Eric Veronesi: DeckTec’s Mission Control
Little known to clients these days, Eric Veronesi, head of DeckTec’s estimating and design department, is actually the company’s “mission control” man behind the scenes. A mechanical engineer by training and a former painter and home improvement specialist, Veronesi started off in sales at DeckTec in 2010. His current position makes perfect use of his broad-based background and widely-known addiction to perfection. Whether he’s determining the best approach for constructing a complicated deck or pitching in with a final copy edit on the newsletter, one golden thread runs through everything Veronesi lays his hands on – getting it done right.[...]
Deck Worthy Snacks: Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients 1½ c. warm (110-115°) water 1 tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 package active dry yeast 22 oz. all-purpose flour (about 4½ cups) 2 oz. unsalted butter, melted vegetable oil, for pan 10 c. water 2/3 c. baking soda large egg yolk beaten w/1 tbsp. water pretzel (or other course) salt Directions Combine water, sugar and kosher salt in mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5 mins. or until mixture begins to foam. Add flour and butter. Using dough hook attachment, combine on low speed. Knead on medium speed until dough is smooth and pulls[...]
My Scary Personal Story: What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been
I’ve never liked horror movies or scary movies of any kind. But like most everyone, I’ve had to face some pretty scary things in my own life. When someone once asked me about the scariest thing I’d ever experienced, I told him, “When you have a wife and three small kids and no job, let me tell you, it doesn’t get any scarier than that.” Thirty years ago, before DeckTec, that was me. Broke and scared, I launched DeckTec on a prayer and a maxed-out credit card. It all started back in the late 80s, during one of Denver’s infamous[...]
Oktoberfest In September?
Ever wonder why Oktoberfest happens in September? Well, true to name, Oktoberfest was originally held in October – or Oktober, in German. The first Oktoberfest, held on October 12, 1810, was a wedding celebration and parade honoring the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen . Six days of festivities took place on the outskirts of Munich on fairgrounds named “Theresenwiese” (Therese’s meadow) after the princess, concluding on October 17 with a horse race. The festival was such a hit that it was repeated in following years. Additional features such as a Bavarian agricultural show and[...]
Deck Worthy Snacks: Fresh Homemade Dill Pickles
Ingredients 1-quart jar with lid 2-3 pickling cucumbers (as many fit in jar) 5 sprigs fresh dill (or 1 tbsp. dry dill) 2-4 cloves of garlic crushed and minced 3 tbsp. white distilled vinegar ½ – 1 tbsp. kosher salt, to taste distilled or filtered water 20 black peppercorns, optional ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, optional Directions Cut cucumbers into your desired pickle (discs, spears, sandwich slices, etc) and add to jar with all ingredients except water. Fill jar to very top with distilled or filtered water. Screw lid on very tightly. Shake jar to distribute flavors and leave on[...]
