We Love Deck Builders

If you feel like you’re working just as hard—but the jobs you’re getting aren’t the ones you actually want—this is for you.A lot of deck builders think they have a lead problem. But in reality, it’s a positioning and system problem. The way your business shows up, your website, your messaging, and your follow-up directly impacts the type of clients you attract.In this episode, April breaks down:• Why you’re attracting the wrong jobs• What’s actually driving low-quality leads• How to shift from taking whatever comes in… to attracting the projects you wantBecause getting better jobs isn’t about getting lucky.It’s about building a system that brings the right people to you.Hosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast.Learn more about April Edwardshttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/------------------------------Take the Next Step:-------------------------------Sign up for a FREE Growth Strategy Sessionhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/get-started/Get a copy of The Deck Builder Marketing Playbookhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/book/Join the Deck Builder Marketing Mastermindhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/join-group/-------------------------------Follow Deck Builder Marketers:-------------------------------Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/deckbuildermarketersLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deckbuildermarketers/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/deckbuildermarketers/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@deckbuildermarketers-------------------------------Who This Channel Is For:-------------------------------+ Deck Builders+ Outdoor living contractors+ Construction business owners+ Builders looking to grow+ Contractors who want consistent, high-quality leads & better projects

What does building a successful business really look like behind the scenes?In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast, April Edwards brings on her husband, Isaac, for an honest conversation about the reality of growth—what it takes, what it costs, and what actually matters along the way.They will cover:• The unseen challenges of building a business while raising a family• The hardest seasons and how they worked through them• What actually drives real, sustainable growthThis is a different kind of episode—less about marketing, more about the life behind it. Building a business should support your life, not take it over.If you’re working toward more control, better projects, and a business that works for you, book a free strategy session at deckbuildermarketers.com/strategy.If you are interested in being a guest on We 💚 Deck Builders, you can apply at deckbuildermarketers.com/podcast.-------------Hosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast.Learn more about April Edwardshttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/------------------------------Take the Next Step:-------------------------------Sign up for a FREE Growth Strategy Sessionhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/get-started/Get a copy of The Deck Builder Marketing Playbookhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/book/Join the Deck Builder Marketing Mastermindhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/join-group/-------------------------------Follow Deck Builder Marketers:-------------------------------Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/deckbuildermarketersLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deckbuildermarketers/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/deckbuildermarketers/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@deckbuildermarketers-------------------------------Who This Channel Is For:-------------------------------+ Deck Builders+ Outdoor living contractors+ Construction business owners+ Builders looking to grow+ Contractors who want consistent, high-quality leads & better projects

Most deck builders think free estimates are just “part of the business.” But what if they’re actually the reason your calendar is full — and your profit isn’t?In this episode, Brad Huebner — Marine veteran, former contractor, and founder of Hammer & Grind — breaks down why free estimates keep builders stuck in the grind and how to shift into a real sales process that protects your time and increases close rates.After completing over 2,500 jobs in his own construction company, Brad learned that discipline, leadership, and structure matter just as much in sales as they do on the job site. Now he helps contractors stop chasing unqualified leads and start building predictable, profitable sales systems.If you’re tired of driving around giving free quotes that go nowhere, this episode will challenge how you sell — and show you a better way.Sneak peek:Why free estimates quietly lower your authority — and attract price shoppers.How a paid consultation model increases close rates and protects your time.The exact sales mindset shift deck builders must make to stop chasing unqualified leads.Website: hammerandgrind.comPodcast: https://www.youtube.com/@hammerandgrindpodcastBook: Contractor Profit Blueprint https://www.thecontractorprofitblueprint.comFree Ebook Use Code: deckbuilderHosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast.Learn more about April Edwardshttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/------------------------------Take the Next Step:-------------------------------Sign up for a FREE Growth Strategy Sessionhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/get-started/Get a copy of The Deck Builder Marketing Playbookhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/book/Join the Deck Builder Marketing Mastermindhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/join-group/-------------------------------Follow Deck Builder Marketers:-------------------------------Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/deckbuildermarketersLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deckbuildermarketers/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/deckbuildermarketers/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@deckbuildermarketers-------------------------------Who This Channel Is For:-------------------------------+ Deck Builders+ Outdoor living contractors+ Construction business owners+ Builders looking to grow+ Contractors who want consistent, high-quality leads & better projects

What if the people supplying your materials see growth signals in your business before you do?In this episode, April Edwards chats with Lainie Sleppin and Trisha Holman of Decks & Docks to unpack what suppliers and manufacturers are seeing across the market right now—and what separates the builders who are scaling from the ones who feel stuck.From professionalism in 2026 to co-op marketing dollars, partnership opportunities, and common mistakes builders make when asking for support, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually earns long-term backing from manufacturers.In this workshop, we’ll break down: • The real signals suppliers look for when deciding who to support • What builders misunderstand about co-op marketing and partnerships • Market shifts happening now that smart builders are paying attention todecks-docks.com@deck_dialogue­_dutchessofdecking.comtholman@decks-docks.comlspleppin@deck-docks.comAnd stop in to see their new showroom in Cornelius, NC!Hosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast.Learn more about April Edwardshttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/------------------------------Take the Next Step:-------------------------------Sign up for a FREE Growth Strategy Sessionhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/get-started/Get a copy of The Deck Builder Marketing Playbookhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/book/Join the Deck Builder Marketing Mastermindhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/join-group/-------------------------------Follow Deck Builder Marketers:-------------------------------Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/deckbuildermarketersLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deckbuildermarketers/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/deckbuildermarketers/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@deckbuildermarketers-------------------------------Who This Channel Is For:-------------------------------+ Deck Builders+ Outdoor living contractors+ Construction business owners+ Builders looking to grow+ Contractors who want consistent, high-quality leads & better projects

The builders who have strong seasons don’t wait until April to fix what’s broken — they tighten up the systems now.In this live episode, we’ll cover:• What to review on your website before demand picks up • Why lead quality matters more than lead volume • The sales gaps that quietly hurt your close rate • How strategic builders prepare differentlyIf you want spring to feel intentional instead of reactive, join us live.Hosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders PodcastLearn more about April Edwardshttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/------------------------------Take the Next Step:-------------------------------Sign up for a FREE Growth Strategy Sessionhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/get-started/Get a copy of The Deck Builder Marketing Playbookhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/book/Join the Deck Builder Marketing Mastermindhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/join-group/-------------------------------Follow Deck Builder Marketers:-------------------------------Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/deckbuildermarketersLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deckbuildermarketers/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/deckbuildermarketers/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@deckbuildermarketers-------------------------------Who This Channel Is For:-------------------------------+ Deck Builders+ Outdoor living contractors+ Construction business owners+ Builders looking to grow+ Contractors who want consistent, high-quality leads & better projects

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Antonelli, CEO of KickCharge® Creative, to talk about how branding directly affects the quality of leads deck builders attract. We break down why solid craftsmanship isn’t enough if your trucks, website, and visuals don’t build trust fast — and how homeowners decide who feels “legit” before ever reaching out. Dan Antonelli shares what he sees holding builders back, where branding costs jobs without anyone realizing it, and what matters most to homeowners when choosing a deck builder.Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:• How homeowners decide you’re “premium” before they ever call, based on your trucks, website, and overall branding.• The small branding mistakes that quietly cost deck builders good leads and attract price-shoppers instead.• What deck builders should fix first to get better leads without increasing ad spend, according to KickCharge Creative.Check out Dan's latest book:Branded Not Blane: Kickcharge® Your Home Service Brandhttps://www.kickcharge.com/tips-tools/our-books-on-branding/(and more)https://www.kickcharge.com/Hosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast.Learn more about April Edwardshttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/------------------------------Take the Next Step:-------------------------------Sign up for a FREE Growth Strategy Sessionhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/get-started/Get a copy of The Deck Builder Marketing Playbookhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/book/Join the Deck Builder Marketing Mastermindhttps://deckbuildermarketers.com/join-group/-------------------------------Follow Deck Builder Marketers:-------------------------------Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/deckbuildermarketersLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/deckbuildermarketers/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/deckbuildermarketers/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@deckbuildermarketers-------------------------------Who This Channel Is For:-------------------------------+ Deck Builders+ Outdoor living contractors+ Construction business owners+ Builders looking to grow+ Contractors who want consistent, high-quality leads & better projects

We’re breaking down why momentum often drops right after a builder decides to grow, including what gets underestimated early on, and what separates builders who gain traction from those who stall.

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Boswell from Boswell & Associates, a leading marketing and consulting agency specializing in retail space optimization. Michael shares his expertise on designing showrooms that can maximize ROI for deck builders. With years of experience helping businesses in the outdoor living industry drive sales through strategic space design, he offers actionable insights on how to create a showroom that not only attracts customers but also boosts conversions. If you’re a deck builder looking to optimize your showroom and improve your client engagement, this episode is packed with tips that can transform your business.

In this episode, we chat with David Settlemyer, lead designer at Under The Sun Concepts (UTS Concepts), a luxury design and build firm known for its stunning custom outdoor living spaces. Recently, David and UTS Concepts partnered on multiple projects recognized at the 2025 NADRA National Deck Awards, including top honors for Open Porch and Product Display. He shares his design process, how UTS brings decks, patios, and outdoor features to life, and what’s next in luxury outdoor design.

Dr. Decks has an incredible reputation for sharing real-world insights and practical tips that will elevate your deck-building game. Whether you’re looking for business strategies, tech tips, or just some honest, builder-to-builder conversations, you’ll want to tune in.

In this live session, we’ll be diving into how JobTread can help streamline your deck building process, from project management to job tracking and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to improve your workflow or simplify your operations, this is the perfect opportunity to see how JobTread can transform your business.

In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast, April Edwards talks with Jeremy Wilkins, co-founder of Deck Van Gogh and creator of @DeckMasterJ. With over 20 years in the trades, Jeremy shares his journey of building a business focused on education, transparency, and innovation. From ultra-lean leadership to real-time client designs, Jeremy reveals his approach to growing a successful deck company and brand. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to grow your business, improve systems, and lead with transparency.

In the final episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re joined by Eric Fortenberry, Founder and CEO of JobTread Software. Eric is here to talk about his upcoming session at DeckExpo, “The Business Playbook: How to Build a Great Company from the Ground Up,” and share insights on how deck builders can scale and sustain successful businesses. We’ll also discuss JobTread’s software solutions for optimizing operations, increasing profitability, and improving customer experience. As this series wraps up, we’ll reflect on the incredible value DeckExpo has to offer and why it’s a can’t-miss event for anyone in the decking industry.

On this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re joined by Chris Breen, co-founder of Legacy Decks Academy, a coaching program dedicated to helping deck builders build scalable, profitable businesses. Chris is here to talk about his upcoming sessions at DeckExpo, including his “Deck Business Blueprint” series and “The Hiring Funnel” workshop. He’ll also share what’s new with Legacy Decks Academy, any special offerings at their booth, and what builders can expect when they visit them at Booth 3135.

On this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re joined by Tommy Holstein, owner of Solid Ground, Mike Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Construction Inc., Andy Henley, owner of Hen-House Decks, and April Edwards, owner of Deck Builder Marketers. They’re here to talk about their upcoming panel at DeckExpo, “Winning High-End Clients: The Art of Selling Luxury Outdoor Living” on the Show Floor Education: Outdoor Living Stage. In this episode, they share insights from their experience working with high-end clients, strategies for positioning a business as a premium brand, and why builders should attend the session to learn from top pros in the industry.

In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re joined by Steve Guiffre, Contractor Development Manager at Trex Company. Steve shares his wealth of experience, giving insights into Trex’s innovative decking solutions, sustainability efforts, and the company’s role in helping deck builders grow their businesses.

In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast DeckExpo series, we’re chatting with Sean Collinsgru, owner of Premier Outdoor Living LLC, a design-build firm specializing in custom outdoor living spaces throughout Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. Sean brings his hands-on expertise in decks, patios, and hardscapes to discuss his upcoming DeckExpo session, “Choosing The Right Pressure-Treated Wood for Your Project.” He shares insights on selecting the proper lumber for long-lasting, high-quality projects and tips for building stronger client relationships.

On this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast – DeckExpo Series, we’re talking with Brett Kelly, CEO of MOSO® North America, a leader in sustainable bamboo decking and building materials. Brett shares his expertise on bamboo as a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwoods, along with insights on MOSO®’s offerings, certifications, and industry innovations. Builders and contractors will enjoy hearing Brett’s perspective on durability, sustainability, and why MOSO® is worth checking out at DeckExpo.

Welcome to the We Love Deck Builders Podcast DeckExpo series! In this episode, we’re chatting with Jon Witt, Technical Advisor for CUTEK® and a seasoned pro with over 25 years in deck design, construction, and sustainable outdoor solutions. Jon shares insights from his experience in the decking industry, his work with contractors and builders, and what’s inspiring him at DeckExpo this year. Builders of all experience levels will enjoy hearing Jon’s perspective on wood protection, sustainability, and how to approach high-quality decking projects.

In this first episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast DeckExpo series, we’re thrilled to have Tony McKlem, the owner of Hollywood Decks, as our very first guest! Tony is a seasoned professional in the deck building industry, known for his expertise in creating high-end outdoor living spaces. This year, he’s bringing his knowledge to DeckExpo with sessions that focus on improving the deck-building process, including efficient quoting and leveraging social media for business growth. Tune in to hear Tony’s insights on his business journey, the valuable topics he’ll be covering at DeckExpo, and how he’s helping builders improve their businesses and processes.