The Outdurable Living® Show

Second-generation deck builder Mike Mitchell of Mitchell Construction sits down with us at the NADRA Summit in Clearwater to discuss what it takes to build a more focused, efficient outdoor living business.Mike shares why narrowing his company’s focus helped create better systems, tighter scheduling, and smoother project execution. As an industry writer and contributor to Deck Specialist Magazine, he also talks about the tools and technology shaping today’s deck industry, along with his passion for helping contractors improve their craft and grow stronger businesses.

Joe Matersanti of Outdoor Space Builders joins us from the NADRA Summit in Clearwater to talk about building smarter, protecting your reputation, and delivering complete outdoor living solutions. In this conversation, Joe shares how Fortress® plays a role in their approach, why an informed customer leads to better outcomes, and how staying aligned with proven products helps contractors maintain trust. He compares reputation to a credit score, emphasizing that while it takes time to build, it can be lost quickly without consistent effort and the right partners.

Jim Gaudette of Northeast Deck & Black Barn Contracting shares how learning steel deck framing at a masterclass led him to take on a major solo build, leaving wood framing in the past. He explains why he’s committed to higher standards, choosing better jobs, and how education and discipline are shaping his approach to business.

Scott Kelly reflects on the shift from wood to steel framing, the masterclass movement, and how innovation is reshaping deck construction nationwide. He discusses stability, cost efficiency, and why contractors embracing steel are raising the standard of the industry.

Robin Havasi reflects on his journey from Sweden to launching a deck-building business in California through adaptability, education, and innovation. He also discusses how fire safety, sustainability, and steel framing are becoming essential parts of modern outdoor construction.

Rich and Brianna Villandry share how growth, craftsmanship, and a never-quit mindset helped them build a family business designed to last. They reflect on working with family, committing to quality, balancing life and business, and building something their team—and their kids—can grow into.

Allison Verma reflects on her path from customer service roles to leadership, and how mindset, mentorship, and growth shaped her career. She shares insights on teamwork, accountability, and where she sees the future of the decking industry heading.

In this episode we chat with Josh Ferri at his international headquarters in "maybe Minneapolis", as he talks about pushing boundaries and taking risks in business.

Cody Blake shares how setting meaningful goals and embracing discomfort helped him grow from a bowling mechanic into a confident deck-building professional. He discusses the value of a growth mindset, personal challenge, and continually pushing yourself to discover what you're capable of.

TL Decks founder Alex Larson shares how risk-taking, craftsmanship, and a passion for outdoor living shaped his career and the company he built. He also shares how embracing change has helped him grow as a contractor and why he’s excited about the innovations shaping the future of deck building.