The outdoor living industry is seeing a notable increase in women taking on leadership roles that promote inclusivity and empowerment. These female leaders are important for shaping the future of the industry, as research shows that outdoor experiences can greatly benefit women’s lives. Their work in reducing the gender gap and creating opportunities for women improves decision-making, innovation, and encourages more women to participate in outdoor activities.
Leslie Chapus, the Vice President of Azenco Outdoor, is one of these influential leaders. She plays a key role in driving the company’s global growth and international strategy. Additionally, she manages the coordination among the distribution network, material suppliers, and marketing teams.
“Build what you believe in.”
Leslie believes in this idea and feels that authenticity and passion are the best foundation for success, and this belief guides her decisions. With over 15 years of experience in the outdoor living industry, Leslie aims to turn outdoor spaces into personalized areas for relaxation and enjoyment.
Leslie wishes more people understood that “empathy and emotional intelligence are powerful leadership tools. They build stronger teams and create a lasting impact.”
The Passion for Outdoor Living
Leslie Chapus started her career in the outdoor living industry with Azenco Group in Europe, where she gained a strong understanding of design and manufacturing. When the company expanded to the U.S., she co-founded Azenco Outdoor to offer luxury, customizable outdoor solutions to the North American market. Today, Leslie is in charge of product strategy, branding, and business development across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
Leslie has always been attracted to spaces that bring people closer to nature. Early in her career, she saw a need in the market for products that blended function, innovation, and clean design. This realization led to the founding of Azenco, which aims to redefine how outdoor living can improve both the value of homes and the overall lifestyle of their owners.
Innovative Outdoor Living
Azenco Outdoor began with a straightforward but impactful idea: to create outdoor structures that blend with their surroundings and meet customers’ practical needs. Founded in the USA with European design influences, Azenco Outdoor offers a variety of products, including pergolas, patio covers, carports, and cabanas, all crafted with artistic design, precise engineering, and high-quality materials.
Believing that life is better outside, the company designs and manufactures innovative products that help people enjoy their outdoor spaces. It merges creativity with the latest home automation technology to offer products that fit various lifestyles, suitable for both residential and commercial outdoor areas.
Azenco Outdoor’s mission is to create modern, smart, and high-quality outdoor structures that enhance outdoor spaces. Leslie Chapus works to ensure that every aspect—from design to customer service—reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Azenco Outdoor Performance Highlights
- 52% Year-over-Year Growth in 2024
- Dealer Network Tripled Since 2020
- 98% Customer Satisfaction Rating
Challenges and Milestones
One of the biggest challenges Leslie Chapus faced in her role was scaling a premium brand during a global supply chain crisis. She addressed this issue by investing in local sourcing and building operational resilience. Additionally, maintaining quality while growing rapidly has required constant adjustments and adaptations.
Under Leslie’s leadership, Azenco Outdoor has achieved several significant milestones. The company has experienced double-digit growth year after year, expanded its dealer network across the country, and formed a strategic partnership with Hunter Douglas in 2024. Additionally, it has introduced new product lines, including the award-winning R-Blade and R-Shade pergolas.
What Sets Azenco Outdoor Apart
In a competitive market, several unique elements distinguish Azenco Outdoor from others in the industry. Its products are fully customizable and designed to fit seamlessly with various architectural styles. The company uses high-quality powder-coated aluminum, incorporates smart features, and provides exceptional service through its dealer network. This approach ensures a personalized experience for customers from beginning to end.
The Vision for Innovation and Growth
Leslie cultivates innovation and forward-thinking within her team and the entire organization by involving every department in the idea-generation process. The team prioritizes staying ahead of trends and invests in research and development. For Leslie and Azenco, innovation is about creating new products and enhancing their work processes, sales strategies, and customer service.
In the short term, Leslie Chapus plans to open a facility in Texas to better serve the West Coast. In the long term, her goal is to develop more products and expand Azenco Outdoor’s presence throughout Central and North America.
Building a Sustainable Future
Azenco Outdoor is actively incorporating eco-friendly practices into its operations and product development. It uses recyclable aluminum, eco-friendly powder coatings, and modular designs to minimize waste. Additionally, the company is introducing solar-ready products and working towards achieving LEED compliance, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Leslie mentioned that Azenco Outdoor is exploring exciting collaborations with luxury hospitality brands and technology companies to broaden its reach and improve the connected outdoor experience. The partnership with Hunter Douglas has been the first step in this direction.
Leadership Approach
Leslie approaches leadership with an emphasis on transparency and trust. She values input from everyone in the organization, celebrates successes, and fosters a culture of autonomy, accountability, and respect.
Women’s Corner
1. Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor in your professional journey?
My greatest inspiration is my husband. He is a visionary and a problem-solver who challenges and supports me every day.
2. How do you balance the demands of leadership with your personal passions and family life?
I balance these demands by setting clear boundaries, prioritizing being present, and embracing flexibility. I’ve learned to delegate tasks and trust my team, which allows me to focus on what matters most, both at work and at home.
Passion, Purpose, and Progress in Outdoor Living
Leslie Chapus has shown that when leadership is guided by passion and purpose, great things can happen. She has taken Azenco Outdoor from a bold idea to a thriving brand that continues to transform outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful extensions of the home. Her ability to combine European design with North American innovation sets Azenco apart in a crowded market. But perhaps her most impactful quality is her leadership style, centered on empathy, emotional intelligence, and empowerment.
As she looks toward the future, Leslie remains focused on growing sustainably, creating smarter products, and encouraging her team to think big. In doing so, she’s not just building better outdoor spaces—she’s building a better future for the entire industry.
Open Letter to Emerging Leaders
Dear Aspiring Professionals,
Be curious, adaptable, and focused on your customers. Success in the industry comes from having a deep understanding of your market and being bold with your ideas. Embrace these qualities as you embark on your journey.
Leslie Chapus,
Vice President, Azenco Outdoor
