Sitting down with LeAnn Burkholder felt like catching up with an old friend. Her warmth and candor made it easy to dive into a discussion about her life, her work in the shed industry, and the journey that has brought her to where she is today.
SHED WIFE: LeAnn, your journey into the shed industry is fascinating. Can you share how it all began?
LEANN: Of course. My husband, Duane, and I entered the industry in 2008 through RTO (rent-to-own) management. Funny enough, Duane had been building sheds in his early 20s, both before and after we were married, so sheds were already part of our story.
When we first started, I worked part-time, helping with customer service, data management, and reporting while raising our three young boys. Later, we added a daughter to the mix.
In 2015, Duane was ready to pursue a new venture and planned to close the RTO business. I wasn’t comfortable with that risk and decided to keep it running as a fallback option. I never imagined it would become my full-time focus, but by 2017, I was leading the business, transitioning it into an LLC, hiring employees, and streamlining operations.
SHED WIFE: That must have been quite a leap, taking over full leadership. How did things evolve from there?
LEANN: It was an adventure! By 2019, Duane returned, and we entered a new phase as a team. We expanded our services and launched two sister companies alongside RTO management. These include Manufacturer Management and Project Management, as well as services like dispatch, logistics, and recruitment.
The explosive growth in 2020 was a defining moment for us. Duane’s entrepreneurial mindset—always believing “it can be done better”—combined with my ability to manage chaos and create structure made us a powerful duo.
We’ve also been blessed with an incredible team. It hasn’t been without its challenges or moments of doubt, but we can’t imagine a life where we don’t work side by side.
SHED WIFE: It’s inspiring to see how you’ve turned challenges into opportunities. I have also heard that you are involved with volunteer work. Can you share more about that?
LEANN: Sure. I currently serve as the second vice chair of the National Shed Rental Association (NSRA) and as secretary of the Charlotte Mason Institute. Education and growth are passions of mine, so I direct a micro school that rethinks education with research-driven methods to spark creativity and curiosity in students.
Advocating for my daughter has also been a significant part of my life. Her journey has taught me to embrace the unexpected and persist when the path forward isn’t clear. That mindset translates into my work, whether mentoring others in the shed industry or participating in panels to promote innovation and excellence.
SHED WIFE: It sounds like your personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. How has your upbringing shaped your approach?
LEANN: Growing up as the oldest girl in a family of nine taught me resilience and resourcefulness. We often had to figure things out with limited resources, which gave me a “everything is figure-outable” mindset—a phrase Duane and I echo often.
After 24 years of marriage, Duane and I have faced plenty of adventures and challenges together. He’s the starter, and I’m the finisher, which has brought us both joy and a few gray hairs! This dynamic has helped us build a business we’re proud of, even if the journey hasn’t always been smooth.
SHED WIFE: That’s such valuable insight. LeAnn, it’s been a pleasure hearing about your journey, both in business and life. Your story is a testament to the power of persistence, teamwork, and vision.
LEANN: Thank you so much for thinking of me and reaching out!
As we wrapped up, I couldn’t help but admire LeAnn’s blend of tenacity and grace. Her story reflects the heart of the shed industry—hard work, innovation, and community. For LeAnn and Duane Burkholder, it’s clear that their business isn’t just about sheds; it’s about building a legacy.
