The Dr Decks Podcast

Meet Clint Holsing, a third-generation contractor whose path through the construction industry took him from framing and siding to becoming one of the top Aero Barrier dealers in the United States. Clint shares his unconventional upbringing, moving 11 times before age 15 as his builder father sold the family home repeatedly, always living in show-ready houses that felt like museums. You'll hear ab...

Meet Chris Breen, whose journey from living in a camper at a storage facility to running Legacy Decks and the Legacy Decks Academy is one of the most inspiring stories in the deck building industry. In this episode, Chris opens up about his unconventional path - from growing up in Michigan with a firefighter/builder/racecar driver dad, to his quarter midget racing childhood, to eventually finding...

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of LA Decks, a company that transformed dreams into reality. Discover how founders Noah and Victor navigated their path from Israel to Los Angeles, overcoming challenges and building a successful business in the decking industry. This episode explores their personal stories, the hurdles they faced, and the determination that fueled their success. Tune...

Meet Ryan Smith, better known as "Roof Slayer" on social media, whose journey from building childhood tree forts to running a nationwide roof cutting business is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Ryan shares his 30-year evolution in the trades, from his early days as a framing carpenter in upstate New York to developing a unique business model that ships pre-cut roof systems across Ame...

Join us as we dive into the world of outdoor innovation with Andrea, a key player at Outdure. Discover how Andrea's passion for adventure and her unique insights have shaped her journey in the outdoor living industry. From the challenges of transitioning from a professional wakeboarding career to making a significant impact at Outdure, Andrea shares her experiences and the innovative solutions tha...

In this week's episode of the DDP, Diamondback Damani shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key figure at Diamondback. Through candid conversations with Calvin, Damani opens up about his experiences growing up as a military brat, his passion for soccer, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Listeners will be inspired by Damani's resilience and determination a...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Mike Young, a dedicated entrepreneur who transitioned from the bustling life in Utah to the serene landscapes of Kauai. Discover how Mike built his construction business from the ground up, navigated the challenges of island life, and embraced his rich family heritage. This episode is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community....

Meet Frankie Emerson, StrongTie's event marketing powerhouse who took an unconventional path from the cheerleading sidelines to the trade show floor. In this engaging conversation, Frankie reveals how her background in cheerleading actually prepared her for the high-energy world of event marketing and relationship building. You'll discover the strategies behind StrongTie's commanding presence at m...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Sven Kysar, the innovative mind behind Squi. Jigs. From his early days riding dirt bikes to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Sven shares his experiences, challenges, and the passion that drives his craftsmanship. Discover how he turned a simple idea into a thriving business, all while staying true to his roots and values. #Entrepreneurship #Innov...

Dr Decks and Jeffrey Beck engage in a lively conversation that covers a range of topics. They begin by discussing their personal histories and connections. The conversation then shifts to Jeffrey's professional journey, highlighting his role as President and CEO of Stabila North America and his previous experience at DeWalt. They delve into the intricacies of the Stabila brand, its high-quality Ge...

Meet Marty, a man whose early life reads like a cautionary tale that somehow turned into a success story. Kicked out of his house at 14, Marty's teenage years were filled with explosives experiments, CB radio interference, and run-ins with the FBI. But this rebel's story takes an unexpected turn as he channels his entrepreneurial spirit into the lumber industry, where he spent over 30 years master...

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Jon Witt, who transitioned from a passionate deck builder to a successful business owner with Q-Tek Wood Solutions. Discover how Jon's innovative spirit and dedication to quality transformed the wood industry, and learn about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Joseph, the visionary behind Outdoor Space Builders. Discover how Joseph transitioned from a culinary career to mastering the art of deck building, creating unique outdoor spaces that blend innovation and craftsmanship. In this episode, Joseph shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of running a family-owned business, and the passi...

Join us in this illuminating episode as we sit down with Ryan Guidry from InLight and Dr Decks. Discover Ryan's fascinating journey from his early days in the lighting industry to his current role at InLight, where he brings innovation and passion to outdoor lighting. Dr Decks and Ryan delve into the challenges and triumphs of their careers, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of lighting t...

Join Dr. Deck and special guest Peter Kirst from RTA Outdoor Living as they explore the world of outdoor kitchens. Discover the secrets behind RTA's custom concrete designs, learn about the latest in grilling technology, and get tips on creating your perfect outdoor cooking space. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your outdoor ente...

In this episode, we interview April Edwards, founder of Deck Builder Marketers, exploring her unique path from humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming a leading marketing expert specializing in the deck building industry. April shares how her background in culinary arts and passion for art and design shaped her approach to digital marketing, and discusses her transition into serving the specific nee...

In this episode of the Dr Decks podcast, we interview Robert Hodachak, a master digital deck designer with a rich background in sales, graphic design, and landscaping. Robert shares his journey from retail sales to the construction industry, highlighting his passion for design and innovation. He discusses his experiences in the artificial grass market, his time at the Deck Store, and the importanc...

Today we host Blake Carter from California Deck Pros in this podcast episode discussing various deck projects. They share valuable tips and tricks about deck building using different decking material, from cedar decking to composite decking. It's a great episode for anyone interested in DIY or hiring deck contractors. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with u...

In this episode of the Dr Decks Podcast, we interview Andrew Panalitis, the executive vice president of Regal Ideas. The conversation explores Andrew's background, including his family's immigration from Cyprus to Canada, his childhood experiences, and his artistic journey. Andrew shares insights into his career development, including his time in the fashion industry and his transition to Home Dep...

In this episode of the podcast, we interview Anthony DiSanto, a key figure at FastenMaster. They discuss Anthony's journey from a music career to a successful role in marketing and product management within the construction industry. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding contractor needs, the evolution of FastenMaster products, and the significance of education and personal e...

In this episode of the Dr. Decks podcast, Calvin Russell interviews Kevin Haney, also known as the Handsome Viking, who shares his journey from a childhood in New Hampshire to becoming a successful construction entrepreneur. Kevin discusses his academic achievements, including 14 varsity letters in high school, his extensive studies in engineering, and his transition from banking to teaching. He a...

In this episode of the Dr Decks Podcast, Gordon South, aka the Wood Bully, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Toronto to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry. He discusses the importance of quality in his work, the impact of media on the construction landscape, and the lessons learned from his early experiences. Gordon emphasizes resilience, adaptability...

Today we're sitting down with Tony McKlem from Hollywood decks. In this conversation, Tony shares his journey from a banking career to the construction industry, detailing his experiences in various roles and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of volunteering, personal transformation, and the establishment of his company, Hollywood Decks, in Florida. The conversatio...

In this episode of the Dr. Decks Podcast, host we welcome Dave Fraser, owner of Fraser Decks and Patio Covers. The conversation covers Dave's journey from a multi-sport athlete to a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry. They discuss the challenges Dave faced in his early career, including a significant setback that led him to pivot into deck building. The episode also highlights th...

In this episode of the Dr. Decks podcast, we interview Scot Sheffield, an industry professional with a diverse background. Scott shares his journey from a lower-income upbringing in Texas to joining the Marine Corps, where he gained valuable life experiences and traveled extensively. After his military service, he transitioned into retail management at Lowe's, where he spent 15 years before moving...