It's 1994 in the community of Amburst Acres in Omaha, and you'll likely spot young Jason Decker going door-to-door offering lawn-care services. At just 11 years old, he'd already launched a budding business—and his sights were set higher. Decker was determined and focused—and that hasn't changed.
Today, Decker turned that childhood hustle into a thriving, award-winning pool and landscape business. Fueled by a passion to succeed, a drive to be the best and a desire to prove the skeptics wrong, he's become a leader in pool and landscape design. His company, Elite Luxury Pools and Landscaping is now the premier destination for quality craftsmanship, reliability and standout design. With 13 International Awards of Excellence from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, Elite Luxury Pools and Landscaping has distinguished itself as the exceptional choice for pools, spas, hot tubs and water features that embody beauty, creativity and innovation. Behind it all, stands Jason Decker.
Early Beginnings
School had been challenging for Decker in his early years. What might have discouraged others only fueled Decker's drive to succeed. His lawn-mowing business quickly became a reliable source of income and by eighth grade, he was subcontracting accounts to his older brother while working on his uncle's farm to learn even more.
A freshman in high school, Decker handed off his lawn accounts to a local company and began to sharpen his skills. He began devouring books on landscaping and gardening—and even taught himself how to install a patio.
The landscaping company he worked for soon started offering patios, walls and water features -largely thanks to Decker's relentless drive to learn new skills. By the time he was 16, he had worked his way up to foreman, leading a five-man crew.
"I didn't put up with a lot of flack and we got the work done," Decker says with a smile.
But that familiar itch had returned. Decker knew it was time to go back into business for himself.
Elite Landscaping
At 17, Decker was ready to make things official. Elite Landscaping was born. "I remember seeing the word 'elite' on an Igloo cooler when I was 14," Decker says. "I liked how it looked and I liked how it made me feel. I wanted to be the best and 'elite' defined that for me."
Decker's business quickly outgrew his parents' garage. By the time he was 19, he had assembled a crew and was operating out of a storage facility near 156th and Q streets.
"I had the opportunity to be mentored by some pretty successful guys in the business," Decker recalls. "I remember showing up to a job site in flip-flops and shorts. Andy Mallory of AM Concrete walked up to me and gave me some business advice I still follow to this day: 'If you want to be taken seriously, you wear work boots and pants.' I've worn work boots and pants ever since."
With a twinkle in his eye, Decker reflects on how grateful he is for the many people who encouraged him and helped shape him into the leader he is today. "I wouldn't be where I am today without them," Decker says.
From Lawns to Pools
Building a successful landscaping business seemed destined for Decker. His reputation for quality work kept referrals coming in but those early days required a lot of canvassing.
"We did everything in west Omaha. We passed out flyers - literally door-to-door," Decker says. "We never turned down a job. At first, it was putting in three rose bushes, but after a while business really began to pick up as people started to recognize our trucks and our marketing."
In 2005, Decker began setting up booths at local home shows. On what was supposed to be a slow day, he connected with his first pool and landscaping client.
"We did everything but the pool," Decker explains. "The outdoor kitchen, the pool deck, the pool house. We hauled all the dirt, laid the sod, did the landscaping—and I designed it myself."
Although it was a bit of a stretch at the time, Decker tackled the project with the same grit and determination that would shape his company's future.
Elite Luxury Pools and Landscaping
Over the years, Decker continued to hone his skills and develop his team. By 2016 Elite had started to build pools in-house. In 2022, Elite Landscaping had evolved into Elite Luxury Pools and Landscaping, firmly establishing the company as the go-to source for jaw-dropping designs and pool construction.
In the fall of 2023, Decker earned his IWI accreditation, a designation requiring approximately 256 hours of continuing education; only about 80 professionals worldwide hold the certification, making it a rare and prestigious accomplishment.
With mentors who design homes for celebrities and high-profile clients, Decker feels fortunate to be part of such an esteemed group. "I'm really proud of our team here at Elite," Decker says. "And winning The Pinnacle Award has to be one of the highlights of my career."
The design that earned this notable award is known as The Sanctuary Project. Tucked into the hills of west Omaha, the pool features Lautner edge detailing, where the water and marble pool deck meet at the same elevation. "That's probably one of the coolest details in the swimming pool world—and one of the hardest," Decker reflects. "We've done infinity edges before but this is a Lautner edge-to-infinity-edge. The whole surface is like looking into a mirror."
The Road Home
Despite leading a highly sought-after landscaping company, Decker always kept his heart open to finding someone to build a family with. In 2015, he met his now-wife, Bobbie.
"A friend asked if I was seeing anyone. When I said no, she asked if I was open to it. I told her, 'For the right one, you make time.' The rest is history," Decker recalls. "A year later, we were engaged—and now we have two amazing kids together."
As Decker reflects on his achievements, he's quick to share what he's most proud of: being a husband and a dad. "There really is nothing better."
Jason Decker's story is one of unrelenting focus and determination—a driving desire to prove critics wrong and leave a lasting mark on his community. From the moment he pushed his first mower to the days you will still find him bringing lunch to his crew or jumping in to help dig a ditch, Decker has shown he doesn't just talk the talk - he walks it.
Elite prides itself on providing a seamless, turnkey process for its clients. Decker works closely with each client from the initial conceptual design and material selections to final construction plans. He is supported by dedicated in-house crews - many of whom have been with him since the beginning - as well as a construction manager who oversees the entire process.
This is where Elite’s quality and expertise truly stand out, setting them apart from their competition.
“We have you covered every step of the way. From design, to the pool and plants, you’re in good hands,” Decker says.
But it’s not just about the build - it’s the service after the build that really matters. Elite’s crews continue to maintain and service their pool builds and landscaping projects to keep them in award-winning condition.
We have you covered every step of the way. From the design to the pool and plants, you’re in good hands.
Jason Decker, founder of Elite Luxury Pools and Landscaping, began his business journey at age 11 in Omaha. What started as mowing lawns evolved into an award-winning pool and landscape company known for excellence and innovation. With 13 international awards and a rare IWI accreditation, Jason leads a dedicated team delivering luxury outdoor spaces. Above all, he’s proudest of his role as a husband, father and hands-on leader. Learn more at eliteluxurypool.com.