At Lakeside Decking, our work is only as strong as the people behind it. Every deck, every porch, and every outdoor living space we build is shaped by the passion, expertise, and creativity of our team. Today, we’re excited to spotlight the person who started it all: Josh.
From the moment Lakeside Decking was formed, Josh has been the driving force behind its growth, innovation, reputation for quality, and deep connection to the Lake Minnetonka community. Whether he’s designing a luxury deck, building out internal systems, or developing the next chapter of the company, Josh brings a rare blend of creativity, clarity, and leadership to the table.
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to the person behind the Lakeside Decking brand.
Who is Josh?
Josh is a builder at heart – not just of decks, but of people, systems, processes, and ideas. His journey into the outdoor living industry was born out of a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces and a desire to build a company rooted in craftsmanship, culture, and community.
Josh started Garage Shop Designs – our original name – in his hometown of Chicago, doing custom high-end woodworking and honing his love of quality craftsmanship. When he married his Minnesotan wife, their move to the Twin Cities created an instant love for lake life and outdoor living as only Minnesotans know how to do.
Josh pivoted his woodworking company into the company you now know and love as Lakeside Decking. Throughout the years, Josh has filled every role in the company at one point or another, and many at the same time. Under his leadership, Lakeside Decking has transformed into one of the most trusted and forward-thinking deck companies in the Minneapolis West Metro. Josh leads with intention, curiosity, and a relentless focus on improvement – which shows in everything from client communication to production workflow to the high standards the team upholds on every project.
As a leader, Josh is known for being energetic, direct, creative, and deeply committed to the people around him – his team, his clients, and his community.
A Day in the Life of Lakeside Decking’s CEO
Josh’s role isn’t confined to a single lane; he wears many hats, and he wears them well.
Depending on the day, you might find him:
- Meeting with clients and helping them envision their ideal outdoor space
- Auditing deck designs in SketchUp with an emphasis on detail, accuracy, and aesthetics
- Working with his team on production planning, handoff processes, and quality control
- Developing new company systems, SOPs, and training materials
- Strategizing marketing efforts, community involvement, and brand evolution
- Mentoring staff and fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and growth
- Tracking metrics, forecasting future opportunities, and building out the long-term plan for Lakeside Decking
It’s leadership from the ground up—and it’s a huge part of why the company continues to grow stronger each year.
How Josh Supports and Leads the Lakeside Team
Josh believes that a company is only as strong as its culture. He leads with a mix of accountability, encouragement, and empowerment.
He supports his team by:
- Giving them the tools and clarity they need to succeed
- Creating processes that reduce confusion and increase efficiency
- Encouraging personal and professional growth
- Investing in business coaching to glean insight from like-minded deck builders nationwide
- Building a collaborative environment where everyone takes ownership
- Leading by example with strong communication and continuous improvement
It’s leadership that elevates everyone around him.
Fun Facts About Josh
- Josh is a huge fan of Tommy Bahama and Hawaiian shirts
- He has a dog named Woody who is missing all of his front teeth
- Josh loves to 3D print in his free time
- When he was eight years old, he was flying as an Unaccompanied Minor and got upgraded to First Class
A Message From Josh
“My goal with Lakeside Decking has always been to raise the standard for what a deck builder can be. We combine thoughtful design, clear communication, and exceptional craftsmanship to give homeowners an experience that feels professional from start to finish. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about where we’re heading.”
Ready to Start Your Deck Project? Work With Josh and the Lakeside Team
If you’re dreaming about a new deck or outdoor living space, Josh and the team make the process simple, transparent, and enjoyable from day one.
Contact Lakeside Decking today to start your design conversation!
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