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Daniel Davis: Like Father, Like Son

By James Florence

When asked how he got into the construction field, Daniel Davis says he was born into it. “My dad, Matt Davis, has been in construction his whole adult life,” he explains. “He started Intentional Contracting in 1999 and expanded the business throughout the 2000s, so I grew up around the industry. I started working for my dad during the summers when I was in high school and went full-time when I turned 18. I’ve continued to work with him for the past decade now.”

Today, as foreman for Intentional Contracting Inc., Daniel says his favorite part of his job is getting technical. “I love reading plans, creating layouts and running numbers. My favorite projects involve complex structures like rafters and stairs. I guess I’m just drawn to the technical aspects of construction.”

Daniel was born and raised in Ukiah, but today he calls Santa Rosa home. “Santa Rosa is very different from Ukiah—busier and more populated, but also a lot of fun,” he says. “It’s a big town, so it has almost everything you could possibly need or want to do. I also like the community here.”

When he’s not working, Daniel enjoys a variety of active pastimes. “I have a five-year-old daughter, so I enjoy spending time with her and just being a dad,” he says. “As far as hobbies, I enjoy anything to do with the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. I grew up on 80 acres, so I spent a lot of time playing outdoors. In the last few years, I’ve also picked up playing pool—I actually played in a tournament league for a time.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Daniel espouses the value and impact of good leadership. “When you’re in a leadership role, it’s important to bring a positive attitude, because your attitude dictates the work atmosphere,” he explains. “You can have a happy, healthy work environment, or you can have a miserable one just based off your attitude and leadership style. I think people in management positions sometimes lose sight of how much influence they have on those around them, so as a foreman, I always try to maintain that perspective.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Daniel says he’d pursue an outdoor lifestyle. “I would buy a big ranch like the one I grew up on. You’d see me in the woods running, fishing, hunting and just enjoying nature. I’d also go traveling with my daughter and give her new experiences.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: It’s a tie between Ireland and New Zealand. I have Irish blood, so it would be cool to visit the place where my ancestors came from. New Zealand looks absolutely beautiful and I get a kick out of the Kiwi accent.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Relax and watch a movie or play games with my daughter.

Q: What kinds of movies do you like?
A: I like movies with twists and turns that make your brain work.

Q: Do you prefer the cold or the heat?
A: The cold. I love going up to Tahoe in the winter.