From Toddler to Top of the Line
Dana Milner grew up following around his contractor Dad in his cabinetry shop, absorbing (along with sawdust) the basic principles of making tools and wood work together. At 16, he went to work as a carpentry apprentice. Wanting to expand his horizons as well as being aware that being a contractor means more than just wielding a hammer, he studied business management at San Jose State. He then specialized as a licensed masonry contractor for 12 years, during which time he built ornamental waterfalls, built-in slate showers and concrete block warehouses. His experience working with structurally engineered concrete and foundations is particularly pertinent in this earthquake-prone area. Local real estate agents retain Dana as a foundation expert.
For the last 18 years, he has worked as a general contractor, specializing in one- and two-story additions to and remodels of older East Bay homes. A general contractor now, he brings to every project 30 years of knowledge of structural integrity, craftsmanship and design excellence.
Security is a crucial aspect of any profession, and we’re tops in this area, too. Fenway Frank, our miniature dachshund, guards Dana’s truck every day, and occasionally brings in a client, for which he earns the bare bones of a commission.
Dana Milner has the distinction of being recognized by the Contractors State License Board for demonstrating exceptional professionalism and generosity. The Board named Dana as one of the “Good Guys” for his work as house captain for a particularly demanding Rebuilding Together project. Dana has volunteered as a house captain for a decade for the national Rebuilding Together program, which retrofits homes of the elderly poor. He was also recognized by Rebuilding Together as House Captain of the Year in 2003.
The Albany Chamber of Commerce named Dana “Citizen of the Year” for his work on another extensive Rebuilding Together project and for helping the Friends of the Albany Library on numerous occasions. He was on Albany’s Earth Quake Preparedness Plan (EQPP) steering committee and taught many homeowners how to strap their hot water heaters to keep them upright to prevent fires during an earthquake.
A past president of the Albany Rotary Club, he is a member of its Board of Directors and chairs the Community Service Committee. He served two years as president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and is a member of its Board of Directors. He is also a member of the City of Albany Disaster Policy Advisory Group and the Alameda County Builders Exchange.
: : : :
