THE BUILDER BEHIND THE DETAILS
Winnipeg builder Mike Dooley shares how personal involvement, creative thinking and skilled craftsmanship shape the DooleyBuilt approach.
Owner, designer and Red Seal certified journeyman carpenter Mike Dooley is involved throughout the DooleyBuilt process. Featured in the 2026 Winnipeg Home + Garden Show speaker lineup, Mike brings creative design, technical knowledge and hands-on experience to every stage of a project.
How involved are you in each DooleyBuilt project?
As a small business owner, I wear several hats. I am involved in scoping, designing, selling and building our projects. Staying connected from the first conversation through construction allows me to consider the creative and practical sides together while giving clients a consistent point of contact.
What do you want each completed project to achieve?
I want to create spaces that are unique and beautiful, but also strong, modern and safe. A deck should complement the home and support the way the homeowners want to use it. When those pieces come together, it becomes more than an exterior structure.
How do you balance creative design with technical craftsmanship?
A creative idea still needs a strong technical foundation. The design has to account for how people will move through the space, how it connects with the home and how each component will work together. Good craftsmanship is what turns that plan into something lasting.
Why are innovation and industry collaboration important to you?
Deck building continues to evolve. I enjoy sharing ideas and supporting fellow contractors because collaboration makes the industry stronger. I am also interested in technology that can improve design, planning, construction and the way projects are presented to clients.
What keeps you inspired away from the jobsite?
I enjoy coaching my two young sons and spending time with my family. There is usually another home-renovation idea being discussed, so creativity and building are never very far away.
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