For 21 years Fred Becker has been working to help provide the community with sheds and gazebos. After working for a time with another company, he decided to strike out on his own to create a locally-owned business with his family.
“It’s a business that really appealed to me, and I enjoy working with customers. I like working with my hands,” said Becker, who owns Backyard Sheds with his wife, Sue Hulick.
According to Becker, they are a small, family-owned business with the philosophy to treat customers the way they, themselves, would want to be treated. There are no sales gimmicks, he said, because employees don’t work based on commission. The interactions are easy, and that’s what sets them apart from the competition. The goal is to have the best-quality products at the lowest price.
All of the businesses products are handcrafted by the Lancaster Amish Community. Their builders have been with the family for about 15 years, and they are considered trusted friends and business partners, said Becker.
“They’re great people to work with, and we’ve become close,” said Becker. “About 95 percent of the work they do is exclusively for us.”
Backyard Sheds takes great pride in supplying its customers with the best quality sheds, garages, gazebos, animal structures and playsets available. Although the bulk of their products for sale are pre-fabricated by the builders, the employees of Backyard sheds will work with customers to customize products as needed. Their knowledgeable staff will also help with obtaining permits and meeting the appropriate town codes.
The family said they have recently got into the business of custom-built garages. It started because of customer demand. This is done with Amish crews coming to build the unit on site. They have even now done cabins and a small house. Backyard Sheds help with the entire process from blueprints to build.
Another trend that has been popular are backyard retreats, called she-sheds and man caves.
“They are sheds that people use their own imagination to make different, and special to them,” said Becker.
Some guys put televisions, refrigerators and couches in theirs to have a private space to watch the game. Another customer also purchased one to house her books, a rocking chair, her crafting stuff and a place to store some wine. They are seen as a getaway spot, for time away to recharge.
Backyard Sheds will soon hold its annual fall inventory reduction sale at its Selkirk location. Older pre-built products will be sold at a reduced price. The company also offers a 36-month rent-to-own option for its regular inventory and customizable products.
Backyard Sheds can be found at 1208 Rt. 9W in Selkirk, with satellite and display locations in Burnt Hills and Schodack. For more information, visit backyardshedsco.com, or call 767-2671.
