A Letter from Pops
To our NADRA family,
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Clearwater Beach for the 2026 NADRA Awards Summit on January 7th through 9th, 2026!
Whether you attended in person or followed along online, this Summit reflected what NADRA is about. Bringing people together, sharing perspectives, and recognizing our members’ successes are what helps move our industry forward.
This year’s Summit was a reminder of the strength of this association. The conversations were honest, the questions were thoughtful, and the respect for the work being done across the industry was clear. From the Welcome Party to the Morning Sessions and Awards Night, ending with the Beach Olympics, the focus remained on people, relationships, and honest conversation.
~ Mike “Pops” Beaudry
Executive Vice President, North American Deck and Railing Association
NADRA Summit Morning Session
The Morning Session brought attendees together for open, interactive discussion focused on real-world challenges facing the decking and outdoor living industry. Rather than formal presentations, the session centered on shared experiences, practical insight, and honest conversation.
Members spoke openly about what they are seeing in their markets, what continues to slow projects down, and how businesses are adapting to changing conditions. The conversation covered topics that resonated strongly, including growing an outdoor living business, marketing and visibility and what actually works, the role of AI in day-to-day operations, NADRA Connect and member onboarding, and open discussion.
Awards Night: Honoring Excellence
We extend our sincere thanks to our Platinum Sponsors, Decks & Docks Company and Owens Corning Lumber. Their leadership-level support, along with our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors, played an important role in making the NADRA Summit possible.
Raffles
Awards Night opened with raffle announcements led by Wes Kain, a longtime supporter of NADRA who helped keep the energy moving throughout the evening. We sincerely appreciate Wes’ continued involvement and support of the association.
Raffle prizes added to the excitement of the evening, including gift cards, drones, and imaging technology. Congratulations to all the raffle winners.
Winners included:
- Jordan Hawkins, Deckorators
- Mark Weissenbuehler, American Structure & Design
- Shawn Miller, Advantage Lumber
- Benjamin White, SunnySide Decks, LLC
- Aaron Rouse, Decks and Drive Solutions
- Kelly Crow, Go To Guy Decks and Porches
For those unable to attend in person, a live stream on YouTube allowed members to follow along and take part in the evening.
- View the winners from the 2025 National+ Deck Competition HERE.
- Watch the full compilation video featuring all competition entries HERE.
- The event photo gallery can be found HERE.
NADRA Industry Recognition Awards
Before presenting the National+ Deck Competition awards, the evening paused to recognize individuals whose contributions helped shape the industry through leadership, service, and long-term commitment.
The Recognition Award was presented to Greg Groenhout, honoring 36 years of service to the industry. During his tenure at National Nail, Greg provided leadership, guidance, and steadfast support to professionals across the country and to NADRA. Retiring in 2025, he leaves behind a legacy defined by dedication and meaningful contribution.
The Prestigious Terry Award was presented to Heath Bowman. The certificate describes him simply and accurately: honest, straightforward, a straight-shooting son of a gun who leads with integrity and tells it like it is. Those words reflect how Heath shows up in this industry. Consistent, direct, and guided by principle. Doing things for the right reason, and having fun doing them.
A Special Guest From Australia was Honored by His Association
Ambrose Building Group was honored with Overall First Place for Australia. Traveling from Melbourne to attend the Awards Summit, the team joined us in Clearwater Beach to experience NADRA’s awards in person. Their recognition reflects not only the quality of their work, but also the shared standards upheld across the global outdoor living industry in collaboration with the Australian Deck & Handrail Association.
A Note from Heather
Before the Awards began, I wanted to pause and speak to the heart of the work represented in that room.
So much of what our members do happens quietly. The early mornings, the late nights, the constant problem-solving, and the responsibility that comes with putting your name behind every project. Caring deeply about the work often comes with pressure and doubt, not because someone is failing, but because they are invested.
I shared a reflection inspired by Og Mandino’s The Greatest Miracle in the World. Not as motivation, but as perspective. Every one of us has faced uncertainty. Every builder has questioned whether they are doing enough, being enough, or becoming enough. Those questions are not weakness. They are evidence that you care.
The message was simple. You are not alone. You are not ordinary. And the work you do matters, even when no one is watching. Especially when no one is watching.
The principles Mandino wrote about show up every day in this industry. In careful planning, in job-site problem-solving, in leadership, in design, and in the quiet determination it takes to keep going without applause. Awards are meaningful, but so is the path that brings you there.
Whether or not a team took home an award that night, the moment still mattered. Because of who was in the room. The experience represented. And the standards shaped through years of showing up, learning, and choosing to do things the right way.
There is a lot ahead for NADRA, and I’m looking forward to the year to come. Thank you for continuing to show up, to care about the work, and to be part of what we’re building together.
~ Heather Marchand
Director of National Programs and Marketing, NADRA
National+ Deck Competition:
The National+ Deck Competition remains one of the key ways NADRA recognizes the work of its members. Now in its 16th year, the competition continues to showcase projects that reflect thoughtful planning, problem-solving, and pride in the finished result.
The Awards Night was led by emcee Bobby Parks, a longtime supporter of NADRA and Chairman of the National Deck Competition Committee.
Panel of Judges & Judging Overview
The National+ Deck Competition is evaluated by a panel of experienced industry professionals representing building, design, code compliance, media, and supplier expertise. Each entry is reviewed independently using consistent criteria to ensure fairness and integrity across all categories.
2025 National+ Deck Competition – Panel of Judges
Judging Criteria
Entries are evaluated using the following criteria:
- Eight submitted photos, with the first image serving as the primary project photo
- Project video to show overall scope (not scored)
- Use of space and functionality
- Creativity and innovation
- Evidence of craftsmanship
- Degree of difficulty
- Overall visual appeal
- Project description provided by the entrant
Scoring & Results
NADRA uses decimal scoring to allow for precise evaluation and recognition of detail. Judges remain anonymous until winners are announced, and all scores are processed through NADRA’s secure internal scoring system.
Awards are presented for First, Second, and Third Place in each category. All First Place winners in the Wood Deck and Alternative Deck categories advance to a final round of judging. The highest-scoring project from that round is named Overall First Place Winner.
Results are not shared prior to the Awards Dinner outside of NADRA Headquarters.
Bobby Parks, sharing a moment that brought laughter across the room, put the competition into perspective: “To give you an idea of how tight the scoring was this year, in Alternative Decks there was only a half-point spread between first and third place, and just 2.1 points separating first through seventh. So for those who didn’t take home the hardware, know this, you were right there. You were in that class. And for those who did win… you barely won. And everyone else… you barely didn’t.”
In keeping with the spirit of peer recognition, NADRA members joined us on stage to help announce award winners.
2025 National Deck Competition Winners:
The Overall Winner of the 2025 National+ Deck Competition was awarded to Dr. Decks, recognizing a thoughtfully executed build that demonstrates both technical skill and creative problem-solving. The project reflects decades of experience brought together in a single build, where complex structural conditions, precision detailing, and innovation were central to its success. Highlights include a custom compound curved, tilt-back bench formed through advanced deck board bending techniques, and a striking curved stainless steel top rail with a 12-foot radius. Every detail was intentional, resulting in a one-of-a-kind outdoor space that shows what’s possible when experience and innovation come together.
With more than 20 categories spanning multiple price points, inlays, unique features, pool decks, hardscape, and more, the National+ Deck Competition continues to expand alongside the industry itself. Together, these projects reflect the full scope of outdoor living and the wide range of skills, problem-solving, and creativity required to bring these spaces to life.
To view all First, Second, and Third Place winners, visit our gallery of winning projects HERE.
Beach Olympics
The Beach Olympics offered a fun, high-energy break during the Summit and gave members a chance to connect outside the traditional sessions. From spear throwing and can jam to cornhole and a water balloon toss, the activities encouraged teamwork, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs.
The weather could not have been better, with sunny skies, blue skies overhead, and temperatures right around 80 degrees, making it an ideal day on the beach. The Blue Team took home the win, but the real highlight was the camaraderie and shared experience that brought everyone together.
Adding to the fun, we were joined by a surprise guest when Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, stopped by for a quick photo opportunity and to welcome attendees.
What Attendees Had to Say
Brett L. Kelly, CEO, MOSO
“My favorite part of the Summit was the interaction with deck builders. The format truly puts the focus on builders by celebrating their creativity and accomplishments. It was also great to see so many first-time participants, and I look forward to even more next year.”
Robert McCuen, VP of Sales, Tru-Scapes
“Tru-Scapes was proud to sponsor the NADRA Awards Summit in Clearwater Beach and grateful for the opportunity to connect with the contractors and industry leaders who continue to elevate the standard of outdoor living.”
Erin Koss, Senior Code Compliance Engineer, PrimeSource Building Products
“This was my first in-person NADRA event, and I was blown away by how openly members shared ideas, lessons learned, and advice, even as competitors. That collective commitment to strengthening the industry is refreshing and truly motivating.”
Andrew Wissmann, Q-ICE Builders LLC
“We had a great time and found the event extremely valuable. It was great to meet and strategize with other business owners. The roundtable discussions were a favorite again this year.”
Looking Ahead
We are listening closely to your feedback, and we’re encouraged by just how positive it has been. With more than 220 attendees this year and strong early survey responses, it’s clear the momentum is real, and it’s something we intend to build on.
As we look ahead, we’re exploring a late January timeframe, refining the event format, including the timing of Beach Olympics, and continuing to prioritize the meaningful, member-driven conversations that made the Morning Session such a standout. No schedule works perfectly for everyone, but the path forward is clear, and it’s shaped by what mattered most to those in the room.
Thank you for showing up, for sharing your perspective, and for helping shape what comes next for NADRA.
