Meet the team

Paul Lafrance

Paul Lafrance, most commonly known as the “Deck Guy” both in the Reality TV megacosm as well as in the average North American home, is also a musician, the CEO and founder of the international design company, Paul Lafrance Design, and the father of four daughters. He plans to one day complete his self-help book for men, which is a life-long project: a study into the intricacies of the female mind. So far, he’s got the title page done.

Paul is the host of HGTV’s Decked Out, Disaster Decks, and Deck Wars as well as one of the judges on Canada’s Handyman Challenge, and moonlights as the head designer at Paul Lafrance Design. Since 1997, he’s been designing and installing everything from groundbreaking backyard retreats, unique interior transformations, and commercial outdoor spaces, to custom-built homes. He is known for his infectious energy, quick wit, and unapologetic rock star style.

Janna Lafrance

Meet Janna Lafrance, co-founder and lead administrator at Paul Lafrance Design. Being married to Paul (and also the big sister to seven siblings), she considers herself to be secretly responsible for all things impressive and humorous about Paul—and the company entirely 😛 She’s normally behind the scenes, administrating and keeping the wheels of the organization turning. In her downtime (what is that?), she can be found either coaching one of her four daughters, hanging out with Paul, or out on Georgian Bay (often simultaneously!)

Shuja

Shuja – Senior Sales Associate / Project Manager

Shuja is a whiz with CAD, Vectorworks, and a number of other drafting programs, which combined with his skills as a designer make his contribution to the Paul Lafrance Design team vital. He also has a background in project management, which is a great asset to the team. Shuja frequently unwinds by taking long walks and delighting his friends & coworkers with his passion for the culinary arts! Maybe that’s how he works so well under pressure.

Dan

Dan has been working with us for over a decade as a lead carpenter and all-around building savant. He’s constantly dazzling us all with his dizzying intellect, wood and metal manipulation, motorcycle building, drumming, and general genius. When we realized he was a fellow Scotsman, we knew we’d be kindred spirits for life 😛

Dennis

Dennis is not only an extremely talented carpenter and builder, but he also bends boards like a Jedi master. On his summer downtime, you might spot this Dutch craftsman out on the water somewhere in southern Ontario, jumping waves in a boat with his wife and sons. (This is if he’s not trying to force some unsuspecting Brit to try eating Dubbel Zout candies.) We’re over-the-moon grateful to have Dennis as part of our team and love him almost as much as our happy customers do!

Hope

Hope is the daughter of world-renowned deck builder and outdoor living space guru, Paul Lafrance (ahem) . . . Aside from greeting new customers online, setting up appointments, and fielding questions, she also considers one of her most crucial roles to be keeping her dad humble 😛 When she’s not busy getting a legit kick out of organizing incoming enquiries and projects (colour-coding is a must!), Hope can usually be found either walking the family boxer or diving into the latest Anime for some downtime.

Joani

Joani manages all the bookkeeping for the team and we couldn’t do it without her! She’s also not only Janna’s mom but has been a “mum” to the whole team for many years. If you have any questions about accounts or billing . . . or if you need some helpful life advice or the recipe for a new kick-ass dessert, Joani’s your girl!

Lionel

Lionel is the first voice you’ll hear if you call us (yes, some people do still use the “phone”!) He’s a man of many talents, not the least of which is his ability to make anyone and everyone feel welcome. He also happens to be Paul’s father and, if you see them together, you’ll have no doubt! Lionel is bilingual so, if you speak French, he’d love for you to greet him in his native tongue!