Dahme Construction

Darrin Dahme: Building Broadly

By Matt Solis, Editor

Some contractors spend their entire careers focused on one specific aspect of the trade, but as Darrin Dahme was presented with more and more opportunities, he realized diversification was the key to his success. “I started as a laborer at a concrete company after finishing high school in 1979 and eventually worked my way up to become a finisher,” he remembers. “After that, I switched to building fences and retaining walls before moving on to hanging drywall and doing metal stud framing. I would basically switch careers based on the weather patterns and the type of work that was available!”

During a fateful job at Pier 39 in San Francisco, Darrin met a collection of people who would forever alter his professional trajectory. “I worked on this project with a group of skilled tradesmen that included a carpenter, an electrician and a plumber,” he explains. “We all taught each other our trades and developed a close relationship based on our shared passion for construction. From there, I started Dahme Construction and I’ve been working in the industry ever since.”

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Darrin currently resides in San Pablo with his wife, Annetta. In addition to the region’s temperate weather, he says he appreciates the diversity of the landscape. “I’ve spent my entire life here and I firmly believe we have the best weather on the planet. Commuting has become increasingly difficult over the years, but the Bay Area offers a unique advantage because you can go in any direction and find something to do, whether it’s hitting the slopes, enjoying the beach or going for a hike.”

Outside of work, Darrin likes to relax with his wife and catch up with his adult sons, two of whom work with him at Dahme Construction, but he’s also quick to point out that the stimulating nature of his profession is more than enough to keep him happy. “My boys and I will get together on Friday nights and play video games online, which is fun,” he says. “Believe it or not, though, I’ve found that my work is actually my hobby because I enjoy building so much. Even outside of the office, I’m always building something. It’s just very satisfying to see the final outcome of something I’ve made.”

In terms of a professional philosophy, Darrin emphasizes the importance of being honest and sincere. “When I come home and lay down at night, I don’t want to have anything hanging over my head,” he says. “That’s why I focus on doing things to the best of my ability and being transparent with my clients. At the end of the day, either I can make it work or I can’t, but I can rest easy knowing I’ve done my best.”

When asked about his “best case scenario” for retirement, Darrin struggles to see a situation where he leaves construction behind for good. “My kids have already told me that I won’t be able to retire because I’ll always have one foot in the door,” he laughs. “Even as I get older, they say I like what I do too much and I’m too focused. But we’ll see…I’ll probably get there one day.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite video game?
A: The Call of Duty series.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee, but only in the morning.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would take my wife to Paris and visit the Eiffel Tower.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?

A: Thanksgiving. We usually have about 40 people in our house, so it’s really nice.

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

A: An early bird. I get up at 2am every day to go to work.