Another of Dan Dowling's favorite details, in the Carolands, is the inlaid sunburst that serves as the focal point for the spectacular hardwood floors in the French Parlour.

"I think of construction as a carefully choreographed ballet. Everybody has to appear at the right time. And the same with the materials. If you get out of sync, even by a little bit, it can mean cost overruns. So the computers allow him to orchestrate the ballet flawlessly.

"There are three things that make a contractor succeed: craft, management and aesthetics. The craft is being able to measure accurately, and drive a nail. Management is the art of making a successful bid. Bid too high and you lose the bid. Bid too low and you don't make any money. And then there's the aesthetics. Does it have form and function?" Dan is literally the only contractor I know who has all three qualities in equal measure. In fact, the only thing that's keeping him from becoming a much bigger company is that he's very fussy about who works for him. He would rather have a limited company for the mean time, until he finds the right people."

owling's business cruised by past the five year pylon, by which time most contracting firms have failed. In a twist of irony, in that fifth year, Joe Montana bought the remodeled house that Dowling had to sell during the recession.

"He gave it to his mother and father as a surprise present," muses Dowling,"which meant a lot to me because I loved that house. It had come to symbolize for me the inherent value of my work, without regard for money. I was very flattered. It was a validation."

The recognition of his work has continued to flow. His sacrifice is paying off, as well as his comprehensive knowledge of the whole profession, particularly the importance of fulfilling one's obligations.

"It's in the nobility of the contract, which demands sharp reasoning, a firm grasp of the physical realm, financial acumen, and the ability to get along with other people. To me, it's a special honor. I want to be the one who makes things happen. I love the execution."

Although successful today, the sacrifices and risks he has born are never far from his mind. "When I feel run ragged, I sometimes think back on my dad's description of the carving on Phaethon's tomb, 'Here Phaethon lies who drove the sun god's car; greatly he failed, but greatly he dared.' This business will never be easy. Sometimes the challenges ahead appear greater than those behind."
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When asked if he has sacrificed too much, foregone too many outside interests, and put too much at risk, he furrows his brow. "There's no doubt it's an enormous amount of responsibility. But it's as if I have to fulfill a contract with myself. There is no other way I know to get the rewards." Then an impish smile breaks through. "You could give it a try yourself. You might get struck by Zeus and live to tell the tale."