We Love Deck Builders

No script. No fluff. Just real conversations around what’s actually happening right now—and what deck builders need to be paying attention to. If you're serious about growing your business, this is one you won’t want to miss. What to expect: Topics that deck builders should be paying attention to right now Insights and conversations you won’t hear anywhere else Real talk around what’s working...

Paid ads aren’t what they used to be—and if you’re running Google Ads the same way you did even a year ago, you’re already falling behind. In this episode, April sits down with Vinita Swami, PPC Specialist at Deck Builder Marketers, to break down what’s actually changing in paid ads right now. From AI-driven campaigns to automation inside Google Ads, they unpack what’s working, what’s not, and whe...

Most builders focus on doing great work—but in today’s market, that’s only part of the equation. In this episode, Wes Kain shares how he’s built a career that goes beyond the job site, combining construction experience with branding, visibility, and opportunity. From TV to racing to industry partnerships, his perspective challenges how most builders think about growth. In this workshop, we’ll brea...

Most deck builders do not have a lead problem. They have a system problem; and proof is one of the biggest pieces they are missing. In this solo episode, April breaks down why your best work is not selling your next project, what serious homeowners are checking before they ever call, and how Builder Story Day fixes the proof gap in one focused day. What you will walk away with:Why "more leads...

In this episode, Phil Parsons from KP Homescapes shares the shift from high-output construction to a more structured, engineering-driven way of building—where planning, performance, and systems drive every project.  What we'll cover: What actually breaks when you scale without systems in place Why narrowing your focus leads to better execution and stronger projects How thinking like an enginee...

As a deck builder, it’s easy to get stuck handling everything yourself—from leads to customer service to operations. But what happens when those tasks start piling up and slowing down your growth? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Allen, VP of Sales at Sphere Rocket VA, to discuss how deck builders can leverage virtual assistants (VAs) to solve their biggest bottlenecks. Whether it's c...

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:...

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 hardes...

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 in...

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 d...

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 differently If you want spring to feel intentional instead o...

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 b...

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. Hosted by April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers and host of the We Love Deck Builders Podcast. Learn more about April Edwards https://deckbuildermarketers.com/april-edwards/ ------------------...

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 i...

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 br...

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...

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 s...

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...

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”...

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-Tre...

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. Builder...

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. Build...