NADRA HQ – Jenn Zedaker
Deck Expo/ Pool & Spa Show in Dallas, Texas
From A Four Year Hiatus to Four Days of Reconnecting
The energy in the NADRA booth was of gratitude, friendship and pure positivity. I’ve been out of this industry for 4 years & I am proud to say, this community has only grown bigger and stronger. This was my first event back and it did not disappoint! I saw familiar faces, new faces, and the common “I think you look familiar but I’m not sure which sister you are?” faces 🙂 I’m Jenn by the way. It was a great week back. Here are a few of my many highlights from NADRA’s week in Dallas.
NADRA’s Official Welcome Party kicked off the week. The festive music, delicious food and good company was found at the local beautifully crafted Community Brewery. With over 200 in attendance, the beer was flowing and the conversations were plenty. The packed house consisted of previous and current board of directors, new and longtime members and a few folks checking it all out. The night’s highlight goes to a battle of cornhole with my son (aka giant intern) against our guests from Pool and Spa. It was great to have our partners in attendance. The growth of membership and authentic relationships was nothing short of amazing. Sorry to those who were still traveling and setting up booth displays, we hope you make it next year! Special thanks to our sponsors for a fantastic event.
Day two in Dallas, was our first day on the showfloor. It felt like a fun reunion you actually wanted to attend. The hugs were abundant and the confusion of me not being Heather or Steph from HQ was apparent. This is actually a great opportunity to explain. You know Pops and Margie Beaudry, they have been your HQ for the past 20 years. Heather is currently running her own membership of spearfishing, chicken raising, and entrepreneurs of our future (You can follow her new adventures here). She previously ran the organization’s top events and marketing of all programs for 18 years. You’ll see her at the Summit in her home state FL. Stephanie, is NADRA’s social media highflier. From attending events, to posting daily, she is the youngest of the crew. Not only is she a woodworking, flower growing entrepreneur, but she does an awesome job-sharing member’s content. Let’s send her even more! connect with @nadra on social media!
Day 2 concluded with dinner BBQ style thanks to our friends at IG Railing. I got to experience brisket for the first time and it was the highlight of night 2. Right after a remarkable testimony from member, Mark Beche. He made the 30-hour trip to be present with his company. Seeing the way NADRA has helped grow and change lives is incredible to witness in real time. I also had the pleasure of meeting yet another power couple in the decking industry. Did you know there are a large number of operations within the industry that are run by husband-and-wife duos? I couldn’t possibly name them all, but would love to revisit this topic in the future!
Day 3 & 4 of the convention continued to showcase education and networking opportunities. As always, the NADRA booth provided a refreshing stop for members to catch their breath, learn more about upcoming events or stand in line for Mike. There’s also the bonus of sugaring up with some candy and learning how to detox from yours truly. I’m pretty sure I sold multiple members on investing in a sauna. I was happy to remind everyone to hydrate and stretch. This year we had a special guest photographer to take your professional headshot! If you got yours, how did you like it? The booth was filled with meetings, planning, and interviews around the clock. It was a nonstop, networking hub!
As if the event and reconnecting wasn’t fun enough, this homegrown Philly burbs girl got to enter and exit the rivalry capital with not one, but TWO Philadelphia, Eagles wins! If you heard a woman in the Omni sports bar and grill, it was another sister 🙂 See you in Florida NADRA peeps! It’s great to be back.
