Feb 28, 2023

^{Donald Rindahl with his company vehicle.}

Donald was the owner of DAR Contracting, a business he founded in 1997. DAR was a general contractor, specializing in high-end kitchen and bath remodeling. In addition, they built rec rooms, office spaces, designed custom moldings and crowns, and provided turnkey countertop replacements along with many other interior custom renovations.

On May 31, 2015, Donald had an accident on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Donald was on a three-day ride when the bike lost aerodynamics, causing a high-speed wobble that was unrecoverable. The result was a T-3 complete spinal cord injury. The financial impact was devastating. Donald went from making six figures to living on Social Security disability. One day, while speaking with a designer that worked for him, Donald learned of the Joseph Groh Foundation. This foundation was created to provide information, advocacy and financial support to people in the contracting industry who are affected by life-altering disabilities. From there, Donald decided to take the next steps and reach out to the foundation. He sent in a request for assistance to help make his house more accessible so that he could become more independent and productive.

“From the moment I crashed, laying in the grass next to my bike and knowing I could not move my legs and that I broke my back, I had my little pity party, and told myself that I was not going to be a burden on anyone. I had a positive attitude and busted my butt in rehab to get better. Without the ability to access the basement of the new home I will not be able to access my shop, where I could make some money for our family as well as enjoy my woodworking hobby. So much has been taken away and there are so many things I no longer can do. The ramp will make it easier to get into my home, and the deck will allow me to enjoy the outdoors on a nice day. I only hope that you see my need to be independent, and for myself and get back a few of the things I have lost.”

Thanks to the contributions of generous sponsors, the Joseph Groh Foundation made Donald’s request happen.

^{Donald alongside several of his new wheelchair-accessible ramps and doorways.}

When completed, Donald sent the foundation a note saying, “The ramps and decks were finished yesterday. They turned out fabulous! Thank you so much for everything you have done for us!”

Daikin is a proud supporter of The Joseph Groh Foundation. Donald's story is made possible through the generous donations of the Foundation's sponsors. Light your beacon for others and become a Joseph Groh Foundation Luminary today.