Dana A Graves

Dana Allen Graves 03/08/22 - 10/20/16 Dana was born during the depression years in Tampa, as an only child in a financially struggling home. They relocated to St. Petersburg in 1931. Dana helped the family by delivering newspapers and fishing for food. He graduated from St. Petersburg High and took some college courses while working as a residential block mason. This past created a man who was very self motivated. He was an avid reader of motivational material and economics and was truly a self made man. Dana was an individual rather than a conformist who had difficulty making "small" talk. He was a hands on person who was never too righteous to get into the trenches to get a job done. Starting with a wheel barrel in the trunk of his car, he began laying block and Dan Graves Masonry slowly grew into one of the largest masonry subcontractors in Pinellas county employing 400-500 people. He was responsible for Pinellas County requiring mason subcontractors to be licensed. As economics warranted it, he began making block at his plant on Ulmerton Road in Largo for commercial and residential builders. Witnessing the change of tide, he switched gears in the 1970's to a block plant and the business became known as Dana Industries. This company became a formidable force in the county. He was respected for the ability to create his success in spite of the competition of many well "heeled" large companies. This success was due in part to the fact that he was never too proud to collect his money. Cash flow was his forte. Even in the worst of times he never left a creditor unpaid. Failure was not an option. During these years he developed and built affordable family homes in Monticello Gardens in Pinellas Park. Over the years, often wondering how he would financially manage to do it, he purchased land around him to eventually hold 45 acres of prime commercial property. Utilizing part of that land he built The Ulmerton Industrial Mart. This successful facility provided shop space for small business to get a start and flourish. In 1986 he hired his daughter, Janis to manage this business for him, enabling him to dedicate his talents to other pursuits. Once he retired Dana Industries he named his company Macrae Incorporated as a name sake to his wife: Victoria Macrae Lindsay. As if these accomplishments were not enough, during the years that most people would retire, he went on to develop his former home site in Safety Harbor into a 30 lot residential community named Los Arcos. His wife insisted that the road through the subdivision be named Dana Drive. He and his wife Tori, took great care to build beautiful homes that were recognized for their quality due in great part to the hands on construction.. Her intervention and advise was invaluable throughout his business life. He always named her as the reason for his success. He was honored to serve on the Board of Directors at what was than the Landmark Union Trust Bank. He was a member of the PACT Dress Circle and a member of the Contractors Builders Association. Although free time was obviously scarce, Dana played tennis and golf. He loved to fly fish or catch kingfish and mackerel. He fulfilled a dream by fly fishing in Scotland. To keep in shape he jogged 3 times a week at 6:00 A.M. No one could ever believe his age since he looked younger and worked harder than most men half his age. People often asked the family "how old is this man?" He served as an inspiration in many regards to all who know him. He was filled with interesting facts. Going on a trip with him was a learning experience since he held a wealth of information. It wasn't just a pretty building, it was built this way because of... and by the way did you know.... They do not often make such men.