The story of The Exterior Living Company begins long before it opened its doors. Alex Chekanoff worked as a carpenter building furniture in Yugoslavia before immigrating to Akron, Ohio in the 1960s. His son, future ELC Owner, Mike Chekanoff, was "born with a hammer in [his] hand" and has been building things ever since.

Growing up, Mike got the kind of education that trade schools can only hope to replicate. From a young age, he got started building decks, running appointments, handling licensing and absorbing every aspect of the business alongside his father. It is precisely this early, ground-up learning experience that spurred Mike on to four long and successful decades in the industry.

In 2024, it was time to embrace the next challenge. Inspired to build on the multi-generational dynamic that brought him to where he is today, Mike launched his own operation — a true family business. The Exterior Living Company now spans three generations and serves Central Ohio as a highly regarded name in the world of residential outdoor living spaces.