Home Improvement Franchise Focuses on Decks, Patios and More
Paul and Angel Milhoan say they achieved financial success in their first year as Archadeck Outdoor Living owners out of absolute necessity. “We had invested everything into this dream of owning our own business,” explains Angel, the CEO. “For this reason, we knew we had to strive for some degree of success in our first year. It was crucial. Paul’s vast experience in sales and his overall personal refusal to fail are what really drove that success for us.”
The couple opened Archadeck of Colorado Springs on Feb. 1, 2024. “We are located in the southern foothills of Colorado with a territory of 750,000 households and a diverse demographic,” Angel says. “We chose Archadeck because of our love of design and building. But even more than that, it was their culture, support and their franchisee-first mentality.”
Unlimited Possibilities
Archadeck owners’ projects extend well beyond decks to pergolas, patios, gazebos, fire features, screened porches, sunrooms, outdoor kitchens, three-season rooms, shade structures and various hardscaping elements. Every project is tailored to the client’s particular needs, wants and site.
When they became Archadeck franchisees, the Milhoans admit that they hit a few speed bumps on the road to financial independence. “Marketing and leads were our biggest challenge starting out,” Angel says. “Finding which company and what sources work in your area is truly a challenge when you are first starting out. What works in one franchise’s market may not work at all in another. The process of figuring it out, tweaking and fine-tuning what works and what doesn’t, is truly a journey. I’m not sure how we would have done it without the support of a franchise.”
Never Stop Learning
Even today they continue their education as small-business owners, Angel says. “We have learned that you never stop learning how to run a small business. It seems like every day brings new and different challenges. However, we have also learned how rewarding it is to work for yourself and how motivating it is to know that you are the one in control of your success as a business owner.”
The fulfillment more than offsets the challenges, she adds. “I feel like realizing and meeting a goal you set is always an exhilarating and motivating feeling. I think it’s that feeling that continues to drive you to reach other goals you set for yourself and for your business. Our overriding goal is to be able to own the business, but not work in the business full time. We want to be able to step back and enjoy the fruits of our labor someday.”
Six months ago they took a giant step toward that goal. “We made our first hire as of Jan. 1, 2025. His role in the company is project management and sales. He is learning all aspects of the business so that he can take some of the tasks off of our plate as the owners, and we can work more on the business as opposed to in the business.”
Founded in 1980, Archadeck has crafted 200,000-plus outdoor living spaces — more than $1 billion worth — across North America. The brand is seeking new franchisees in Canada and the United States.
Archadeck Outdoor Living Franchise Advantages
Archadeck Outdoor Living franchisees enjoy the following advantages over their competitors:
- Multiple revenue streams with both B2B and B2C customers.
- A home-based business model that reduces overhead.
- Strong consumer appeal. Clients appreciate that:
1) The brand offers a one-year workmanship warranty and a five-year structural integrity warranty.
2) Franchisees secure building permits as needed.
3) Design consultations are complimentary.
4) There’s a single point of contact, the franchisee, for turnkey projects. - Intensive training, including completion of necessary certifications.
- A wide range of materials – treated wood, cedar, redwood, tropical hardwoods, and low-maintenance composites and synthetics.
- National relationships with preferred material vendors such as AZEK and TimberTech.
Learn more about the Archadeck Outdoor Living franchise.
