Table of Contents
Some People Build Decks. Others help shape an entire industry. For nearly four decades, Brendan Casey, Casey Fence & Deck, Frederick, MD., has been one of those people. His commitment to quality, innovation, and doing things the right way has influenced builders all across the country. He didn’t just build incredible outdoor living spaces. He helped raise the bar for what our industry could be.
Throughout his career, Brendan has always been willing to share what he’s learned. He never kept his knowledge to himself. Whether it was a new building technique, a better way to solve a problem, or simply taking the time to help another contractor, Brendan has always been generous with his advice and guidance. Just as importantly, he’s always been the first to lift up other builders by recognizing their great projects and celebrating their accomplishments. He genuinely wants to see others succeed, and that’s one of the biggest reasons he’s earned so much respect throughout this industry.
His projects speak for themselves, but what really separates Brendan is the respect he’s earned from the people around him. Customers trust him. Manufacturers respect him. Fellow builders look up to him. That kind of reputation isn’t built overnight. It’s earned over a lifetime of showing up, working hard, and doing things with integrity.
The true measure of a career isn't just the number of projects you’ve completed. It’s the impact you’ve had on the people around you. Brendan’s legacy isn’t only found in beautiful decks. It’s found in the builders he’s inspired, the businesses he’s influenced, and the example he’s set for what deck building can be.
That is why we are honored to present Brendan Casey with the Deck Building 101 Lifetime Achievement Award. It recognizes not only an incredible career, but the lasting mark he has left on the deck building industry.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM HEN-HOUSE DECKS’ ANDY HENLEY ABOUT BRENDAN CASEY
For me, this award is personal. Brendan hasn’t just been someone I respect. He’s been a mentor, a friend, and honestly a father figure in this industry. He’s always been there to answer my questions, give me advice, and sometimes tell me exactly what I needed to hear, even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. He’s held me accountable more times than I can count, and I’m a better builder, business owner, and person because of it. Mike Mitchell and I have joked for years that Brendan is our “work dad.” We laugh about it, but there’s a lot of truth behind it. Everyone needs someone who believes in them enough to push them, call them out when they need it, and celebrate their wins. Brendan has been that guy for both of us and for so many others in this industry. Now, Mike and I have learned there are a few extra benefits to staying on Brendan’s good side. For one, he’s an OG rugby player who graduated from the School of Hard Knocks, so getting on his bad side has never seemed like a particularly smart career move. And then there’s that cabin in the mountains. We’ve joked for years that being his “work sons” should at least earn us visitation rights someday. We’re not asking to be written into the will, we’d just like Brendan to remember who his favorite kids are when it comes time to hand out the spare keys. All jokes aside, Brendan, thank you. Thank you for investing in people, for always being willing to help, and for making this industry better than you found it. Your influence reaches way beyond the decks you’ve built. It lives on in the people you’ve taught, the careers you’ve helped shape, and the friendships you’ve made. Congratulations on receiving the first-ever Deck Building 101 Lifetime Achievement Award. There isn’t anyone more deserving. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this industry, and thank you for everything you've done for me. I’m proud to call you not only a legend in deck building, but also a mentor, a friend, and our “work dad.”
