By April Edwards, Founder of Deck Builder Marketers

I can hardly wait to step on stage at this year’s Deck Expo and introduce a panel that I know will be one of the most memorable sessions of the event. “Women in the Deck-Building Industry: Leading the Way” will feature six powerhouse women who are driving change, breaking boundaries, and redefining what it means to succeed in the deck-building industry.

If I could fill the stage with 50 inspiring women, I would! And I’m thrilled that this session will be packed with talented women not just on stage, but in the audience too. I invite everyone to join us for a session that goes beyond storytelling and dives deep into the wisdom and strategies that these women have used to reach the top of their fields. This panel isn’t just a discussion; it’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Meet the Panelists Who Are Changing the Game

Our panelists bring such a diverse range of experiences and expertise that everyone will leave with something meaningful. Here’s who you’ll hear from:

  • Tara Holsten, Owner of Solid Ground in Wentzville, Missouri. Tara has built a thriving business, grounded (no pun intended!) in her commitment to excellence and her vision for what deck building can achieve.
  • Amanda Veinott, Chief Maven of Maven Roofing & Exteriors in New Jersey, has faced and overcome countless challenges in a male-dominated industry, paving the way for others to follow.
  • Brianne Papa, Regional Sales Director, Mid-Atlantic at Oldcastle APG in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, offers insights on client relationships and the shifts in client needs across the industry.
  • Carolyn ‘Carrie’ Dibrell, Publisher of Service Industry News based in Hawaii, brings a unique perspective from the pool and spa industry, offering a broader view of how service professionals thrive.
  • Judy Vander Wiele Verblaauw, Owner of NJ Decks in New Jersey, known for her high standards and client-first approach, will share what it takes to succeed in customer-centric design.
  • Lacey Fowler McGee, Sales Leader at Legacy Decks in South Carolina, adds her expertise on sustainable practices and the importance of aligning client needs with responsible business strategies.

Each of these women has taken a different path, but they’re united by their passion and their desire to make a lasting impact. I’ll be asking them about the moments that define their careers, the strategies that drive their success, and, of course, the advice they would give to any young woman entering the industry.

Audience Engagement and Inspiration

This session is all about engaging the audience. I’m inviting everyone to actively participate, ask questions, and share insights. I want this to feel like a room full of voices celebrating the achievements of women in deck building and outdoor living. If you’re in the audience, your participation matters just as much as what’s happening on stage, so come ready to get involved!

The question we’ll circle back to at the end is one that I hope everyone will think about throughout the session: What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in the deck-building industry? I want this discussion to be more than just knowledge-sharing. It’s about building confidence, finding inspiration, and leaving with a renewed sense of purpose.

Join Us for an Experience You Won’t Forget

This session, happening on Tuesday, November 12, from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Blossom & Lead Stage (Booth #9709), is shaping up to be a highlight of Deck Expo. If you’re ready to be inspired, learn from the best, and connect with others who are passionate about the industry, don’t miss this hour of insights, encouragement, and community.

Let’s make this an unforgettable session that celebrates the power and potential of women in the deck-building industry. I’ll see you there!