Game Changers, by Mark Levin

Game Changers

by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP

Executive Vice President, Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute

It looks like the fence industry is heading into some fairly good times. All indications are that most companies, from manufacturers to suppliers to contractors, were busy during the second quarter of 2021. We all know about the labor shortages and supply chain backups, but we are working through these problems and the future is bright.

Assuming we do not have another big COVID-related setback (a big assumption, of course), maybe we can start to focus on where the industry is heading over the next couple of years. It appears the world has changed so much in the past two years that there just may be some opportunities out there for the fence industry to really have some impact going forward.

Infrastructure. I know everyone is getting tired of hearing about the big infrastructure bill, and how it is going to be bipartisan, and how much money is going into it, etc. Maybe we should look beyond just the money and the projects. Maybe this one aspect of the economy can serve as a foundation for the fence industry to exert some real leadership and become a better partner for the other stakeholders involved. Why wait until the projects start being ramped up and rolled out? Why hope that there will be some big fence jobs that companies can fight over? We should start now to contact the decision-makers at every level of public works, highway construction, power plants, etc., and be a part of their planning team. We should show them how truly integrating their fencing program into the project at the very beginning can help them deliver a safer, more costeffective, and longer lasting project.

Employment Opportunities. Take a look around. Much of the construction industry should be an equal opportunity employment mecca, with the fencing part of the industry being one of the most prominent proponents. There has not been a better opportunity in years for the industry to reach out to those who are looking for not only jobs, but careers as well. I know everyone is busy, or going to be busy, but don’t pass up a chance to build a stronger future for your company, your community, and your employees.

Longer range thinking is needed, and the handwriting is on the proverbial wall. Government mandates, workforce changes, enhanced safety scrutiny, and the list of the workforce issues are here to stay, so be a part of setting the parameters.

The Accreditation and Certification Institute (ACI) that was formed by the American Fence Association, the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, and other industry groups is starting to develop ways to attract, and keep, the best available workers for our industry. The ACI is a tool we can use to provide motivation, recognition, and rewards to our industry’s hardworking people. Ask how your company can support these efforts.

Community Service. There were, of course, fence industry companies that suffered through the pandemic. However, in general, the fence industry fared much better than many industries that were not deemed essential. We all know that the fence industry has long had companies and organizations which, collectively, have done thousands of community service projects, donated millions in equipment and manpower and generously supported a wide range of local and state service organizations.

Since giving back is already something our industry does in normal times, shouldn’t we be looking to reach out even further when times are tough?

Check with your employees to see if any of them live in neighborhoods that need the kind of help your company can provide. Give your employees a day off (with pay) on a regular basis to participate in community service work. Adopt an organization in your community and partner with them on projects.

What a better way and what a better time could there be to show support for our communities than by initiating programs, projects, and group efforts to help people and companies get back on their feet?

Simon and Garfunkle sang a song about a “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Well, we’re in the infrastructure business, aren’t we? Let’s get to work.