Here's What's on Deck at the Expo
Nashville – The 2017 Deck Expo kicked off in Nashville with the kind of activity that bodes well for the outdoor living category.
Big brands were plentiful at the Music City Center, as were new players hopeful to get their foot in the door of the deck business. But the bottom line for nearly every vendor exhibiting was connecting with remodeling and builder customers.
Beacon Roofing Supply, which operates 383 locations in the United States and Canada, had a mission to make sure its customers were aware of everything the company has to offer.
“We are here to make sure that our customers know that we are more than just roofing,” Gerry Ceurvorst, director of complementary sales – South Division. “We have plenty of significant business that is not roofing. We want our customers to think about the Beacon as the brand to go to for everything.”
Envision Decking, a division of Tamko Building Products, was on hand to reinforce its brand and identity. The composite decking line has introduced two new collections in 2017: the Inspiration Signature Collection and the Expression Simplicity Collection. Envision also featured their new website that recently launched, as well as the new Envision Registered Contractor Program.
MoistureShield unveiled its new Vision composite decking line, featuring a lifetime stain finish that is customizable. “Education is the big reason we are at Deck Expo,” said Larry Harnish, marketing manager with Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies. “We want to meet our end-users explain the characteristics of our products to them.”
Azek Building Products views the event as a chance for executives to rub elbows with contractors. “It’s important for us to meet with them and expose contractors to senior leadership,” Beth Mackey, Azek channel marketing director told HBSDealer. “We’re here to understand the needs of our customers.” The building products manufacturer also introduced its new FUSIONLoc hidden fastening system at Deck Expo.
Another theme almost all vendors had in common at the show is the opinion that business is solid. When it came to discussing remodeling climate that exists outside the show floor, there weren’t many complaints. Some industry experts are expecting remodeling sales to grow by 5% or better next year. Others were more optimistic -- putting growth in the neighborhood of double-digits.
“It’s full bore, and it’s not slowing down,” Harnish said. “Business is good right now.”
