projects for veterans and families in need​​ through its Operation Hero in partnership with the GAF Community Contractor Program.

McMillan's vision for community engagement is ambitious. His goal is to eventually offer free projects in every market DaBella serves, a logistical challenge he embraces with enthusiasm. "It's not just about growing the business. It's about making a difference, one home at a time," he says​.

A Culture of Excellence

What truly sets McMillan apart is his ability to create a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of DaBella's operations. This culture is rooted in the company's core values: leadership, growth, and care. "Growth with success through the success of others. That's a cultural thing. We can't get anywhere on our own," McMillan explains. These values guide everything from hiring practices to customer interactions, ensuring that DaBella remains true to its mission as it expands​​.

DaBella's emphasis on leadership and personal development has also fostered a sense of purpose among employees. "Every voice here matters," McMillan says. "If you're in leadership, it's an awesome responsibility."

A Vision for the Future

As DaBella continues to grow, McMillan remains focused on pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in home improvement. The company's expansion into new markets, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, reflects a vision that goes beyond profit.

"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 that DaBella stays adaptable and innovative, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing industry​.

Redefining Industry Standards

Donnie McMillan Jr.'s combination of servant leadership, groundbreaking innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people has built DaBella into a model of excellence and integrity. From empowering employees to delivering exceptional customer experiences, McMillan's approach offers a roadmap for how businesses can thrive while making a meaningful impact.

As McMillan himself puts it: "Leadership is an awesome responsibility, and it's about taking care of other people." It's this philosophy that has not only propelled DaBella to success but also redefined what the home improvement industry can achieve.