We keep things saucy!
Get to know the gang…
Made up of so many distinct personalities, talents, and penchants for humor, we are truly lucky to have a team that makes the office brim over with fun… It makes coming to work more like coming to a Sunday family dinner (meatball throwing and all). At the end of the day, the poking, joking, prodding, and general silliness all lead to extraordinary creations—because while you may get some spaghetti sauce in your hair—the team is dedicated for sure.
Paul Lafrance
“It’s all about how it makes you feel.”
Meet Paul Lafrance, creator, owner, and CEO of Cutting Edge Construction and Design. With fifteen years of generating innovative and state-of-the-art custom deck designs, he is no stranger to the decking and landscaping world. He has successfully designed and built over a thousand decks across Southern Ontario—plus, he has designed thousands more across Canada and the U.S.A.. Paul has recently expanded his design firm to include all of North America, greatly broadening the frontier for his custom designs. With designs that are always original, each project offers its own uniqueness and the beauty that has come to define a Cutting Edge Deck…read more
Janna Lafrance
Wheel turner/Lover of Sushi, Sunshine, and of course, Paul!
Meet Janna Lafrance, co-founder and CAO at Cutting Edge. Married to Paul and older sister of Joey, she considers herself to be secretly responsible for all things impressive and humorous about Cutting Edge. She’s normally behind the scenes, administrating and keeping the wheels of the organization turning, although periodically she will make appearances at Cutting Edge and Decked Out events, particularly if there is sushi or sunshine involved.
The Cutting Edge Wheels
Steven Williams
Head of Design Sales/Technological Savant
Steven Williams, Head of Design and Sales at Cutting Edge, has been with the company for many years. He’s worn many hats (literally and figuratively), from carpenter, to production manager, to general manager, and has excelled at everything he has put his hand to. A couple of years back, he discovered his affinity for drafting and design and has played a significant roll in the Cutting Edge migration to the new design software, “DeckWorks,” which boasts state of the art 3-D technology. A multi-talented individual, he has a reputation for humour, hard work, talent, and general stealth-like maneuvers, and is an absolute asset to the Cutting Edge team!
Rachael
The Voice of Cutting Edge/En-Route to Taking Over the World
If anyone’s called Cutting Edge in the last decade, you will have already met Rachael. For years, she has been the “voice” of Cutting Edge, taking calls and answering all of your questions. She is our Production Manager and Executive Assistant to Paul, which she can tell you, keeps her quite busy! She is up at the crack of dawn and runs the show like our own personal propeller. It’s common for her to become best friends with clients and suppliers alike, and always treats everyone as though they are our “only” client. As Paul’s younger sister, she’s embraced her destiny to be stuck to his side for the long-haul. It has been rumoured that she may take over the world one day, but this fact is, as yet, unsubstantiated.
Sarah
Right-hand Woman/Coffee Addict
Sarah is Assistant and right-hand woman for Janna, handling all office administration and record keeping, including overflow from the Design and Production departments. Her skills are exceptional and diverse, her vices are coffee and comedy, both of which Sarah is admittedly addicted to. Her smile and friendly voice are sure to calm even the most volatile nerves and she welcomes everyone into our office with gracious hospitality, even if she hasn’t had her coffee yet.
Jim
Jack of all Trades/Master of the Pan Flute
Affectionately known as “Jim-Bo,” Jim has been with Cutting Edge for many years as well. He is the epitome of a “Jack of all Trades” which has made him the perfect candidate for our Service Department Manager. Jim spends his days travelling from one site to another, performing a variety of tasks, including builder support, supplies management, repair and replacement, and making sure the crews have everything they need on the ground. His skills as a carpenter have been a great asset to our team, as well as his appreciation for the fine arts and pan fluting.
The “DECKED OUT” Crew
Joey
Carpenter/Eye Candy
Born in Port Perry, Ontario, where he spent his younger years as the second youngest of eight siblings, Joey is no stranger when it comes to dealing with different personalities. Growing up he had a knack for drama, athletics and carpentry, so it is perfectly fitting that he is one of the most easy going, hilarious and talented carpenters in the industry. In Joey’s self-proclaimed “peak physical condition,” he is more than just eye candy. For over five years he has proven to be an irreplaceable asset to Paul Lafrance’s team.
David
Carpenter/Avid doer of ‘The Robot Dance’
A North York, Ontario native, following in his father’s footsteps, David has become a skilled carpenter with a very slapstick sense of humor. You never quite know what to expect from him. He’s been working for Paul, starting as his youngest lead hand, for a little over six years. His leadership skills were recognized early and he was quickly entrusted with his own crew. David has a passion for music and is a talented drummer. He evidently also has a passion for dancing the robot, which he unfortunately does not hesitate to perform as often as possible. His skill and expertise should not be underestimated, and anyone who knows him will tell you when it comes to carpentry he is wise beyond his years.
Patrick
Carpenter/The Workhorse
Patrick was born in Rochester, New York but moved north to Toronto, Ontario within his first year. He has been a carpenter for more than eleven years and loves to build and create. Patrick has an affinity for fitness and healthy living and keeps active as a personal trainer in his spare time. Pat’s no-nonsense attitude and drive to do it right and do it right now has provided the ideal balance for the crazy antics of his co-workers. Married to Paul’s youngest sister, Patrick is unabashed when it comes to communicating with his brother-in-law and these unfiltered discussions often provide comic relief for the remainder of the crew.
Kate
Carpenter/Prankster
Kate was raised in Georgetown, Ontario and has a passion for adventure and travel. She loves to tackle any new challenge that comes her way. Kate has always been drawn towards a career in contracting, acquiring many of her skills from her training at Women in Skilled Trades, along with her hands-on experience working on HGTV’s Holmes on Holmes. Since joining the Decked Out team she has quickly become part of the family. Working with our eclectic crew of carpenters is certainly an adjustment, however, Kate has had no problem putting up with boys and their shenanigans. She has, in fact, been known on site to pull more than a prank or two of her own.
