The construction industry in San Diego has taken several major hits since the mid-70s. D. A. Whitacre Construction not only survived those recessions but also came out of them even stronger than before. Donald A Whitacre has demonstrated the ability to predict future needs within his industry. Today his company is involved in many of the major construction and renovation projects in the San Diego area and throughout the western United States.

A native of San Diego, Whitacre became interested in the construction industry while in high school. In 1972 after completing a year of college he moved to Colorado, where he became an apprentice on construction sites. While there he had the opportunity to learn firsthand not just, one trade but ground-up turnkey construction. After returning to San Diego three years later, Whitacre signed up with an overseas contractor for a construction project in Antarctica supporting the National Science Foundation. During his eight month tour, Whitacre's crew worked at the McMurdo Station, the South Pole Station, and on the Ross Ice Shelf. They built new research structures and maintained existing sites including the geodesic dome at the South Pole Station.

It was on this tour that he decided to get his contractor's license upon returning in 1978, Whitacre opened a one-man operation. It was a challenging time to start any business due to the oil embargo and gas rationing that was prevalent during the Carter years. Whitacre resorted to doing almost anything in the residential arena. Eventually he focused on large custom homes. His crews poured the concrete foundation, laid the masonry and framed the structures.

The company entered the commercial market in 1981 doing rough carpentry on commercial projects. With that jump-start and with the return of a healthy economic environment, D.A. Whitacre Construction expanded and grew. Although his company continued to frame houses, its specialty became commercial framing.

By 1984, D. A. Whitacre Construction had grown from a one-person operation to more than 25 employees. Whitacre incorporated and his brother, Bill Whitacre, became the Company's Vice President. Don's wife Vicki took over as Corporate Secretary. Vicki has been an important part of the business putting together bids and prepared payroll on the family coffee cable in their home.

Bill had started with the company while in high school when he worked part time for his brother during the summer. After securing a business degree from San Diego State University, Bill had gone on to work as an real estate appraiser in Los Angeles. In 1984, Bill joined his brother's business full time and has since concentrated on its field operations. Together, they became power players in the commercial building field. By 1990 D.A. Whitacre Construction employed more than 100 framers The Company moved out of Don Whitacre's residence and into the El Cajon location it built.

Then in the 90s the recession and cessation of the defense industry to San Diego hit the construction industry hard. Since Whitacre started the business in a recession, he had a unique insight on survival. Instead of laying off his employees and closing the doors when work became scarce, he confined to keep his core workers on the payroll. The company accepted whatever new construction, remodel or reconstruction job it could find, work not typically performed by the company in the regular market.

His loyalty to his workers paid off. When the construction industry began to grow again, starting in 1995, and jobs were plentiful, his workers stayed with D.A. Whitacre Construction, Inc. In fact, some of the crew have been with his company for more than 18 years! This strong core of highly experienced workers gave him the edge his business needed for rapid growth.

By late 1998, D.A. Whitacre Construction, Inc. had developed enough business to support more than 250 framers and welders and an office staff of 15. Specializing in commercial construction, Whitacre's business focused on commercial wood framing, roof structures and mezzanine decks for tilt-up buildings. They also framed shopping centers, medical buildings, retail centers, auto centers and dealerships, warehouses, hotels, multistory office buildings, restaurants, schools and churches. Business increased dramatically. In 1998 the company completed close to 200 projects.

DA Whitacre Construction's project list is as varied as it is long. The company has worked on Seaworld's Shamu Close Up, Wild Arctic, which won a "Build America Award," the Dolphin Interaction Program and Shipwreck Rapids. The Kona Kai Hotel, Mission Bay Hilton, Fashion Valley and Mission Valley Shopping Center redevelopments and the ARCO Olympic Training Center in Otay Mesa were projects in which D A. Whitacre participated. Other projects include Qualcomm buildings and the San Diego State University library that also won a "Build America Award". DA Whitacre Construction has worked with the best of San Diego's General Contractors.

D.A. Whitacre is already preparing for the future. As wood prices fluctuate, the construction industry is finding new ways to keep construction prices reasonable. Advances in construction technology include the tilt up building construction technique that now incorporates steel along with wood in roof structures and metal decks. D.A. Whitacre Construction provides ongoing training to its workers in the latest framing techniques and safety programs in order to stay on the cutting edge of this industry.

With an eye toward the aesthetic balanced with the expertise that more than 20 years in the construction industry brings, D.A. Whitacre Construction, Inc. continues to be an integral part of the growth and development of San Diego. The company has weathered construction depressions, major changes within the industry and strong competition. It's a safe bet to say that D.A. Whitacre Construction, Inc. is as solid as the structures that it frames.