How Azenco Outdoor’s Co-Founder Is Building A Luxury Empire

Azenco Outdoor is scaling fast—but not by cutting corners. Under the leadership of its co-founder Leslie Chapus, the manufacturer of luxury patio covers, roof pergolas and insulated carports has expanded its U.S. manufacturing footprint, opening a facility in Miami, and is now laying down roots in Texas.

What’s driving this momentum? A laser focus on customer feedback, a culture of agility and a mission to build smarter, greener and more inspiring outdoor spaces. In an interview, Chapus provides insight into scaling a domestic manufacturer, finding balance and focusing on sustainability, both for the environment and Azenco’s people.

Tell us how you’ve expanded Azenco Outdoor, particularly your manufacturing operations.

Over the past few years, we’ve significantly scaled Azenco Outdoor’s manufacturing capabilities to support our rapid growth. We invested in a new facility in Miami in 2021, with new machinery and technologies allowing us to streamline production, ensure quality control and reduce lead times.

Most recently, we’ve laid the groundwork for a new production hub in Texas to better serve our dealers and customers in the Western U.S.—cutting down on shipping costs and improving delivery timelines. This strategic expansion allows us to maintain the flexibility and customization that define our brand while meeting increasing demand nationwide.

You’ve managed to expand Azenco Outdoor and thrive in a challenging economy. What do you think the secret is?

At Azenco Outdoor, our success comes from staying deeply committed to innovation, customer satisfaction and operational excellence. We never stop listening to our customers and adapting to their needs, even when the market shifts. We also maintain a culture of agility within the company—being able to pivot quickly without compromising on quality has allowed us to grow even during challenging economic times.

Azenco Outdoor has recently achieved a top safety certification in the luxury outdoor living space. How will this impact the business and how important is sustainability when building a brand these days?

Achieving this certification reinforces the trust our customers place in us and elevates our brand reputation even further. Safety and quality are non-negotiable in the luxury market, and this recognition confirms that commitment.

Sustainability is equally critical; customers today want to invest in products and brands that are conscious of their environmental impact. At Azenco, we integrate sustainable practices throughout our manufacturing processes, from the materials we select to our powder coating methods, because building a long-lasting brand means being responsible for both our customers and our planet.

As co-founder of a large company, how do you balance life as a working mom?

Balance is a daily effort. I believe in being fully present where I am, whether at work or with my family. Having a strong team at Azenco allows me to lead without micromanaging, and at home, I make it a priority to create quality moments with my children.

I’ve also learned that it’s important to give myself grace; no one can do it all perfectly every day, and that’s okay. Success, to me, is about the long-term impact I leave at work and at home, not ticking every box every single day.

What are your plans for continued success?

Short-term, we are focused on expanding our product line, strengthening our dealer network and continuing to innovate in both design and sustainability.

We’re continuing to evolve as a design-driven manufacturer. We’re launching new product innovations that respond to both aesthetic and functional needs, including tech-integrated pergolas and expanded modular solutions.

Long-term, our vision is to solidify Azenco Outdoor as the undisputed leader in luxury outdoor living across North America and beyond. We are investing heavily in technology, new facilities and, most importantly, in our people—because growth that’s sustainable and meaningful always starts from within.

Our focus is on sustainability and international growth. We want to bring the Azenco Outdoor luxury experience to new markets while staying committed to eco-conscious manufacturing and tailored outdoor living solutions. The future is about smarter, greener and more inspiring outdoor spaces—and we’re ready to lead the way.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in manufacturing?

My advice would be to focus on mastering both the product and the process. In manufacturing, efficiency, consistency and scalability are just as critical as innovation. Invest early in building strong supplier relationships, robust quality control systems and a team that believes in your vision.

And always stay close to your customer—feedback from the field is your most valuable asset for refining operations and staying ahead of the market.