A family built on craftsmanship

By Dani Sheehan.

Meet Bob and Miles Yglesia, the father-son duo leading Pli-Dek's growth on the east coast.

With over 35 years in the waterproofing industry and 25 years installing Pli-Dek systems, Bob Yglesia has seen just about everything the field can throw at a contractor. Today, he’s joined by his son Miles Yglesia in bringing that same depth of knowledge – and a fresh perspective – to Pli-Dek's growing presence on the east coast.

From jobsite to training room

Bob’s journey in deck coatings began in the early 1980s. What started as a hands-on trade quickly became his lifelong calling. He discovered Pli-Dek in the early 1990s and never looked back. “Waterproofing and deck coatings... it’s the only thing I’ve ever done,” Bob said. “Once I got ahold of Pli-Dek, that was it.”

Miles started in the industry when he was just 16, working odd jobs for his dad and learning the trade from the ground up. Over time, he worked his way to a superintendent position, helping crews navigate installation challenges before transitioning to a corporate role. Today, he balances hands-on training with innovation.  

“It’s not about reading from a manual,” Miles shared. “I like to show contractors what actually works in the field – from the tools that make a difference to tricks that save time. That real-world knowledge is what sticks.”

Pli-Dek's Certified Applicator Training

Bob and Miles recently hosted Pli-Dek's first Certified Applicator Training in Florida, welcoming nearly 70 contractors. While the classroom offered a solid foundation, both emphasized that on-site support is where real growth happens.

“Once you learn the tips and tricks and become a certified contractor, it’s far from being over,” Bob explained. “We promise them – we'll be there on the job. That next level of support is where the system really clicks.” Bob works hard to get to know the needs of the contractors he meets to create an ongoing relationship where they feel comfortable coming to him to solve problems.

Adapting to east coast challenges

Moving operations from the West Coast to Florida hasn’t been without its hurdles. According to Bob, the climate and construction differences demand new solutions. “What we’re seeing out here is a whole different ball game,” he explained. “On the West Coast, you can put a system down and not worry. Out here, with the humidity and variable conditions, it’s a constant evolution. We’re committed to finding those solutions.”

Miles agrees – and sees his role as one that bridges innovation with practical application. “If it’s going to get innovative, it’s going to start with the younger generation in the industry,” he shared. “I like to test things in-house, try new ideas when no one’s looking – because that’s how we stay ahead.”

For Bob and Miles, their approach is hands-on, grounded in decades of experience and focused on making contractors’ lives easier. “It’s exciting,” Miles shared. “To take what I’ve learned from all those early mornings and jobsite problem-solving and share it with other applicators – it just feels like the right next step.”

Become a Certified Applicator with Pli-Dek and gain real-world insights from employees like Bob and Miles Yglesia – because craftsmanship is a legacy worth passing down.