2023 Fence Training School RECAP

For the tenth time, the North American Fence Contractor Association (NAFCA) held its annual Fence Training School in Sebring, Florida February 5 – 8. Students from four different states attended this year. Prior to the school kick-off, NAFCA held its spring board meeting to plan and map out the path for 2023 and the association’s future.

Members present were Ray Statz, Harriet Statz (Qual Line Fence), Dustin Weimann (DW Fence), Mart Prost (Prost Inc), Clint Iams, Bill Iams, Judy Iams, (Log Cabin Fence), Chris Ward-Horner (Hampden Fence), Deb Roche, Don Roche (D Roche Fencing), Shelby Kelland (LiftMaster), Shawn King (Mr Fence Tools), Glenn Butterfield (CertainTeed), Sammy Franklin (Retired), Al Martins, Luis Ruivo (Fence Armor).

A reception kicked off the event at the Inn on the Lakes, adjacent to the Sebring Municipal Golf Course where the classes take place. For the next three days, students and instructors worked at the golf course at the various stations.

One of the benefits of the NAFCA fence training school is all projects are real-world applications of the various fence projects. The students, alongside seasoned veteran installers, install fences that will be used. There are no half measures or temporary fences; all are permanent installs. This provides the best possible learning experience for students.

In addition to the hands-on experiences, various safety discussions were held at mealtime and in the evenings.

Each year, there have been approximately $25,000 worth of material donated and installed by the classes. This results in approximately $250,000 in materials donated to the City of Sebring over the ten years. NAFCA runs the school at cost to keep the registration fee as low as possible. The instructors volunteer their time and services for the betterment of the fence industry. The instructors have a collective cumulative experience in the fence industry of over 450 years and over 220 years of teaching experience.

The 2024 Fence Training School is expected to again be held in Sebring. Watch for details by visiting www.4nafca.com.

by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP Executive vice president, Chain