Star City Six – Dan Waters

Decks Unlimited (DecksUnlimitedNE.com) is Lincoln’s premier deck builder and material retailer. Dan Waters is the owner of Decks Unlimited.

Tell us a little about your business.

We specialize in building the highest quality decks and offer advice, knowledge and materials for DIYers and other contractors as well.

How did you get started in the business?

When I was 18 I got a framing job and really enjoyed the work. Along the way I was lucky enough to have some amazing carpenters as mentors. I framed for ten years but always loved building decks. With decks, I could showcase my work instead of having it covered up with siding and drywall. When I started the company with me and one guy I received some amazing advice, “Worry about the job and the work will come.” I lived by this motto and word of mouth spread. That was five years ago and now we have a full team of 12 guys, our own showroom, and a warehouse. We began storing our own materials for quality control on our projects and that also gave us the ability to act as a local supplier.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Creating a positive family-based working environment and my employees. Without them I am just Deck Limited.

Tell us a little about your family.

My lovely wife, Kim, is a nurse practitioner and has her own practice, Hope Health Care, where she specializes in treatment of eating disorders. Our daughter Maddy is an 8th grader at Lux Middle School. She is very artistic and enjoys playing the piano, ukulele and is in CK dance.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Bass fishing and wake surfing. I just love to be outside!

What are you the most proud of?

My family, of course, but also of the company I’ve created with the help of the dedicated people who work for me.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“You can learn a lot from a fisherman, whether that be what to do or not to do.” I heard this from an old fisherman when I used to fish in tournaments and I apply it to everyday life.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Positive.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Levitation, it would make the construction process much simpler.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Archaeology. I’ve always had an interest in history.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Men With Dreams. My friend Brandon Williams runs the program and I am very supportive of their mission.

What is your favorite movie?

Well, that’s a pretty tough choice for a movie guy like me. I’d have to go with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, a classic comedy.

What is your favorite TV show?

What on Earth? I love finding the answers to curious questions.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Honest Abe’s.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Nikola Tesla, what an interesting individual.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 601-5091; Website: DecksUnlimitedNE.com.