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We Love Deck Builders
We Love Deck Builders
Author: We Love Deck Builders
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Join "We Love Deck Builders," hosted by April Edwards, for key deck building insights. Get expert strategies, insider tips, and interviews with top professionals. Each episode offers practical advice, addressing real-world challenges to enhance your business and profitability. Ideal for both seasoned builders and newcomers, this podcast is a trove of wisdom, inspiring excellence in the deck building community. Subscribe for your dose of skill enhancement, business growth, and a sense of shared passion in the art of deck building.
42 Episodes
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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.
In this episode of We Love Deck Builders, host April Edwards is once again joined by Mike Beaudry, the owner of NADRA, to preview the upcoming Southern California Regional Networking Event. Set for September 4, 2025, in Carlsbad, CA, this event offers the perfect opportunity for deck builders and outdoor living professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Mike shares exciting updates on the 2025 National+ Deck Competition, DeckExpo 2025, and the latest industry trends. Whether you’re new to NADRA or a returning member, this event promises something for everyone. Tune in to hear how you can make the most of this networking opportunity and stay ahead in the decking industry!
AI isn’t just for Silicon Valley — it’s for deck builders, too. In this episode of We Love Deck Builders, April Edwards sits down with Andy Henley (Hen-House Decks) and Mike Mitchell (Mitchell Construction), the voices behind From the Field in Deck Specialist Magazine. These two seasoned pros are breaking down how they’re actually using AI — not in theory, but on the job.From estimating and quoting to marketing and project management, we dig into the real wins, lessons learned, and how AI is helping them scale smarter. If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure where to start, this episode is packed with practical insights.Because here’s the truth: AI isn’t optional anymore. It’s a tool — just like your saw or CRM — and the builders who learn how to use it will grow. The ones who don’t? They’ll fall behind.
In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast, host April Edwards sits down with Larry Collins, President of HFS Financial, to discuss how offering consumer financing can help deck builders scale their businesses and increase conversions. Larry shares insights from over 30 years in the finance industry, breaking down the process of offering financing, the benefits for deck builders, and how it can significantly boost business growth. You’ll learn how to integrate financing seamlessly into your business, the importance of providing financing options to your customers, and how HFS Financial supports contractors with free marketing materials to make the process even easier. If you’re ready to take your deck-building business to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
In this episode of We Love Deck Builders, host April Edwards delivers a reality check for deck builders looking to grow their brand. If you're hoping for a marketing miracle that will magically triple your revenue overnight, this episode isn’t for you. Marketing isn’t a quick fix—it’s a vital department in your business that needs your involvement. April shares why collaboration and communication with your marketing team are essential for success and how showing up can lead to bigger projects and better clients. Tune in to learn why investing in marketing is a long-term strategy that pays off when you treat it like a true business department.
In this episode of We Love Deck Builders, host April Edwards sits down with Tyler Anders, owner of Hometown Builders Unlimited in Wisconsin. Tyler shares how he built a trusted deck-building brand, his approach to custom projects, and tips on growing a successful business while maintaining quality.From setting expectations with clients to marketing strategies that attract the right leads, Tyler offers valuable insights for deck builders looking to scale. If you want to grow your brand and deliver exceptional work, this episode is for you!Check out Hometown Builders Unlimited at hometownbuildersunlimited.com.
In this episode of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast, our host April Edwards sits down with Eric Fortenberry, founder and CEO of JobTread, to share game-changing insights. Learn how to overcome operational pitfalls, organize your processes, and drive profits with confidence. Whether you’re growing past the $1M mark or looking to streamline a booming business, this episode is packed with actionable tips you don’t want to miss!
In this insightful episode of We Love Deck Builders, host April welcomes Pastor Joel Phillips of Escondido Christian Church to discuss the harmonious blend of personal faith and professional endeavors. They explore how one's beliefs can authentically influence business practices, leadership styles, and interactions within the workplace. This conversation offers valuable perspectives for those striving to remain genuine in their faith while navigating the complexities of the business world.




