What Deck Builders Miss When They Skip Industry Events
For a deck builder in the middle of a busy season, taking time away from the office or jobsite can feel like a luxury. There are projects moving, estimates waiting, customers calling, and crews that need answers.
That is exactly why industry events are so easy to skip.
But after the latest NADRA SoCal Regional Event in Carlsbad, California, April Edwards sat down with Jenn Zedaker, Membership Coordinator for NADRA, to talk about what builders may actually be giving up when they stay home.
The event itself was a success, but what stood out most was the interaction in the room. Builders were talking with sponsors. Manufacturers were connecting with contractors. People were sharing ideas, asking questions, and making the most of having so many people from the same industry together.
Jenn explained that this is one of the things that makes regional events so valuable. They are more relaxed than the big national shows, many of the attendees are local, and there is more room for real conversation.
That creates opportunities you simply cannot duplicate from behind a computer.
The Value Is in the Relationships
At a regional event, the manufacturer representative you meet may actually cover your territory. The supplier sitting next to you could become someone you call when you need help later. Another builder may have already solved the exact problem you are dealing with today.
As April said during the episode:
“You can learn from other people’s mistakes by just being in the same room with them.”
Jenn made a similar point when she talked about how quickly builders can learn what is changing in the industry.
“You’re getting those most recent changes. You’re hearing it in live time.”
That matters.
You can watch videos, listen to podcasts, and use online resources, including the DBM Growth Hub, which was created specifically to give deck builders access to free guides, training, workshops, and business growth resources. But online information cannot completely replace a relationship.
April summed it up well:
“Old school relationships are, I think, more important now than ever.”
A strong marketing system can help homeowners find your company and understand why they should choose you. At the same time, relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and other builders can make the business behind that marketing stronger.
Learn From Builders Who Have Already Been There
Another major benefit of organizations like NADRA is the range of experience in the room.
Jenn talked about newer builders sitting alongside people who have been in the industry for twenty or thirty years. That gives you access to experience you may not have yet.
Maybe you are trying to hire your first salesperson. Maybe you are trying to get yourself out of production. Maybe you are beginning to think about succession planning. Someone else has probably already been there.
That became especially clear when a live viewer asked about succession planning. April talked about how many experienced deck builders are still doing everything themselves, even after decades in business.
They sell. They estimate. They manage. They solve the biggest problems. Eventually, that catches up with them.
Industry events give you a chance to ask people who have already made that transition what worked for them.
As Jenn said:
“You have people who are always learning from each other.”
NADRA Is More Than an Annual Show
For some builders, their first exposure to NADRA may be Deck Expo or the deck awards. But the organization offers much more than that.
NADRA membership gives professionals access to education, networking, industry updates, deck safety initiatives, regional events, NADRA Connect, and other resources for the deck and railing industry.
Jenn also discussed NADRA’s educational programs, including Decks Done Right and Deck Inspection and Evaluation, along with live webinars that allow members to ask questions in real time.
Her own role is built around connection. Jenn personally reaches out to new builder members and offers onboarding so they understand the resources, benefits, and opportunities available to them.
As she put it:
“We want to meet you. We want to talk to you.”
Joining gives you access. Participating is where the real value starts.
Stop Expecting Every Investment to Pay You Back Tomorrow
Business owners naturally think about ROI, but not every valuable investment produces an immediate lead or signed contract.
Maybe you meet a rep who becomes an important resource later. Maybe another builder helps you avoid an expensive mistake. Maybe one conversation changes how you think about your team or your business.
April keeps her own expectations for events simple:
“I just need to leave with one action item. That’s it.”
One good idea that you actually use can make the trip worthwhile. The same approach can help with marketing. You do not need to fix everything at once.
Get Back in the Room
“Good builders don’t grow if they stay isolated.”
Craftsmanship matters. Marketing matters. Systems matter. But relationships matter too. If you have been sitting on the sidelines because you are busy, consider what you might be missing.
Meet your suppliers. Talk to the reps. Introduce yourself to manufacturers. Ask other deck builders questions. Spend time around people who are further ahead in business than you are.
You do not need twenty new ideas. Sometimes one relationship, one conversation, or one action item is enough.
If there is a NADRA regional event within driving distance, take advantage of it. Sometimes growing your deck business means getting off the jobsite and getting back in the room.
Related Podcast Episodes
- Inside NADRA SoCal: Innovation & Insights with Mike Beaudry
- Stop Running Your Deck Business From Your Head
- Your JobTread Needs an Owner, Not Another Hat on Your Head
- Running a Deck Business Without the Headaches with Eric Fortenberry of JobTread
Free Guides and Downloads
- Ultimate Marketing Checklist for 7 Figure Builders
- Deck Builder’s Brand Strategy Starter Kit
- Explore the DBM Growth Hub
