Dave Domenichini and Gina Varela Domenichini: A Love That Builds Dreams

A Journey of Life, Business, and Community

When Gina Varela and Dave Domenichini met, they were both successful individuals charting their own courses through life and raising young families. Gina was a Silicon Valley marketing executive and mom to a young daughter. Dave was the founder of DRD construction company in San Jose, and father to a young boy. Both had carved out distinct paths. What neither anticipated was how their shared passions and complementary strengths would lead them to a life of adventure, love, and business collaboration— a journey that would bring them closer not only to each other but to the Morgan Hill community they now call home.

Building a Life Together

" Before we met, I was independently successful and focused," Gina reflects. " When I met Dave, he was also that way— and a real driver. Independently, we were fine, but we both realized there was something the other brought to the relationship that made us better." That realization laid the foundation for a partnership that would thrive in marriage and in business.

When they married, Gina was deeply rooted in Morgan Hill, and Dave was equally committed to San Jose. Early on, changing communities was a nonnegotiable for both. Eventually Dave reconsidered. The move was a turning point for their relationship and his fledging business. " At first, I looked like a hero for moving," Dave jokes. " But Morgan Hill is an amazing community. I can’ t imagine living anywhere else now."

Soon the couple immersed themselves in the local community. Both graduated from the Leadership Morgan Hill program, which strengthened their commitment to giving back. Gina joined the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce board and Rotary Club and volunteered with the VA. Dave became involved with the Morgan Hill Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce. Their volunteerism solidified their place in the community and deepened their connection as a couple.

— Edward Everett Hale

The Birth of Studio 38

In 2019, Gina and Dave launched Studio 38, a spinoff from D. R. Domenichini Construction, Dave’ s construction business,. Gina, ready to leave the high-tech

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