After 10 years of working for Deckmasters Supply Store in Fargo, Josh Smook now owns the company. So, we decided to ask him a few questions.
Q&A with Josh Smook
Q: How did you become the owner of Deckmasters? Why did you want to?
A: The journey was simple, it just kind of happened. A few years after starting at Deckmasters, Todd and Laurie Funfar and I were sitting around our fire pit one Saturday afternoon, and it just came up in conversation. I expressed my interest in buying them out when the time was right. There was no crazy off-the-wall idea that came with it, just a good, natural conversation on a Saturday afternoon.
I’ve had a few different titles through the years, but regardless of title, my job was almost always the same; selling and watching out for what’s best for the business. We made decisions together on what we ordered, how we sold, and what direction we wanted the business to go. Eventually, it just sort of happened. The Funfar’s decided it was time to retire, and here we are today.
Q: What are your passions outside of work? Where do you devote your time?
A: Outside of work, is work, ha-ha. All joking aside though, work is all-consuming. When I take a break to relax though, it’s generally spent camping during the short summer months. Weekends away are one of the only ways to turn off the brain and disconnect from the real world.
Q: What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: The worst advice I’ve gotten was “get a four-year degree.” That said, I found the job I have because of a listing at a college career fair I attended. So, it wasn’t completely bad advice, just VERY expensive advice. Unless you’re planning to get a higher degree like a master’s, PhD, MD, etc., explore the options for a trade’s degree, or an associate’s degree. Learned skills are so valuable in today’s job market. But ultimately, do what makes you happy. Don’t just chase money—it’s an uphill battle you’ll never win, you’ll always want more.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Honestly, I’m an old soul at heart, and let’s be real, I’m not a young 20-something anymore. I’m usually in bed before 10 p.m. and up by 6 a.m.; I wouldn’t change anything about that.
Q: What would you give a TED Talk on?
A: If I could give a TED Talk, it would be all over the place. I have too many thoughts that run through my head to pick a single one. No one would really want to hear it anyway.
From a work aspect, I would talk about sales; specifically, client interactions. Today’s clients don’t always know what they want, or they like to be a little coy and not let you in on all the information. As a salesperson, it’s our job to make them feel comfortable enough to get them to open up. We need to “manage” the conversation without making a client feel like they are being managed. Our clientele comes to us for our expert advice. Some days you have to tell them difficult answers like “That’s not possible” or “That may not be a good idea.” Asking enough questions and giving honest, professional feedback that is relevant to the situation will develop a rapport with them that ultimately makes them feel safe in the decisions you helped them come to. Making a sale without leaving your client feeling as though they “got sold.”
Q: If you could thank one person who’s contributed to your success, who would it be and why?
A: A fairly typical response, family. But it really is true. My family has instilled in me the Midwest work ethic. Work hard, don’t cause a ruckus, and get the job done even if you don’t like it. They have been supportive and encouraging my whole life. My parents always said, “We are so proud of you and what you’ve done and where you’re going.” The second set of individuals would be the Funfars. Todd, Lori, and I worked for almost a decade together. We became so in sync as to where we wanted to go with Deckmasters and how we would get there. Every day we sat down for lunch in the break room and ate our leftovers from suppers at home. They really are the definition of mentors and friends and became like family.
Q: What’s one characteristic you believe every great leader should possess?
A: Great leaders should be capable of many things. It’s difficult to try and cater to everyone’s needs, but it is important to at least try and understand. A few things that can help one strive to become a better leader:
- Listen, regardless of opinion. It is productive to listen and to be able to have honest and open conversations about everyone’s ideas.
- Be patient. Letting everyone express what is on their mind in their own way goes a long way to improving and maintaining a good relationship with employees.
- .Reflect on yourself. Just like any other employee, a leader is not perfect. Ask “How am I doing?” or “What can I improve on?” You’ll get nowhere if you expect others to adapt and aren’t willing to adapt yourself.
Web: deckmasters.net
Facebook: /DeckmastersSupplyStore
