We were lucky to catch up with Michael Landau recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success in entrepreneurship demands everything from you. Those who thrive in this arena possess an unwavering self-belief, an incredible level of grit, and a genuine desire to uplift their communities and support others. It’s essential to have a profound reason driving your actions. My own understanding of this principle has been shaped by my personal challenges and experiences. After returning from my deployment to the Middle East in 2022, I made the bold decision to relocate to Pittsburgh, PA, to launch a construction business specializing in high-end decks. I faced the daunting reality of having no connections, no friends, and minimal knowledge of the local market. Yet, through sheer determination, a resilient mindset, and an unyielding commitment to excel for myself and, more importantly, for my clients, I found my purpose. This mission fuels my mornings, even when I’d prefer to stay in bed. I’ve learned invaluable life lessons and am on a continuous journey to improve my industry. Am I successful? Not yet. True success is a battle fought every single day. While I have experienced moments of achievement, the ultimate goal remains distant.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I entered the construction field in 2015, but for the past five years, I’ve been running my own business. After my deployment in 2022, I relocated to Pittsburgh with a fresh perspective and a clear ambition: to establish a high-end decking company named Deck Innovations. My passion for building and woodworking has always been strong, but my journey truly began when a local project manager at my gym showcased the work of his contractors. I jokingly remarked, “I can do better than that,” and before I knew it, I was researching how to launch my first LLC. The rest, as they say, is history.

What sets us apart is our deep connection with clients and our meticulous attention to detail in every project. During the estimation phase, we prioritize understanding what matters most to homeowners. We engage in meaningful conversations and provide insights about the trusted products and materials we use. Our clients enjoy a diverse selection of colors and materials based on their desired deck tier. We excel at addressing any challenges posed by unique house or deck styles, even when the yard presents unusual building conditions. With extensive knowledge and advanced framing techniques, we confidently tackle any obstacles, ensuring compliance with codes while delivering a stylish finish that complements the overall theme. Our military background instills an unparalleled attention to detail; we believe in achieving perfection—there’s no room for anything less. We are sincerely thankful to all our clients who allow us to showcase our expertise. Discover the Difference with Deck Innovations.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

We offer multiple channels for potential clients to connect with us, but our most effective method for acquiring new clients is through referrals, boasting an impressive close rate of over 90%. We’ve discovered that referrals not only provide us with a strong chance to secure additional projects, but it all begins with making a positive impression on the person giving the referral.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

A near-death moment and ultimately a turning point for Deck Innovations came during my three-week military leave. My former business partner was working on a straightforward redecking project alongside a friend who was also a builder. He spoke highly of his buddy, which led me to trust him with the project, assuming it would be a simple task they could manage. I was in for a rude awakening. Upon my return, I found a disgruntled customer, a negative balance of $2,000 in my business account, and a demand for payment from his friend for the shoddy work he had done. I had to put in extra hours, working for free to rectify the errors, but thankfully, the customer was understanding of my absence. That was one problem resolved. However, I still faced the challenges of replenishing funds to pay his friend and restoring my account to a positive state. In hindsight, I realize that this experience was a blessing in disguise; without it, Deck Innovations might have faced failure if I hadn’t made significant changes. The next step was to buy out my partner, and since then, Deck Innovations has been thriving

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deck-innovations.com/
• Instagram: Deck.Innovations
• Yelp: Deck Innovations

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