PRINCIPAL

As the owner of D. Best Construction, Doug serves as the CEO and COO of the daily operations and has, since its inception. With over 45 years of construction experience and management, a background in corporate finance and operations, and a long history of managing Island businesses, he brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to his company.

 

Doug grew up on job sites in Denver, Colorado and suburban Chicago through the 60s. He worked in the booming steel industry in the 70s and in various construction trades through college. Doug graduated from Western State Colorado University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a major in Business and minor in Economics.

 

He came to the Island in 1987 with Tele-Media Corporation where he oversaw the acquisition of Dukes County Cable, the local cable TV system. Doug managed and turned around the local cable system for the next 10 years, managed the New England Regional Division, and headed up the Mergers and Acquisitions department that helped to create one of the top 10 radio and cable companies in the US during the early 90s.

 

Doug bought his first home on the Island in 1988 in Edgartown on N. Summer Street. The house, which was built in 1780, was his first historic restoration on-Island. Doug served on the town's Historic District Commission for several years. In 1999 he purchased Takemmy Farm in West Tisbury and renovated some of the historic structures on that property. The original home was built circa 1750 and was the home to Dr. Smith, one of the first Island doctors.

 

In 2000 he started D. Best Construction. To date the company has completed approximately 700 projects on the Island, some of which have become very visible and well known.

 

Doug is very involved in the Island community and serves on several boards. He is currently the Vice President of the Martha’s Vineyard Builders’ Association and has previously served as a member of the Oak Bluffs Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, and served as the town's representative to the Cable TV Advisory Board. He recently completed an 8-year stint as the Treasurer/Finance Committee Chairman and as a Board Member for the YMCA. Doug rejoined the board in 2000 and serves as the Chair of the Facilities Committee. In addition to his continued involvement in the community, Doug joined the board of Harbor Homes of MV in 2020, the Island organization working to house the homeless and to feed and care for those less fortunate. He chairs the Facilities Committee with this organization as well. Doug also has an annual fundraiser for local charities and throughout each year makes donations and provides service to many Island charities and groups.

 

After raising two families on the Island and tackling seven personal home projects here, a renovation and expansion of a West Tisbury mini-estate. He is an avid jogger who enjoys the countless forest trails and road races the Island has to offer and can think of no other place he'd rather live. He is doing what he enjoys, both professionally and personally, and doing it where he wants to be!