A few years ago, as Greg McNeer watched one of his kids’ soccer games, the man sitting next to him asked him out of the blue if he liked his job. McNeer quickly answered “no.” As the conversation continued, the man suggested McNeer look at local franchise business, Archadeck. Not knowing anything about Archadeck, McNeer was told by this gentleman that “Archadeck built high-end decks.”
McNeer discovered that Archadeck was more than a high-end deck building company. Archadeck is a franchise that designs and builds custom outdoor living spaces such as decks, patios, screen porches, sunrooms, outdoor kitchens and outdoor fireplaces throughout the United States and Canada. Archadeck is part of a larger franchise organization owned and operated by Outdoor Living Brands along with its sister franchises, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Conserva Irrigation and Renew Crew.
When McNeer’s wife looked at the Archadeck website, she suggested that Archadeck looked like something he would be interested in pursuing. Soon afterwards, McNeer had a conversation with a friend about franchising which led McNeer to recognize that he had the right personality to be a part of a franchise system. He realized that he could succeed in a franchise because he was comfortable working within a proven framework and appreciated a strong support system.
In August 2015, McNeer acquired the Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad franchise in North Carolina from the previous franchisee. He brought skills and knowledge from each of his professional experiences to his Archadeck business. Prior to Archadeck, McNeer had broad experience having worked in politics, practiced law, managed physicians’ practices, and worked in various business sectors.
One particular skill that McNeer found to be vitally important to his Archadeck franchise was “the willingness and dedication to pay attention to detail.” McNeer feels that the importance of details cannot be under emphasized and noted, “I check the numbers weekly and cannot imagine not knowing exactly how much each job costs and where we stand with receiving customer payments.”
McNeer also emphasized the importance of being honest and straight forward with customers. He stated that “you have to do exactly what you say you are going to do and you have to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.”
Additionally, McNeer believes in creating a positive work environment. He not only strives to find talented people, but he places them in roles where they work to their strengths and can excel. McNeer rewards his team members for their hard work and gives everyone on the staff at Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad a substantial holiday bonus.
With regards to a franchise system, McNeer values the relationship with other franchisees and with the franchisor, Outdoor Living Brands, as well as the ability to connect with other members of the franchise network for advice and for sharing information. Since acquiring Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad, McNeer’s franchise has soared and almost doubled in size. “I have been overwhelmed by how positive this experience has been,” said McNeer.
About Archadeck Outdoor Living
Established in 1980, Archadeck Outdoor Living is recognized as the largest outdoor living space builder in North America and has lived up to its motto -- Better Building by Design -- by completing more than 100,000 projects across the country. As a part of Outdoor Living Brands with sister brands Renew Crew, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, and Conserva Irrigation, their mission is “to enhance the lives of our customers by creating unique and innovative outdoor living environments.” Qualified Remodeler and Remodeler Magazine consistently rank Archadeck at the top of their respective annual “Best” lists. Archadeck projects have graced the covers of Gardens, Decks and Patios and Decks & Backyard Projects. The company has been featured in articles in This Old House, Smart Money, Coastal Living, Better Homes & Gardens and Gardening & Deck Design, as well as on HGTV. Visit ArchadeckFranchise.com or Archadeck.com to learn more.
