Deckorators Specialist of the Year
Owner: Joe Hagan Location: Cincinnati, OH. Year Founded: 2010 Website: alldeckedout513.com Instagram: @alldeckedout513
All Decked Out
Facebook.com: AllDeckedOut513 Specialty: Premier decks and outdoor living
Q. How did you begin using Deckorators? A. We started using Deckorators after seeing a booth at a trade show in Chicago. Prior to that time, I was only familiar with Deckorators aluminum balusters, but had not heard of the decking until I saw the display and was blown away! I saw its durability first and that started my research to then discover just how different it is from other brands because of the unique technology to its unheard-of warranty. As with any new product, I was hesitant to recommend it to our client’s at first, but I am glad I decided to take the risk, and after just a few installations, I then advocated for our lumberyard to bring it in. I never looked back! I moved on immediately to become a certified installer, and to this day, it is the number one product I recommend and install.
I moved back home to Cincinnati after my enlistment and had setbacks that ultimately led to me having the drive and determination needed to take the risk and start my own business. I built the business literally from the ground up from nothing but the support of my wife and some great opportunities from great clients. No bank loans or investors to help us, just hard work, day in and day out, one deck or fence at a time. I set aside money after each project to put back into the business. I built up enough tools, and purchased another vehicle and hired another crew. We just kept growing and saw a doubling in sales each year for the first five to six years! It mainly came from excellent customer care in an industry where it was lacking, and simple respect of our clients led to them spreading the word for us!
Q. Take us to the beginning of your company. A. While serving in the Navy, I also worked for a deck and fence company as a second job at the time when we were not out at sea. It was much better being outside working than being cooped up on a ship while in port. A superior officer gave me a chance and took time to train and mentor me—truly he was my starting point. I owe a lot to him and am still grateful he gave me an opportunity.
Q. Where do you get your ideas from? A. Short answer: from listening, education, transparency and building trust. First, we listen to our clients’ needs, wants and dreams for their backyard space. Next, we educate them and share suggestions on design and materials that will help cater to them, but sometimes that may mean that we share a better alternative then their original selection or vision. It is very important to our company to ensure that what-
18 | Deck Specialist | July/August 2023