Richard Strauss, CEO, Teakdecking Systems, Inc.

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Richard Strauss, CEO of Teak Decking Systems, shares the remarkable story of a company that has spent over four decades crafting precision teak and composite decks for yachts, super yachts, and some of the most iconic vessels in the world. Founded in 1983 and now operating as a fully matured employee-owned ESOP, Teak Decking Systems has built its reputation on meticulous craftsmanship, serving ultra-high-net-worth clients across the United States and Europe. Richard discusses how the company navigated the disruptions of COVID-19, post-pandemic supply chain challenges, and the seismic shift in the global teak market following sanctions on Myanmar, while maintaining its commitment to quality and protecting its highly skilled workforce. The conversation explores how Teak Decking Systems is evolving to meet a changing marketplace by expanding its material offerings to include composite decking, cork, and sustainably sourced green teak, while also embracing technology and artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance the client experience. Richard shares how the company is building a custom client portal, developing AI-powered engineering and quoting tools, and empowering younger team members to lead the charge in digital innovation. He also reflects on some of the company's most extraordinary projects, including decks for museum warships like the USS Alabama and USS Iowa, as well as one of the largest privately owned sailboats in the world. Connect: Website: https://www.teakdecking.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-strauss-82425926