My name is Brian Woolger, and I’m the Founder and CEO of Deck Daddy, a fast-growing outdoor living franchise based in Canada. I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, where my early passions for hockey, teamwork, and competition helped shape who I am today. Hockey gave me the opportunity to travel, compete at a high level, and earn a Business degree from the University of Alberta.
I began my career in construction as a teenager, working alongside my father on renovations and building projects while balancing school and hockey. After university, I built homes professionally before discovering my true niche in deck building — a decision that ultimately led to the creation of Deck Daddy.
I’m incredibly proud to share life with my “rocket” wife, Mel, and our three amazing children. They are my greatest motivation and the foundation behind everything I build, both personally and professionally.
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1. What’s the story behind Deck Daddy?
Deck Daddy started as a lighthearted, slightly cheeky slogan between friends when the company first launched. We knew it pushed the edge a bit — but that was the point. The name is memorable, fun, and instantly grabs attention. As a father of three, I’m not easily offended, and our clients absolutely love it. It’s sparked countless laughs and conversations, which fits our brand perfectly: professional work with personality.
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2. What made you decide to create this franchise?
After launching Deck Daddy, it quickly became clear that there was massive potential in this niche market. Outdoor living spaces are in high demand, and deck construction offers a scalable, profitable, and highly manageable business model. Franchising felt like the natural next step to grow the brand while helping others build successful businesses of their own.
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3. What was your background prior to forming the company?
I started working as a carpenter in my teenage years, helping my father with renovations, additions, and various construction projects between school and hockey seasons. I later earned a Business degree from the University of Alberta and went on to build homes professionally. Eventually, I transitioned into deck building — and quickly realized this was something I should have done years earlier.
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4. Can you tell us about the deck industry market?
The Canadian deck market is seasonal, high-demand, and underserved by skilled, reliable professionals. Clients are excited about the product, payment collection rates are excellent, and margins are strong. There’s no need for bank financing on most projects, trades enjoy the work, and customers are genuinely thrilled with the final result — which is a rare and powerful combination in construction.
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5. How would you describe your corporate culture?
Deck Daddy is a team of skilled professionals who take pride in quality workmanship and customer satisfaction — while still having fun. During deck season, we work hard and stay focused, but we also keep things light through humor, teamwork, and creative social media. We believe great work and great culture go hand in hand.
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6. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My parents have been my greatest inspiration. From a young age, I spent summers on job sites with my siblings while my dad worked. Their work ethic, character, and ability to balance hard work with fun created an incredible upbringing filled with hockey, camping, travel, and laughter. That balance still drives how I lead today.
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7. What are the advantages of being a Deck Daddy franchisee?
Our biggest advantages are outstanding marketing and a strong, supportive culture. Franchisees receive ongoing mentorship, consultation, and hands-on support. We take professionalism seriously but believe work should be enjoyable. Franchisees also maintain flexibility to run their business in a way that fits their market and lifestyle.
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8. What differentiates Deck Daddy from competitors?
Deck Daddy offers a lower initial investment, superior marketing, and significant growth opportunity as a newer franchise. Our leadership team brings over 50 years of combined industry experience, and we genuinely want our franchisees to succeed and grow with us.
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9. What advice would you give someone considering a franchise?
Make sure it’s the right fit. You should be comfortable managing people, communicating with clients, and maintaining a positive attitude. Industry knowledge helps, but mindset and leadership matter just as much.
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10. Why is Deck Daddy a great opportunity?
Deck Daddy is ideal for motivated individuals who want to own a business that’s both profitable and rewarding. You get to build beautiful products for excited clients, enjoy strong margins and prompt payments, and benefit from a seasonal break to reset and plan. In construction, it’s rare to find financial reward, happy employees, happy clients, and manageable stress — but this business delivers all four.
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