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Deck Expo at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, Dallas, TX., kicks off this morning. Chuck Casey, John Haugh, and I are at the show in booth 5905 to greet visitors and share the event as the excitement unfolds at the show.
For our readers at the show, we will have the first copies of the just-printed November/December edition of Deck Specialist for you to pick up at our booth, or in the publication bins outside the showroom floor (while supplies last).
The show has a packed schedule of must-see decking events taking place across the show floor. Here’s a list of other events happening today:
• 9:15-10:15 a.m. - Keynote Speaker - D Ballroom - Alan Stein, Jr. spent 15 years working as a basketball coach alongside the highest performing players on the planet including Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant. He now teaches people the same strategies that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level.
• 11-11:45 a.m. - Maximizing Value with Outdoor Living Spaces - Outdoor Living Stage by Simpson Strong-Tie - Booth #5911 - Renovation Hunters/Outdoor Living Channel
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Decks Done Right: Footings, Post Bases, and Beams - Decks Done Right Stage, Booth #5512 - Rachel Holland and Scott Fischer, Simpson Strong-Tie.
Building a safe and strong deck starts at the ground level, and that means having a sound concrete footing with the proper post base that supports the post and loading above.
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - DECKx Talk: Fail to Plan & Plan to Fail: The Blueprint for Business Success - C155 - Chris and Amy Breen, Legacy Decks; Josh Ferri, Lakeside Decking
Want the exact step-by-step tool to scale your outdoor living business? Avoid the common pitfalls of disorganization, missed opportunities, and financial instability that plague many deck builders. This session will guide you through creating a strategic plan that aligns with your business goals. Learn how to set achievable objectives, develop actionable steps, and measure progress to ensure your business stays on track. Discover how strategic planning can transform your business, helping you stay ahead of the competition and achieve sustainable growth. Attendees will leave with the Academy SVE (Strategic Vision & Execution PLAN), a comprehensive blueprint to follow and scale your business effectively.
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Women in the Industry - Blossom & Lead, Booth 9709 - April Edwards, Deck Builder Marketers; Lainie Sleppin, contractor sales at Decks & Docks; Carolyn Dibrell, Publisher at Service Industry News
• 12-12:45 p.m. - From the Field to the Forefront: Practical Knowledge for Outdoor Living Contractors - Outdoor Living Stage by Simpson Strong-Tie, Booth 5911 - Bill Lecorchick and Bobby Smith from BlueLink Distribution
Practical knowledge and strategies for excelling in the outdoor living industry. Learn how to avoid the “race to the bottom” in pricing, successful sales and marketing tactics, and how to bridge the gap between manufacturers and contractors for better outcomes. Equip yourself with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in a competitive market.
• 1-1:45 p.m. - A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words - Outdoor Living Stage by Simpson Strong-Tie, Booth 5911 - Andy Henley, Hen-House Decks; Mike Mitchell, Mitchell Construction; Andy Eichler, Andy Eichler Photography
Learn how to make your work stand out by taking high-quality photos on the job site. This hands-on session will show you how to use your phone or tablet to capture stunning images, use photo editing apps, and even operate drones for unique perspectives.
• 1-2 p.m. - Decks Done Right: Tony McClem: Hollywood Decks - Decks Done Right Stage, Booth #5512 - Tony McClem, Hollywood Decks
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. - DECKx Talk: Know Your Numbers: The Key to Unlock Business Growth - C155 - Amy Breen, Legacy Decks; Bruce and Judy Verblaauw, NJ Decks & Railing
If you want a foolproof way to track and understand your business's financial health, don’t miss this talk. Get the Deck Builders Scorecard, a powerful tool to systematically track the right numbers, spot trends, plan for growth, and make informed decisions. Just like a football scoreboard, you’ll know without question whether you’re winning and where to focus your efforts.
Struggling with cash flow issues, unprofitable projects, and financial instability? This session will help you avoid these common pitfalls by mastering your financials. Learn how to effectively budget, determine accurate markups, and maintain healthy margins. By understanding your numbers, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that drive profitability and ensure long-term success. Don't let financial confusion hold you back—attend this talk to gain the clarity and tools you need to grow your business confidently.
• 2-2:45 p.m. - Decked Out Marketing: Elevate Your Business - Outdoor Living Stage by Simpson Strong-Tie, Booth 5911 - April Edwards, Deck Builder Marketers; Alex Danner, Fence & Deck Marketers; Jono Gross, True Mtn Marketing
Learn innovative marketing strategies to elevate your deck building business. This panel will share insights on digital marketing, social media, and branding to attract and retain customers. Discover how to create compelling marketing campaigns that set your business apart. By leveraging the latest marketing techniques, you can effectively reach your target audience and drive business growth.
• 2:15-3:15 p.m. - Decks Done Right: Lateral Connections, Joists, Joist Hangers - Decks Done Right Stage, Booth 5512 - Rachel Holland and Scott Fischer, Simpson Strong-Tie
The lateral load connectors and fasteners required to keep your deck connected to a home when lateral forces such as wind, earthquake or the forces caused by people on the deck surface moving back and forth, as well as the joist members that are supported by the ledger.
• 3-3:45 p.m. - Outdoor Living Biophilic Design - Outdoor Living Stage by Simpson Strong-Tie, Booth 5911 - John Lea, Decksouth; Joe Raboine, VP Design Oldcastle APG; Robert Hodichak, VP 33 North
Explore the principles of biophilic design and how to incorporate them into outdoor living spaces. Learn how connecting with nature through design can enhance the well-being of your clients and create beautiful, functional outdoor environments.
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Decks Done Right: Corrosion & Pressure Treated Wood - Decks Done Right Stage, Booth 5512 - Eddy Longshore, Culpeper Wood Preservers
Most deck experts say that the average life expectancy of a typical deck is somewhere between 10 to 20 years. When decks are exposed to the elements, deterioration, rot, decay and corrosion can occur on both the wood members and steel connectors and fasteners. We will discuss the primary warning signs to look for on an existing deck, as well as learn more about the different coatings and steel specifications in addition to the various types of wood treatment that we should expect to see under some of the different weather, location and outdoor conditions.
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. DECKx Talk: Profit Habits: A Guaranteed Strategy for Permanent Profitability - C155 - Chris and Amy Breen, Legacy Decks
Want a guaranteed strategy for permanent profitability? In this talk we will be giving you the Deck Builder’s Profit Blueprint, a comprehensive tool designed to roll out a pathway to profitability in your business in less than 30 days.
Avoid the pain of fluctuating profits and financial uncertainty. This session reveals tried-and-true strategies to maintain consistent profit margins and financial stability. Learn how to implement effective cost control measures, pricing strategies, and financial practices that keep your business in the black. By mastering these profit habits, you’ll ensure your business is always poised for growth and success.
• 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Welcome Party - Omni Hotel Lawn Courtyard - Enjoy cocktails and snacks, play lawn games, and listen to music surrounded by the bright lights of downtown Dallas. The welcome party is sponsored by Lyon Financial and is a ticketed event.
