Gabs Danese

About Gabs Danese

Every construction project starts with one critical question: “Can we build this within budget?”Yet too often, builders face delayed schedules, overrun budgets, and missed margins — not because of poor execution, but because the numbers weren’t right from the start. That’s where I come in.I’m an Estimator and Preconstruction Leader with over 10 years of experience helping homebuilders, contractors, and developers turn design intent into real-world budgets that stick. I specialize in precise takeoffs, cost modelling, and vendor alignment, bringing clarity and confidence to the early phases of construction.My approach blends hands-on estimating expertise with strategic thinking. I don’t just quantify materials — I anticipate risks, flag gaps, and structure data to support better purchasing decisions and stronger trade relationships. At Lennar Homes, I helped launch over 15 communities in a single year, ran 58+ plan takeoffs (a 33% increase YoY), and expanded our trade base by 16% — improving bid competitiveness while maintaining scope control.From complex custom finishes to repeatable production builds, I focus on cost clarity and constructability from day one. I’ve worked internationally with high-end commercial clients like Harrods, Selfridges, and MaxMara, and regionally with top national builders here in the U.S. I know how to speak the language of the field, the suppliers, and the spreadsheets.One thing that shaped my mindset early on: I grew up working in my family’s business in Italy, where I learned that relationships drive results. Whether it\'s a site walk with a framer, a last-minute VE review with a developer, or a vendor negotiation, I believe in clear communication, accountability, and treating partners with respect.Now based in Portland, OR, I’m enjoying opportunities where I can contribute to smart, scalable growth. I value companies where we share precision, process improvement, and strong supplier ecosystems.Let’s connect if you are curious to talk about cost certainty and preconstruction strategy.

Experience

1. Purchasing Estimator

   Lennar

   Jun 2021 — Present · Vancouver, WA, US

   Executed over 58 full-scope plan takeoffs (+33% YoY), supporting the successful launch of 15 new residential communities (+35%) across the region — delivering consistent cost certainty in dynamic market conditions.Expanded trade partner network by 16%, successfully onboarding and activating 24 new contractors, increasing bid competitiveness and reducing scope gaps.Streamlined cost modeling and budget reviews across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with design intent, scope, and construction timelines.Negotiated pricing and scopes with suppliers and subcontractors to secure favorable terms while maintaining build quality and spec compliance.Resolved plan and spec conflicts by collaborating across purchasing, construction, and vendor teams — preventing delays and minimizing change orders.Improved purchase order accuracy and audit compliance by reviewing all extras against approved takeoffs and scopes, using Oracle ERP and BuildPro systems.Led internal process improvements, helping standardize bid comparisons, option management, and change order workflows to reduce manual errors.Delivered monthly site condition reports and pre-construction insights that informed field teams and improved readiness for start-of-construction milestones.Trusted as a key link between field operations, trade partners, and estimating, known for proactive communication, accountability, and solution-oriented mindset.

Education

• Oregon State University

  Supply Chain and Logistic Management, Business Administration, Management and Operations

• Liceo Scientifico "L. Da Vinci" Noci (BA)

  High school diploma, Scientific Subjects

  2005 — 2009

• Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi Roma

  BA (Hons) Law, Legal Studies

  2009 — 2013

Skills

• International Sales
• Supply Management
• Social Media
• Warehousing
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Contract Management
• Customer Service
• Public Relations
• Logistics
• Business Strategy
• New Business Development
• Purchasing
• Management
• Business Planning
• Operations Management
• Product Development
• Logistics Management
• Marketing Strategy
• English
• Microsoft Word
• Supply Chain
• Marketing
• Sourcing
• International Business
• Contract Negotiation
• Shipping
• Global Sourcing
• Procurement
• Negotiation
• Supply Chain Management
• Marketing Communications
• Strategic Sourcing
• International Trade
• Research