Pete Haas – Decktec

THE IDEA

Inventor Pete Haas was becoming frustrated with the lack of innovation in the deck assembly industry. With over 30 years experience in the industry, Pete saw an opportunity for a product that could change deck assembly methodology.

“There needed to be a product that could act as a spacing assembly whilst allowing for board movement and protecting the structure’s joists all in one”, Pete said.

His extensive experience in the industry provided him with valuable knowledge. Pete understood the behaviour of timber and that his idea needed to accommodate to varying climate conditions.

Pete researched and experimented with different methods and tools before he came up with the perfect solution – Decktec’s Deck Strip concept.

THE NEED FOR PROTECTION

Knowing he needed to protect his innovative idea but not sure who he should use, Pete contacted several patent Attorneys with his business partner, Steve.

Pete added, “Philipp [Wynnes] came back to me with the best correspondence and was very thorough in our initial phone call. He seemed willing to go that extra step that no one else put forward.”

The brackets that can be used for both natural timbers or composite decking is what separates Decktec from their competitors.

“No one has thought of the idea before, so it was important to seek protection as soon as possible”, Pete said.

Not knowing what to expect, Pete and Steve were impressed with the level of professionalism, technical knowledge and personal approach Philipp had given towards protecting his idea.

“When we came to the office and showed Philipp a prototype, he really grasped the product and concept without having to double explain things which was great”, Steve said.

Pete described the process as an “Unreal experience in a lot of aspects and would definitely recommend Wynnes to others seeking IP protection”.

THE RESULT

Decktec’s IP protection extends to both national and international protection.

“We initially started with a standard patent but have now just expanded with both patents and trademarks internationally”, Pete said.

Decktec’s innovative idea has changed the deck assembly industry drastically.  Commercial success was inevitable with the innovative deck assembly idea.

“It takes a little bit of time for people to adapt to a new methodology, but our exposure and recognition is continuously increasing”, Steve said.

Decktec has successfully established stockists across Australia including, Mitre10, Demack and CDAETS to name a few.

In addition to their commercial success, Decktec was a finalist in the New Product Innovation category at the HIA-CSR Hunter Housing Awards 2018.

“If you’ve got a great product and you’re ready to buckle down, you have to be patient and really committed because it is a long process but worth it”, Pete said.