I began studying low-slope rooftops in 2014 when I was helping shape marketing strategy for Terrazzo & Stone Supply Company. We were the regional distributor for Bison, a manufacturer of premier rooftop decking systems that I've worked closely in the years since. Although the Seattle market for roof decks was already strong, I learned that only a small handful of people in the building and architect industry possessed much knowledge about pedestal decking systems. So I learned everything I could from the excellent Bison rep and was soon educating builders, roofers and landscapers about how to build a proper rooftop deck. Over a couple years I presented "Lunch & Learn" educational presentations to hundreds of Seattle-area architects. However, as I visited many of our customers' projects, I was disappointed to discover that most of these high-value decks were not being built very well — and it showed in myriad noticeable flaws across the finished surface of the decks.

 

So I decided to go and start my own boutique contracting company – Seattle Roof Decks LLC – to build pedestal decks properly. I constructed beautiful decks and railings for several years, mostly working solo. The photos in this website are all taken from these projects. As every craftsman knows, it's in the tricky detail work that one learns the craft. Unique problems demand original solutions that challenge the creative, analytical mind as much as one's bodily skill. 

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I enjoy building decks but – truth be told – I'm two or three decades older than most of the guys laboring on rooftops. Deck work is heavy labor and my body was talking to me. So, in 2021, I said yes when Bison invited me to join their outside sales team. In that role I learned a great deal about the supply side of construction. Turns out that being a sales rep wasn't such a good fit for me, however. I'm more interested in how to construct a project properly than in how to maximize my monthly sales. In 2023 I decided to become my own boss again. Putting my name on the company . . . I suppose it's a way of claiming my ground. 

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​More than a decent craftsman, I’m also a teacher and coach.

I've a constant thirst for learning and I enjoy sharing my knowledge.

Whatever the endeavor, I value quality work and authentic relationships. ​

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While I've worked with construction materials on-and-off throughout my life, much of my prior professional work was in managing human service programs for faith-based and nonprofit organizations. I've earned degrees in international affairs and theology, and certificates in business and management. I've lived for six years in Latin America and am at-ease working in Spanish.

 

In creating Tobin Roof Decks LLC, I combine my building competencies

and communication skills with my unique knowledge of rooftop deck systems.

My mission is simple: 

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to help my customers design and build really fine decks.