Wheatland Tube customers save time and money with our Z-Commerce™ online platform. Instantly check product availability and pricing, manage orders across locations, create “favorites” lists to reduce searching, and cut way back on purchasing department aggravation. wheatland.com
Barrette Outdoor Living® Partners with Mike Pyle, Landscape Designer and Co-Host of HGTV’s “Inside Out”
Case Study: Solving a Burning Issue
The Fencing Method of the Future
Lynx Franchising and Outdoor Living Brands Rebrand as Empower Brands
Empower Brands Announces New President
Top of the Chain: Sheryl McMahon, Dandy Digger 48 Start-Up Stories: Terry Stephens, Stephens Pipe & Steel 68 FENCETECH 2023 Exhibit Vendors
a Dog
ON THE FENCE: New Research Taps Rancher Expertise on Living With Carnivores
Making Fences Friendlier for Ranchers and Wildlife
Abbey Hardware,10
All-O-Matic, 21
American Fence Association, Back Cover
American Wholesale Fenceworks, 28, 29
Ameristar/Assa Abloy, 11, 15
BD Loops, 42
Blackline HHP, 63
Bullet Fence Systems, 19
DAC Industries, 22
D&D Technologies, 3, 5
Dandy Digger, 61
DKS DoorKing, 16, 17
DoorBird, 26
Dyna-Bignell, 19
Dynamic Tube & Pipe Co., 68
Eagle Fence Distrubuting, 37
Eastern Fence, 40, 41
EZG Manufacturing, 20
Fence Empire, 77
Fencing Supply Group, 9
FLW International Wholesale Forest Products. , 52, 57
GSAFA, 67
56
FENCETECH 2023 Forecast by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP 72 Management Corner: Reflecting for Better Resolutions 74 Business Survival in 2023 by Tom Luby
76 Business Classifieds 78 Events: Powder Coating Week, National Water Safety Conference, FENCETECH 2023, American Wood Protection Association Annual Meeting, Common Ground Alliance 2023 Conference and Expo
International Gate Devices, 19
Interstate Visions, 55
Iron World, Front Cover
J.C. Gury, 39
National Metal Industries, 6, 54
Nebraska Plastics, 14 Pexco, 47
Pine Creek Chain Link, 63
Expert Professional Wood Care, 33
Jerith/Assa Abloy, 13
Keener Dupont Wire, LLC, 19
L&C Enterprises, 50, 51, 65
Little Beaver, 19
LMT Mercer Group, 79
Locinox, 70
Maximum Controls, 53
Hampden Fence Supply, Inc., 20
Homeland Vinyl Products, 45
My Salesman, 24
NAFCA, 26
Poly Vinyl Creations, 25
Privacy Link, 49
Pro Access Systems, 38, 78
RediDriver, 20
Richard’s Fence, 73
Seco-Larm, 23
Security Brands, 39
Skidrill, 71, 75
Southwestern Wire, 44
Stain & Seal Experts, 33
Standard Paints, 12
Stephens Pipe & Steel, 7
TREX Fencing - SRF Fence, 4
US Premier Tube Mills, 27
Wallace Perimeter Security, 43
Waymark Products, 45
Wheatland Tube, 2
I started at SPS a few months after I graduated high school in 1988. As a receptionist and executive assistant, I answered the phones, collected the mail and helped anyone that needed an extra hand. 35 years later, I now work in sales and members of my family also work for SPS including my husband, son and stepson.
Peggy BaileyI was born into the fence business... 4th generation! When I first started with Stephens Pipe in 2003, I helped open the Maryland branch. Over time my Accounting degree and early training in Collections, A/R and A/P has evolved into Sales and Customer Service. I love working at Stephens Pipe. We are a team and a big family!
Jennifer KellyIn 2002, I started out as an assistant. Today, I'm the executive assistant to our management team and company owner/founder. I also schedule the production for our 5 tube mills. I enjoy working at SPS because they treat you like family. I'm always joking, we spend more time with our co-workers than our own families.
Debbie BrayI was originally hired in 1990 to simply fill-in where needed. I worked in several divisions of the company before filling the position of Corporate Purchasing Manager in 1999. My division oversees the majority of purchasing and inventory management for our fence resale materials, while I concentrate on the steel coils used at our tube mills. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the phenomenal growth of our company for the past 33 years.
Donna JohnsonI started as a Sales Representative in 1991 having moved from Florida to Kentucky. Now 32 years later, I'm still selling great SPS products in the fence industry. I have enjoyed being a part of a growing company with an owner that takes care of his employees and their families. We are a family here that laughs, cry and loves to enjoy a meal together. We are passionate about our customers and friends we have met along the way.
Sharon McCubbinI started a week after my 18th birthday in October 1989 as a clerk in the A/R Dept. Currently I am the A/R manager for the company. Our department handles all 18 branches and our duties includes posting payments on accounts to change orders to working with dispatch and the sales staff on customer's orders.
Kim BurnsIgnite Attachments, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, launched recently, offering accessibly priced attachments and three point (3PT) implements for compact equipment in the agriculture, landscape, rental and construction industries in a digital, direct-to-consumer storefront. The new-to-market brand aims to deliver on speed, quality and equipment compatibility with an upgraded customer experience.
The Ignite product lineup makes the equipment that businesses and homeowners already own more versatile and efficient. Ignite and its industry-leading e-commerce experience, featuring the Fit-Finder, will help consumers save time, energy and money with a budget-friendly price range between $219.99 and $4,199.99. “With Ignite, we’ve harnessed the spirit of working smarter, not harder,” says Business Director Trisha Pearson. “We saw an opportunity to provide a better experience all around for customers who demand more value. Simply put, our mission is to give consumers the right fit for the right price, right when folks need it to get the job done.”
In addition to 56 products at launch, the revolutionary e-commerce experience of Ignite sets it apart from the competition. It inspires confidence with transparent inventory availability, pricing models and the proprietary Fit-Finder, to ensure each Ignite product is a perfect fit for its intended carrier and use case upon arrival. Removing the guesswork from the shopping process, the FitFinder tool compares the specs of the carrier and the attachment to determine compatibility. The easy-to-use interface of the Fit-Finder delivers on ease of service and eliminates the need for holds or callbacks with the entire process accessible from its mobile-friendly site.
“Ignite provides something new for the value attachments sector,” says Matt Foley, lead engineer. “Whether our customers are looking to replace worn attachments or add versatility to their equipment, we are dedicated to helping them get more done for less and faster.”
Ignite products are engineered to fit most compact equipment including compact tractors, loaders, excavators and more. The Ignite line-up includes:
• Buckets for Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders and Mini Loaders
• Compact Tractor 3PT Implements, including Angle Blades, Box Blades, Rakes, Rotary Cutters, Snow Blowers and Tillers
• Pallet Fork Assemblies
• Mini Excavator (MX) Buckets & Couplers
Ignite plans to deliver a continuous pipeline of new products that broaden the portfolio and speak to consumers’ ever-evolving needs, while never compromising on compatibility, affordability and quality.
To learn more about Ignite Attachments, visit www.igniteattachments.com
In a challenging time in our industry, Country Estate® continues to lead with the introduction of multiple color, finish and sculpted options that give our dealers a truly competitive advantage.
Nebraska INNOVATION COUNTRY ESTATE
From our exclusive Maxwell Rail to our broad line of color and style options, we offer the innovative products that make any location a destination home.
P.O.
Cozad, Nebraska 69130 U.S.A. 1-800-445-2887 www.countryestate.com
Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc., a division of Oldcastle APG, recently announced a partnership with renowned landscape designer Mike Pyle, owner of Mike Pyle Design and co-host of HGTV’s “Inside Out,” to amplify its extensive product portfolio.
Through this partnership, Pyle will feature new and existing products from the Barrette Outdoor Living and Oldcastle APG portfolios in his upcoming design projects, provide before and after reviews, and speak to the company’s sustainability initiatives. Pyle will also work to highlight the quality, versatility and innovative designs of the company’s diverse railing, fencing, composite decking and outdoor accent product lines while sharing his experience in landscape design and exterior trends.
“I believe a home extends well beyond its walls and that exterior areas can be easily renovated to create transformative living spaces,” says Pyle. “I’m thrilled to begin collaborating with Barrette Outdoor Living and look forward to incorporating the company’s products into my design work.”
As a leader in the outdoor living solutions industry, Barrette Outdoor Living identified Pyle as a partner who embodies a similar level of commitment to innovation and developing high-quality products.
“We are ecstatic to have Mike onboard to represent our products and share his expertise,” says Erika Kaempfer, director of marketing at Barrette Outdoor Living. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our brand, as Mike understands the importance of helping homeowners embrace their ‘Outside Side.’ Put simply, it’s a great fit.”
To learn more, visit www.barretteoutdoorliving.com.
Even with low fuel fires, wood bracing is in danger of burn out in drought conditions.
Ronald Goedecke, owner of Bullet Fence Systems in Oklahoma, was trying to put up a fence during a burn ban in 2016. He had driven oil field pipe for the posts but could not weld the brace rails in because of a burn ban. As a retired Natural Resources Conservation Service soil conservationist with the US Department of Agriculture, Goedecke is accustomed to working with ranchers on grassland management. He waited, and after a several week delay, got the braces welded in. “That delay, the risk of fire and the inefficiencies of welding got me thinking of a better way to build fence braces,” he says.
Steel is fire resistant making it at least one of the reasons ag fencing materials are trending to all steel. Many ranchers use prescribed fire to both improve grazing and control wildfires and having an all-steel fence makes for one less worry about losing a fence.
Fires are a risk to a fencing business and burn bans change the way fences are built. According to the American Welding Society (AWS) Fact Sheet, Fire and Explosion Prevention, welding sparks can travel up to 35 ft. (10 m) horizontally and even farther when falling. Even at 35 ft., sparks can be hotter than 2,500 degrees F.
If local officials allow welding in a burn ban, there are almost always additional precautions required. Common requirements might require welding blankets, full time spotters to watch for fire escape, and pressurized water on site among other precautions. “All these safety requirements make welding during burn bans a costly and even riskier activity. And you guessed it, the fencing welder is totally responsible if there is a fire escape,” says Goedecke.
Bullet Fence Systems developed a simple and safe method for building a pipe noweld compression brace that works in all weather conditions. The Fence Bullet kits met Goedecke’s need and he wanted to share the solution.
“We saw it as a best solution for many small jobs where it may not be cost effective for hired welding in addition to being well suited for ranchers building their own fences,” he says. “We also thought it would be attractive to fence contractors looking to avoid delays and be more efficient with their time and labor.”
The Fence Bullet kit is a fast, strong method of connecting steel pipe without welding. Once the pipe rail is cut, the bands and hardware are bolted to posts and the Fence Bullet sleeves slide over each end of the rail. An end wrench is the only tool needed.
The process takes less than five minutes with no pipe fitting, other than cutting the pipe to length. Fence Bullets kits are modular and angle adjustable, they can be combined to form various braces and rail fences. The kits can also be removed, adjusted, and reused if the fence is temporary or there are changes over the years. Kits are available in post sizes of 2 3/8-inch to 4 ½- inch OD and rail sizes of 2 3/8-inch and 2 7/8-inch OD and are offered in straight and angle versions. Brace kits are available directly from Bullet Fence Systems or through Bekaert Fencing.
Fence Bullet kits are also offered as a rail system for equine, residential, and commercial rail fences. The black or galvanized finishes offered match common residential tubing and provide an attractive look. Due to customer response, Bullet Fence Systems developed other no-weld products: adjustable no-weld pipe gate hinges and a welded top rail connector round out the company’s offerings right now.
Bullet Fence System products improve efficiencies with their mission to provide simple and safe fencing solutions. “Without the need for welding equipment, the consumables, the logistics of moving a welder, the additional labor, special skill and delays our products make sense in many situations. We offer a great solution to the burning issue of fencing in fire danger times,” says Goedecke.
For more information about all of Bullet Fence System products and offerings, visit www.bulletfence.com , call 918-777-3973, or visit them at FENCETECH 2023, they’ll be at booth #1054.
Unfortunately, supply chain delays have become commonplace, and in many cases, expected. This provides challenges for everyone with orders to place, loads to ship, work to bid, and fence to install. Our commitment to you and the industry provides us the opportunity to offer the fastest lead times available on galvanized and color coated products through our distribution network.
Orlando Tampa Tavares Jacksonville 904-512-0599 Tallahassee 850-739-7448 Atlanta 404-736-6685
Orlando Tavares Jacksonville 904-512-0599 Tallahassee 850-739-7448 Atlanta 404-736-6685 info@awfenceworks.com www.awfenceworks.com
info@awfenceworks.com www.awfenceworks.com
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” Shawn King, owner of Mr. Fence Inc., has applied this concept to his career in fencing.
With a driven mentality and the help of Little Beaver Mechanical Earth Drills, King is on a mission to take the fencing industry to the next level. After years of experience and trial and error, he has developed one of the most tried and true methods for fence installation in the industry. However, instead of keeping these processes for his own business, he set out to better the industry by teaching seminars and providing training and knowledge through Mr. Fence Academy.
As word continues to spread about the Mr. Fence process to other companies in the industry, one can’t help but wonder: is this the new norm for fence installation?
King grew up in the fencing industry and started his fence installation journey at a family-owned business. As a result of the experience he gained at a young age, King was leading an installation crew before he could drive.
Although some fencing companies use skid steers, excavators and track hoes to dig fence post holes, King found that Little Beaver earth drills were the perfect solution for the residential application and has been using them for as long as he can remember. These small-but-mighty mechanical drills offer plenty of power and speed with the advantage of a nimble, lightweight design that doesn’t tear up a lawn.
“We started using Little Beaver drills on the jobsite back in the ‘90s,” King explains. “The one-man operation is not only more efficient than two-man augers, it also increases safety with a torque tube that absorbs shock to minimize the chance of being thrown from the drill and getting bruised.”
In 2001, King decided to start his own fencing business in southern
Indiana. Based on his experience with Little Beaver and the variety of options they provide, he knew he could select a drill that maximizes productivity for fencing. So, he turned his focus to how he could build speed and accuracy by homing in on technique.
“All my years of trial and error in the fencing industry allowed me to think outside the box when it came to maximizing performance with a mechanical drill,” says King. “I went through and trained each team member on technique and tips I learned throughout the years and developed a three-step process for the fencing crew to enhance productivity.”
King’s fencing process was developed with four main criteria. The method must be teachable, measurable, predictable and repeatable. After trying different alternatives, the result involved three crew members: one to measure where the post holes should be, one to operate the drill and another to make sure each hole is ready for the post.
The first person goes throughout the yard to mark where each fence post should go. The drill operator follows behind and drills the post holes at the markers. After each hole is drilled, the third person comes behind to “own the hole”. This means they take the remainder of the soil from the bottom of each hole and make sure it lines up with the other holes. After this person leaves each hole, it’s ready for a fence post. This process allows each crew member to focus on their assignments and minimizes the time it would take for each person to go back and forth to re-check work or plan the next hole.
“We can dig 25 to 30 fence post holes in 30 to 40 minutes with this method,” King says. “We’re at the point where we have it down to a science of how to track the progress and can tell a customer the exact number of man-hours a project will take us.”
King also designs custom tools that can keep up with Little Beaver earth drills for maximum efficiency. These tools address other aspects
of fence building, such as marking and spacing for layout, and tools to assist with fence installation. This means crew members don’t even have to take out a measuring tape during the fencing process because everything has been built into the Mr. Fence package of tools. With specific tools designed for aluminum, chain-link, wood and vinyl fences, this addition makes measuring distances and other tedious tasks just as fast as using a Little Beaver to drill the fence post holes.
The time and energy King put into perfecting the fence installation process has allowed Mr. Fence to become a dominant force in the residential fencing market. Before long, other fencing professionals asked King if they could watch his team install fences to implement some of the processes into their own work. This inspired King to take that interest to the next level.
King created Mr. Fence Academy to educate other fencing companies about ways to improve their productivity and safety. He uses the training sessions to teach what tools to buy and how to maximize performance and installation methods to try for improved efficiency.
“I spend the first 10 to 15 minutes of training discussing the benefits of Little Beaver mechanical drills,” King explains. “People assume earth augers are heavy and dangerous but when they learn how lightweight and productive Little Beaver earth drills are, their eyes are as wide as saucers.”
King spends part of his training going over safety tips, such as how to properly lift an earth drill and how to strap it down for transportation. He also educates participants on pinch points that can hurt an operator. Once he’s gone over the basics, he covers the typical wear parts of the auger and maintenance and other practical tips for how to maximize efficiency without sacrificing safety.
King’s methods have certainly brought success to others. He recalled an instance where an individual just entering the fencing industry reached out to Mr. Fence Academy for training. By starting off with the right method, he got a jump start in the industry and was competing with companies that had been in business for decades.
“I learned everything the hard way when it came to finding success with an earth drill, which is why I have a story to back up every topic I teach,” explains King. “There’s no point in reinventing the wheel. I like to share what I’ve learned with others so they can understand what their earth drills are capable of and expand on tried-and-true methods instead of starting from scratch.”
One lesson King has learned is that productivity and profitability don’t just come from knowing how to operate the equipment, but in understanding how to maintain it properly as well. Initially, he didn’t want to take time for routine maintenance, but soon discovered dedicating time to following manufacturer guidelines helps the drills run efficiently for years. He changed his strategy from running the drills until they broke and using them for parts to hiring a maintenance person to check the earth drills once per month, which extends the life of the equipment.
“I learned if you buy a new unit and take care of it, you won’t need to replace it as often,” says King. “At Mr. Fence Academy, I try to change the mindset that maintenance is a hassle and highlight how much time can be saved with simple monthly checks as opposed to extended down time from trying to perform maintenance just once a season.”
King also shares tips on techniques such as how to maximize the auger’s strength while drilling through tree roots or how to increase efficiency by always keeping the drill straight. These golden nuggets of advice can easily be implemented into any fencing program for maximum ROI, which makes Mr. Fence Academy a highly sought-after program for businesses of all experience levels.
King has finessed his fencing method to the point where he can teach just about anyone to build a fence, regardless of experience. With businesses experiencing challenges across the country when it comes to finding skilled labor, the Mr. Fence method is more valuable than ever.
“There are plenty of people who might want a job in fence building, but don’t have the qualifications required to do it,” King says. “Our fencing process bridges that gap because you only need to learn how to use a level, straight edge and some power tools like the Little Beaver.”
King has built awareness for his fencing process and Little Beaver earth drills on social media to create an understanding of the capabilities they can offer. His passion for fencing has led to millions of views on TikTok and YouTube, which keeps his team of 30 busy with plenty of leads, and Mr. Fence Academy bustling with learners.
“We need to stop building fences like our grandfathers did and start building fences the way our children will need to in the future,” says King. “As the next generation enters the workforce, efficient processes that can easily be taught are more important than ever. The Mr. Fence installation process opens the door to anyone interested in learning, all experience levels aside. With the addition of increased productivity and simplified processes, businesses can use the Mr. Fence method as a win for everyone involved.”
To learn more, visit www.gomrfence.com, call 812-425-3550 or email info@gomrfence.com.
Multi-branded franchisors Lynx Franchising and Outdoor Living Brands recently announced their official rebrand to form Empower Brands, a newly named umbrella company focused on championing the success of its franchise owners.
The launch of Empower Brands comes amid rapid growth experienced across its portfolio of brands following Lynx's September 2021 acquisition of Outdoor Living Brands. After months of integrating the two organizations, Lynx Franchising and Outdoor Living Brands decided the best way to continue moving these brands forward was to combine forces under one, unified name. Together as Empower Brands, the team can provide more experience and an even stronger commitment to providing franchisees with a winning playbook and the right resources to pursue their long-term goals.
"Ultimately, the creation of Empower Brands is meant to do exactly as our new namesake promises: to empower our franchise owners and champion their success," says Empower Brands CEO Scott Zide in a video announcing the rebranding. "We have seen tremendous growth over the past year thanks to the work of our franchise owners, support teams and partners. Now, we're positioned to take the entire company to the next level."
As a result of this rebranding, Empower Brands will include seven industry-leading brands across commercial and residential services: JAN-PRO, Intelligent Office, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Conserva Irrigation and Superior Fence and Rail. With sights set on continuing to build this portfolio, Empower Brands is aggressively looking to acquire new brands to add to its portfolio to grow the organization to 10 or more brands by the close of 2023.
Throughout 2022, all seven of Empower's inaugural brands are on track for a record-breaking year, collectively surpassing $1 billion in combined system sales along with licensing more than 150 new territories.
In conjunction with the integration into Empower Brands, the company debuted a new logo and updated branding. With the transition, the corporate websites at lynxfranchising.com and outdoorlivingbrands.com have moved to www.EmpowerFranchising.com.
Empower Brands, franchisor of premium multi-brand commercial and residential home services, has appointed franchise operations expert Thomas Welter as group president of Residential Services. Welter, who was previously COO of Lift Brands, replaces Scott Zide who recently transitioned to CEO of Empower Brands.
"With more than 30 years of leadership experience in franchise operations, Welter is poised to further accelerate our growth as we continue into this new chapter as Empower Brands," says Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. "He has a reputation for building and growing some of the most successful organizations in the franchising space and has deep experience with team development and strategy management. We can't wait to see how he elevates our expanding business." Experienced with creating operational breakthroughs in high potential organizations, Welter's expertise is grounded in revenue expansion and culture framework. In his new role, Welter will oversee the operations, support teams, culture and strategic direction of Empower's residential service brands: Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Conserva Irrigation and Superior Fence & Rail.
"The organization's 'Franchisee First' mindset is really what initially drew me to Empower Brands," says Welter. "Our franchisees are the foundation of Empower Brands, and my goal is to champion their success. I plan on unleashing our team's potential while continuing to cultivate our brand's differentiating culture."
To learn more about Empower Brands visit www.empowerfranchising.com.
Women are leading the way in a variety of roles within the fencing industry. We’re excited to highlight just a small sampling of the women who are blazing the trail, mentoring younger professionals, and creating unique niches for themselves and those who follow.
As the first female chief executive officer (CEO) of CertainTeed Canada, Julie Bonamy Racine has already forged quite an impressive career, one which began in another country and a field completely unrelated to construction.
She began her professional life as an inspector of finance for the Inspection Générale des finances of France, a body that provides oversight, auditing and analysis functions for the French Government. Later she joined the Office of the French Minister for the Economy, Industry and the Digital Sector, as an advisor for budget and the digital sector. She also has experience in political campaigns, working in her personal time for President Macron’s first presidential campaign in 2017.
Racine has been with Saint-Gobain since 2017 and has held several roles within the company, including Group Vice PresidentStrategy & Planning and CEO of SaintGobain Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, before being named CEO of CertainTeed Canada earlier this year.
“Being new to the business in Canada, each day has been different, as I work to visit our plants throughout the country and meet our employees, customers and other stakeholders,” says Racine. “We have also recently finalized a major acquisition of Kaycan, making CertainTeed the largest manufacturer of exterior siding in the country. As we work to integrate the Kaycan team to our business, each day brings new and exciting tasks.”
Racine says the best advice she’s ever received was not to be too harsh with yourself, from Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed’s CEO Mark Rayfield. “I think about it often, and feel this advice is especially important to women, as historically, women have had to work harder to be recognized for our work and accomplishments.”
At Saint-Gobain, Racine says they operate under the principle that diversity makes us stronger and equity and inclusion are priorities. “I have found that my leadership teams in both Singapore and Canada have been nearly evenly split between men and women, which makes us stronger. Women bring new and different perspectives, which can help change habits and culture for the better.”
Racine says the toughest lessons she has learned in her career stem from the COVID-19 pandemic. “During that time, I was covering Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, where we had strict stay-at-home guidelines and closed borders. We had to navigate a remote landscape for the first time and were forced to make difficult business decisions to align with government guidelines such as closing plants. It was hard to console our team members who lost loved ones when we could not be together in-person.”
She adds that this is the most challenging part of her job –managing the unexpected. “Whether a pandemic like COVID-19, geopolitical issues or natural disasters impacting our operations and teams, there will always be situations that require a leader to make tough decisions. You must manage these unexpected challenges while also working to ensure they don’t interrupt day to day functions and business strategies as best you can.”
In her new role CEO, Racine says she most enjoys learning from people. “I have had the opportunity to travel the world with SaintGobain and am inspired each and every day by our teams, the work they are doing to prioritize safety at our plants, and their dedication to meeting our company’s mission of being the leader in light and sustainable construction.”
The best advice Racine would give to another woman considering a career in the construction materials industry is to make your voice and perspective heard, as it can have great impact. “At Saint-Gobain, our global purpose is to ‘Make the World a Better Home,’ and in the building materials industry, you can really do that. The sector is changing every day and we have a key role to play when it comes to sustainability. You can make a concrete difference on your community, country and planet.”
Learn more about CertainTeed at www.certainteed.com.
“Make your Voice Heard”
As someone who did not have a fencing background, Susan Worley has paved a path of success within the industry thanks to enthusiasm, persistence, and skill.
“I was green when I first started with this company,” she explains. “I did not come from anything even remotely related to gate operators, access control, or even sales. I’m proud that I found a career here.”
She was recently promoted to regional sales manager with Southwest Automated Security. She began with the company five years ago, starting in their warehouse, then moved to inside sales, then assistant branch manager.
Prior to Southwest Automated, Worley was a full-time college student working on a degree in marketing and working full-time in hospitality. After seven and a half years in the U.S. Navy, she discovered a love for hotels and restaurants.
“I met Jeff, the president of Southwest Automated, and Steve, the retired COO, as I worked the breakfast service at a hotel. I really believed that hospitality was my career path until Southwest Automated Security found me,” Worley says.
Her typical day consists of many phone calls and emails. “I probably spend a quarter of my day working on quotes. The next half of my day consists of research; either trouble shooting issues or figuring out what all parts are needed to complete a job from the top down or finding new business. And the last quarter of my day is a therapist: listening
to my customers, laughing with them, crying with them, and celebrating their successes.”
“I love that every day is a brand-new puzzle. A new quote that needs to be figured out. A new supply chain issue that I need to maneuver. More than all of that, SAS lets me succeed. They give me the space and freedom to figure it out, and the guidance to be successful,” Worley explains. “On top of that, I told them I wanted to try on every “hat”, and so far, they haven’t told me no.”
She finds being a woman in the male-dominated fencing industry can be both a challenge and an advantage because she can bring balance. “I’ve gotten thousands of phone calls asking me if they can speak to a male tech support person,” she says. “My response is always, ‘No, but you can speak with a FEmale tech support person.’ My branch used to rebuild actuators. It’s not hard, but it always shocked some of the men that I did all the repairs for us. There is a huge advantage to being a woman in the industry. We bring a balance to the male-dominated workforce. I’m usually told I have a nicer smile than ‘him’, so that helps.”
Worley feels her success can be attributed to her lack of fear. “When something is scary, I must do it. That’s just God pushing me. My lack of fear has driven me to do more and get more involved in our industry,” she says. “It’s also taught me how to be genuine. Genuinely being myself has gotten me to a place where I’ve really built great relationships with my customers, my fellow owners, and the entire fence industry.”
To learn more about Southwest Automated Security, visit www.southwestautomated.com.
Harriet Statz has been an integral part of Qual Line Fence for over 30 years. Founded by her husband, Ray, in 1956, the company is wellknown in Wisconsin and beyond for their excellent products, service, and long-term support for fences, gates, kennels and railings. Much of that is attributed to Harriet’s panache for getting to know the customers and ensuring they receive the type of product they’re needing.
“Working in the fence industry for so many years, I never felt as though being a woman in this field was challenging to me,” Statz says. “I have so many friends in the fencing industry.”
Recently, a customer who had a fence installed by Qual Line Fence about 12 years ago needed an adjustment to the gate. “The lady recalled how, when we initially met to talk about the fence, I spent time playing with her cat before
we ever got around to the specifics of the fence,” Harriet says. “I have always enjoyed people and working with our customers has given me even more opportunities to know more people. It’s not about the sale, it’s about relationships.”
Harriet and Ray worked with ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, to publish a guideline they created for a method of setting fence posts solidly and permanently without concrete. “We prepared 13 drafts in all, making the changes they asked for to satisfy everyone at ASTM until finally it was approved in 2017,” she says.
She has received an ambassador award from the fence industry and a recognition of service from ASTM. Having attended most of the FENCE TECH meetings throughout the years, she has many friends and acquaintances in the business and enjoys catching up with them.
For more information about Qual Line Fence, visit www.quallinefence.com.
“It’s Not About the Sale, It’s About relationships”
Sometimes your true calling takes a back seat to what you think you want to do. Such was the case for Laurie Bennett, who pursued a career in law enforcement, working as a park ranger and police cadet during her college years before being accepted to the California Highway Patrol Academy. But in the end, the pull of the family business, Fence Factory, was too hard to resist. Bennett is now the Co-Owner of Fence Factory, as well as serving in several other executive roles for the family’s affiliated businesses.
Bennett’s parents, Robert and Myrna, founded Fence Factory in Ventura, California, in 1972 after working in the industry for several years. Bennett joined the company 35 years ago, but she learned the nuts and bolts of the business – literally – from a young age. “As a teenager, I worked parttime, doing things like counting nuts and bolts, filing paperwork and whatever else they needed me to do.”
“My parents had always encouraged me to join the family business,” says Bennett. “They recognized my aptitude for management and entrepreneurship before I did. I’m grateful they did. The best advice I ever received was from my dad. He told me, ‘Stay in the family business as you will be able to do whatever you want.’ I took his words to heart and I’ve never had a regret about joining the company.”
Since the company began, Bennett says they have expanded and diversified significantly, both in products and affiliated services. This includes four material sales and installation divisions along the south-central California coast; three rental fence and port-a-potty divisions; one special events division; one vinyl manufacturing and material sales division; one gate operator and garage door installation and sales division; and seven national electronic entry distribution
facilities. They also have one union heavy highway division, C&W Construction Specialties, that contracts along the California, Nevada, Arizona triangle.
Bennett says working with family is so rewarding. “In the early days, I felt like I had to compete with my brothers for my parents’ approval. It took me a while to learn there was no competition; we work very well alongside each other and united as a team. Now, seeing my mom every day and working with my brother and all of the 200-plus employees across our companies is what I enjoy the most.”
On a typical day, Bennett interacts with the majority of the company’s subsidiary businesses, overseeing and managing several of their personally owned commercial properties that our businesses are operating from and dealing with federal and state operational issues. Her newest job function is as the corporate philanthropist, a role that she fully embraces. “The real fun is representing our business and the fence industry in Rotary International. I am currently President of our local Rotary club and it keeps me busy on a weekly basis, sometimes daily.”
Bennett says she never felt that being a woman in the construction/fence industry held her back. “I had a front-row seat to a female role model – my mother. She co-founded the company with my father and never let anything hold her back. She continues to serve as the CEO and President of the holding company for all of our family businesses and I report to her every day.”
Although working in in her family-owned business sheltered her from many of the unique challenges faced by women working in such a male-dominated field, Bennett realizes those hurdles for women do exist. That’s why she has become an active mentor and advocate for girls and women in construction through the National Association of Women in Construction, the Associated General Contractors of California, and her local Ventura County Contractors Association, to promote women in construction in all aspects. She conducted a middle and high school girls’ construction camp for ten summers, before COVID restrictions, and hopes to pick this back up.
“There are many opportunities for women in the industry that aren’t necessarily dealing with installation of the products,” says Bennett. “Project management, estimating and customer service, just to name a few, are key roles women can and often excel at. Keep an open mind and don’t rule out an industry that is thought of as non-traditional one for women. Don’t be afraid to blaze a new trail.”
Learn more about Fence Factory at www.fencefactory.com
Jessica Ammons has come to learn there is no typical day in the fencing industry. As the national
for Fencing Supply Group, she views her position as the ultimate marketing job.
“I touch all the P’s of marketing: product, price, promotion place and people. As a product manager, I am using all the 5 P’s while working with our 70 locations to buy, sell, and promote wood products,” she explains. “My favorite part of this role is being able to work with all our incredible people throughout Fencing Supply Group, I take these opportunities to learn from them and hopefully, together we get the right products, at the right time and the right price to our customers.”
She doesn’t feel her gender was an issue in working in the fencing industry; it was more her age that made a difference. “I found that at the start of my career, my bigger obstacle was my young age,” Ammons says. “At 22, fresh out of college, I had a lot to learn about the business and the veterans I was working with made sure I was learning and growing with each opportunity, I was presented. The gender factor was probably only something I faced 3% of the time.”
“I never allowed there to be any impacts or issues with being a woman in a male-dominated field. I approach all business as I would anything, building relationships and learning from my peers,” she explains.
Ammons has been with Fencing Supply Group since April, 2022. Prior to that she was the media and wood product manager for Binford Supply for three years, and before that, was the senior cedar buyer for 15 years with Weyerhaeuser.
Her favorite part about the fencing industry is the people. “I enjoy all the interactions I have with this diverse group across the industry,” she says. “I truly feel like I have joined a family within FSG and the fence industry. I am building some incredible friendships along the way. My conversations always center around partnerships and building relationships.”
She has been part of a beneficial network and says finding your people can make a big difference. “The most important thing to establish when joining any industry is a network of like-minded people, it does not have to revolve around gender,” Ammons says. “I grew up in the wood industry alongside some other amazing younger guys and we now have our own network of people. We congratulate each other on promotions and sympathize when career disappointments occur. We connected over being young people in the industry when the closest person to our age was 15 – 20 years older than us. As a collection, we are now mentoring all the up-andcoming people, male or female. I love seeing how many of these new members of the fencing fraternity are women.”
Ammons acknowledges the women who blazed a trail of success. “Women in the wood and fencing industries have come a long way and thanks to all the women who have come before us, we are met with respect and camaraderie. For women who are joining the fencing industry for the first time, I encourage all women to network and let’s continue to welcome women to our industry.”
For more information, visit www.fencingsupplygroup.com.
EAGLE FENCE — MISSOURI
5830 Fee Fee Rd. Hazelwood, MO 63042 314.356.9190 866.880.0147 Fax: 314.474.5830
EAGLE FENCE — ILLINOIS 3660 W. Washington St. Gurnee, IL 60031 224.610.0956 877.639.1023 Fax: 847.672.7350
EAGLE FENCE — TEXAS
14430 Smith Rd. Humble, TX 77396 281.741.1503 877.741.4896 Fax: 832.288.5197
EAGLE FENCE — ARKANSAS
1145 Baucum Industrial Dr. Little Rock, AR 72117 501.324.1800 888.324.1803 Fax: 501.324.1801
EAGLE FENCE — ALABAMA 1780 Carson Rd. N. Birmingham, AL 35217 205.631.2770 Fax: 205.631.3232
EAGLE FENCE — FLORIDA 6056 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, FL 33760 727.475.5006 Fax: 727.683.9412
A summer job before starting college turned into a lifelong passion and career in the fencing/ building products industry for Kerri Hughes. After working in several different capacities in the industry, Hughes is now the Inside Sales Manager for Fortress Building Products. She’s been with the company for six years.
“This is the only industry I’ve ever worked in, and I’ve never felt held back or overlooked because I’m a woman,” says Hughes. “I have been fortunate to have very positive and empowering work environments. I also feel like we are seeing a rise in women in all segments of the construction and building materials industries, and our company is no different. Over the past decade we have seen many influential female role models join our industry and their impact on women now, and in the future, will see lasting benefits.”
One of the things Hughes loves most about her job is the relationships she has developed with colleagues over the years. “So many of the people I work with have become lifelong friends.” She also enjoys the variety of the work itself. “There is never a typical day and I think that is what keeps me excited about coming to work every day. I can’t imagine having a job where you do
exactly the same thing every day. This industry is constantly growing and changing, which requires that I continue learning and growing as well.”
The best advice Hughes ever received was in relation to clear communication. “I was once told by a dear friend that ‘many wars have been started over misunderstandings.’ That statement has had a profound impact on me over the years. It’s especially important in today’s world, where so much of our communication is via email and text, where the emotion and intention can be so easily lost and/or misconstrued, leading to misunderstanding. Even in a fast-paced environment, when an issue arises, I believe it is important to pick up the phone and have a conversation.”
Hughes says a challenge for anyone – men and women – is figuring out a work-life balance. “This has been a tough lesson for me. As driven individuals, we all can fall into the trap of prioritizing work, when in reality, we need to be cognizant about putting our family first. I feel this is a work in progress for most, including myself, but it’s goal that we should always be working toward.”
To any woman considering a career in the fencing industry, Hughes give a strong recommendation for the field. “Do it! Not only are we fortunate to have amazing women who will spend time mentoring someone new to the fence industry, the men are welcoming and willing to share their knowledge and passion as well. You’ll be amazed at the camaraderie and support in this industry. I think that comes from people who love what they do.”
Learn more about Fortress Building Products at www.fortressbp.com
When a project calls for a large gate turn to Pro Access Systems and Doorking to meet the speci cations. With over a 20 years of gate system design and fabrication expertise, Pro Access has been supplying premium quality gates for critical infrastructure security applications including Commercial / Industrial, Energy Distribution, Transportation, Municipal Facilities and Residential Properties.
Pro Access Systems specializes in large systems and is a leading single-source provider of integrated gate hardware, access control solutions with experienced technical support.
www.G8Pro.com
Growing up the in suburbs surrounding Philadelphia, Gwen Sims always felt a love for the city, so when she founded her company, E.C. Fence & Iron Works, there was no question in her mind – or her heart –regarding the location.
Now, 23 years later, her company has grown into one of the leading fence companies in the tri-state area, with 35 employees and offering a wide range of commercial and industrial services. E.C. Fence & Iron Works specializes in industrial and commercial fencing and iron works and has the capability to undertake all types of fence and metal projects.
“We are very versatile and work in a variety of settings, from heavy construction sites and refineries, to schools, substations, airports, sports fields, Homeland Security projects, metropolitan buildings and many others,” explains Sims. “Our team can design, build, repair and maintain fences, gates, railing, and many other miscellaneous metals for various applications. Providing high quality work with the highest level of safety on every worksite is a top priority. We are committed to customer satisfaction and strive to create long standing relationships with all of our clients.”
Sims was raised by her grandmother, who taught her to be a strong woman and encouraged her to pave her own path in the world. “She’s the reason I became a confident person who is always up for a challenge. I attribute the success I have achieved to her.”
Every career path encounters some bumps along the way, and Sims says hers was no exception. “We’ve had our share of tough times, but we have a strong team and the drive to work through any problem. I’ve learned a lot of tough lessons along the way; one of the most difficult is that not everyone is as honest and trustworthy as they lead you to believe. You can’t assume that everyone has the same business ethics as you do.”
Sims says being a woman in the construction field is not something she’s ever given a lot of attention. “I stay focused on working hard. Starting and running a business isn’t easy, whether you’re male or female.” Some advice that has guided her through the years is, “Don’t take it personally. Business is tough and not for everyone,” and, “If it were easy, then everyone would have their own business.”
A typical day for Sims is in her office, paying invoices, looking ahead at jobs and material planning. Managing multiple jobsites involves a lot of emails and phone calls. “There’s a lot of demands and a lot of juggling, but there’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing projects move forward.”
Sims says there are three things she loves most about owning and operating her own business. “I love to drive around the city and see what my team has accomplished. Second, being able to connect with some of the greatest people in construction is a privilege. Third, being able to donate and give back to our community is very rewarding. Non-profits are the heart of our communities and I feel the work they do is so very important to us. I’m proud to support it.”
Learn more about E.C. Fence & Iron Works at www.ecfence.net.
FENCETECH 2023 will feature an expanded topic: Women in Fencing. The seminar debuts on Thursday, March 2 at 4:15 p.m. with a reception following at 5:00 p.m. The reception is sponsored by Ameristar, Fencing Supply Group, Master Halco and Wheatland Tube.
“We’ve had Women in Fencing panel sessions at previous FENCETECH’s and they’ve been popular,” explains Alexa Churchwell with American Fence Association. “We are always looking for ways to create more value for our AFA members which is why we are expanding outside of FENCTECH in 2023 to provide year-round resources for women in the fence business including continuing education and business tools to attract more women to the industry.”
Andrea Hogan, CEO with Fencing Supply Group, is the lead organizer of the committee. “I attended a Women in Fencing session years ago and was a panelist in Salt Lake City in 2021 and in New Orleans in 2022. As I left New Orleans, I ran into Bobby Batchelor, the incoming AFA president. We talked about the Women in Fencing panel and ways to expand the idea. After a 40-minute conversation in the airport, we were excited about the possibilities. I was enthusiastic about Bobby’s interest and impressed when he reached out to me a month later to see if I was interested in helping them build upon the idea.”
In addition to Hogan, more volunteers have joined forces, creating a great momentum for this expanded topic. They are:
• Catherine Mills Reynolds, Mills Fence Company
• Kerri Hughes, Fortress Building Products
• Paige Ginn, Jefcoat Fence
• Susan Colson, Security Fence
• Ashley Roth, Expert Stain & Seal
The committee’s goals are:
• Improve content provide to all AFA members, particularly around how to recruit and retain women in the industry
• Increase the number of women who participate in Women in Fencing events by providing a place for them to network, learn and grow
• Be a resource for mentorship
“In addition to the seminar, several companies within the fencing community have graciously volunteered to sponsor a reception immediately following the seminar,” explains Hogan. “The reception is open to everyone. We have more ideas for the future and look forward to growing this idea in the coming years.”
InCord has been certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For InCord, this is a milestone and a transition from its founding years, recognizing Meredith Shay and Robin Ritz as sole owners of InCord, a woman-owned and operated manufacturing business entity, on a federal level.
WOSB provides bidding opportunities for InCord for all state and federal jobs and in many instances, within private industry. In addition, the SBA-backed status will provide InCord an edge over a company that is not certified. The SBA plans to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses yearly to support this goal.
“We’re excited to have achieved this certification,” says Shay. “It allows us to demonstrate our values and capabilities to more clients. We can connect with companies who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
InCord is a safety net manufacturer located in Colchester, Connecticut. The company has a 27-year history of manufacturing unique netting systems for the material handling, construction, automotive, amusement, and sports industries. InCord has been honored with Connecticut’s best workplace awards wince 2011.
The phone number for Fence Empire was inadvertently incorrect in the 2023 Directory of Suppliers. The correct number is 628-628-5888. We apologize for this error.
In addition, their website is www.fenceempire.com and email address is info@fenceempire.com.
My late husband, Jim, was a fence contractor who developed a machine for his own use that could dig in all types of tough conditions and still be fast and agile on residential lawn jobs. He dug holes on contract to help other fence companies speed up their production.
Eventually, these companies began to have him fabricate a digger of the same design he was using for their own use. He eventually became very involved in the hole contracting business over a three-state area. He was awarded recognition for his outstanding contributions to the fence industry in the Rocky Mountain chapter of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations in May 1979. Jim was always steadily improving the design of the machine and as time went on, more and more fence contractors purchased his digging units. In 1980, it became necessary to build a manufacturing facility where the family had relocated to Cathlamet, Washington, whose sole purpose was to further the design and fabrication of the Dandy Digger unit and its related equipment.
What does a typical day in the office look like for you?
Busy! Tending to all aspects of operations: sales, purchasing, customer relations, accounting, and inventory control; almost everything except turning a wrench or welding!
The responsibility and in-depth commitment that is required to produce good and dependable equipment of this nature in our day and age is immense. We take great pride in our Dandy Digger family of equipment owners and always try to the professional fencer’s business. We always provide top notch customer service.
What positions have you held there?
I have been here for 28 years, starting as the payroll and accounting clerk. Over the years, I’ve taken over further positions as we have developed and grown.
Upon the death of my husband in 2018, I stepped into the leadership of our company, along with our plant manager Mike Willette, who has been with us for over 30 years. Mike’s title is CEO – Manager. Jim and I always referred to him as our adopted son.
Being raised on a dairy farm, I learned at a young age of the importance of a strong work ethic that I have used on my career path no matter the position I held. I’ve always been employed in financial positions in the government, schools, and private companies.
What are your thoughts about women in the fencing industry?
I feel this is a non-issue. If you work hard and educate yourself in the industry you are involved in, you will succeed.
What would you say to other women who are interested in getting started in the fencing industry?
Do it! Be happy in the path you choose.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I like to read, do crosswords, knit, and sew. When Jim was alive, I loved to travel with him bringing our Dandy Digger across all 50 states. What a trip!
For more information, visit www.dandydigger.com
Those on the outside may think owning and growing a business is glamorous. They see the current building, the staff, the equipment and the profits. What they don’t see are the startups. The small beginnings, the everpresent worry, the dreams and the everyday decisions that can either make it or break it.
Fence News honors those who put their hat in the selfemployment ring and built their business one small step at a time.
In the early 1970s, Terry Stephens was a college student, studying accounting, working a summer job with a farm gate manufacturer. He stayed on as their bookkeeper after completing his degree. As he learned more about the business, he became interested in the steel side of the industry.
“Working on the books for the company gave me a lot of insight, and I knew if I could sell fence products at a competitive price and quickly deliver to customers, I could have a successful business,” says Stephens. “I also realized the strength of this idea had to grounded in the people who worked there.”
That idea led to the opening of the first location of Stephens Pipe & Steel (SPS) in 1974 in Russell Springs, Kentucky. From this small office, Stephens sold fence framework and fabric to local fence companies in Kentucky. He says in those early days, this was more of a “sideline” for him than a full-time job. “I was elected to public office, continuing in that position for a dozen years,” he explains. “But even as a side business, our company grew, largely due to the contributions of our first employee, J.R. Mann. He was a driving force for my vision and our success and became a great friend.
He has certainly been missed since his untimely death in 2012.”
Stephens says one of the biggest challenges in their first years was managing their growth. “We were willing to work hard, and that hard work paid off, but being able to fund the staff, equipment and inventory we needed was often a test. We worked a lot of long hours, but the lessons we learned back then have served our company well over the years. I know from experience we can outwork any problem we face. When you are working at something you enjoy, even working through the challenges doesn’t seems so bad.”
The next phase of growth for SPS was moving the office and operations to a two-acre lot in rural Russel County in 1980. Stephens says this enabled them to expand regionally to service all of Kentucky, Tennessee and across the Southeastern U.S.
Steady growth continued and the 1990s marked several milestones, with the opening of weaving operations in Kentucky and Alabama, the acquisition of other companies, and the opening of five retail locations in five states. By the end of the decade, SPS employed 350 employees.
Growth has been exponential in the new century, with manufacturing expansion in chain link, wire, and polyester powder coating. By 2022, SPS had grown to 1300 employees, 18 locations and over 7500 customers across the country. Their operations include three million square feet of manufacturing facilities, 120 weaving machines and a fleet of 185 trucks.
“It all started with a piece of pipe.”Stephens Pipe & Steel Stephens with a full truck load of product.
Today,
is the largest American-owned Fence
and Manufacturer and has built a reputation as a true one-stop-shop for all fencing needs. They manufacture both round and square pipe, all types of galvanized and color chain link and framework, gates, kennels, temporary panels, ornamental fence, PVC, ties, barbed wire and tension wire. In addition, SPS is a major stocking distributor of aluminum and steel ornamental, rebar, concrete mesh, DOT fence, guard rail, fittings and anything else their customers need.
Stephens says the secret to his success is not a secret at all. “We have never lost our initial focus on two things: building long lasting relationships with customers through quality and services, and surrounding ourselves with a team of hardworking employees who are committed to serving our customers. Thanks to these guiding principles, SPS is well-positioned for continued growth.”
Learn more about Stephens Pipe & Steel at www.spsfence.com
As we come up on the first FENCTECH in nearly four years that will not be impacted by the early signs, height, or late stages of COVID, I’m sure a lot of people are wondering, just like me: are people ready to travel again? Is Oklahoma City going to attract a big crowd? How many people should I bring to staff my booth? When it’s over, how do you determine if it was worth the money?
Here is some food for thought, as we near the event date: Are people ready to travel again?
Recent travel statistics point toward a resurgence of post-COVID travel. Other than a couple of glaring glitches, the airlines are running at or near capacity and people are getting where they want to go. However, airline prices are approaching record highs so if the economy slips into a recession of any magnitude, that might impact the decision to travel.
My guess is the fence industry is more than ready to break out after being kept home for three years by the pandemic. As long as the airlines are still running efficiently, and prices don’t surge dramatically, I don’t think travel will deter most people.
A note of caution: I taught classes at the University of Oklahoma for 10 years. Flying into Will Rogers/OKC airport at this exact time of year. There were many days when the weather was spring-like, with students on campus playing outdoor sports and riding bikes. I’ve also hit ice storms that shut down the area for hours. It’s a tough time of year to forecast the weather in central Oklahoma.
As usual, AFA is optimistic that there will be record crowds and I believe there is a good chance that there will be a very nice turnout. AFA has a certain non-COVID base of loyal attendees.
Oklahoma City is not a short drive from any major city except Tulsa, but it is centrally located in a region where people are used to driving longer than normal distances for business and pleasure. Also, OKC has worked to upgrade its downtown visitor experience. It can’t compete with attractionfilled cities like Orlando or Las Vegas, but the AFA/Convention Center experience should be fine. There may be fewer families with children.
If you are an exhibitor in 2023, this might be an ideal time to bring some of your newer people to FENCTECH. Many companies have had huge personnel changes in the past few years. FENCETECH offers a great opportunity for these new employees, many of whom have limited fence industry experience, to get a feel for the entire industry.
Talking to contractors will help these people to understand better what they face each day, dealing with other contractors, owners, and suppliers in the field.
It is also, quite frankly, a chance for new employees to help your company check out the competition. Every exhibitor is showing and promoting its best products and services. This is a great learning
environment for new sales, production, marketing, and technology staffers to see what is available. I know there is a substantial cost to bring additional staff to a show like this one, but it can also be a substantial opportunity to add employees’ capabilities going forward. You may be able to charge the cost of these additional new attendees to human resources (employee retention), training and education, sales, and marketing.
When it is over, how will you determine if it was worth the money?
Another obvious change brought about by COVID was/is the ability to meet with customers, clients, suppliers, and other business partners without having to drive all day or get on a plane.
Virtual meetings have allowed companies to cut travel and sales expenses, but at the cost of lowering the quality of their firm’s true relationship building.
The key to determining the value of bringing additional people to any industry event needs to start by defining expectations of all types. Is it the number of contacts made or the number of people going through your booth? Is it the amount of future business booked, or appointments confirmed? Is it the number of marketing pieces given out or how many invitees came to your cocktail reception?
Each company will probably come up with some combination of these and other measurement criteria. The important thing is to make sure that a) everyone going to FENCETECH knows what the expectations are and b) they’ve had some input to setting these show-related goals.
Overall, I think the timing is right for a good meeting and show in OKC. I look forward to seeing you there.
Fencing and animals can be a protective or dangerous combination, depending on several factors. Many older fences are due for an upgrade to enhance the area for animals, promote protection, cleaner water, and more inhabitable areas. Whether it’s a vast ranch, a wildlife project or a backyard, this section shines a spotlight on the importance of fencing for animals and land.
Fencing Specialists, based in Southern Nevada, recently completed the Dry Lake Solar Field project to install security and tortoise fencing. Solar and renewable energy plants have been commissioned throughout the state, and for the Dry Lake project, Fencing Specialists was tasked with protecting the endangered desert tortoise and preserving archeological sites during construction.
Tortoise fences and tortoise guards ensure that endangered desert tortoises are safe from ongoing construction while security fencing is installed to protect areas that a team of archeologists has investigated. Since many of the energy plants are located on tribal lands, Fencing
Specialists employs tribal members when work is awarded to the company. All crew members also complete and implement sensitivity and Worker Environmental Awareness Program training throughout the build. “We take great pride in working together with various tribes throughout the state. Respecting and learning from their culture while protecting endangered animals and architectural sites has been a bonus to our growing company,” said Tamra Gannon, Fencing Specialists owner. Fencing Specialists, Inc. designs, fabricates, installs and repairs fencing, gates, gate operators, access controls, ornamental metal, bollards, turnstiles, and railing systems. For more information, visit www.fsilv.com.
Protecting the tortoise, a focus of this job.
Tortoise fencing running along Eagle Shadow Solar Field.
This was put in prior to construction of the field and before tortoise hibernation season ended.
A sample of the material used to build the fences along the solar plant.
Skill is a funny thing. Sometimes the more you have, the more it is called upon. This call may come from customers in the public, larger organizations and businesses, or even from your own conviction of responsibility. “The more we learn, the more we solidify our knowledge base. The more knowledge we have, the more we can do. The more we do, the more experience we gain, and we all know that there is no substitute for experience,” says Eli Mack, Grazing Specialist with Kencove. “Experience comes from previous failures and successes; it comes from knowing your craft to its core, but it also lends insight into how this experience may translate into other fields or industries. Ultimately, as we gain more skill and experience, we also gain the burden of duty and responsibility.”
From a hiring perspective, Mack says there is a world of issues as wave after wave of inexperienced generations step into the work force and leadership roles. They will be the ones who inherit the laundry list of issues in our world, and this is where the responsibility and duty come into play. “Those of us who are skillful and experienced in our field hold a lot of solutions for a world in crisis and the generations behind us,” says Mack. “What will we do with our knowledge?”
Kencove Farm Fence has been supplying quality agricultural fencing products since the 1980’s, and their team has amassed experience and skill in their field and are now answering this very question. Mack says they realize their products and knowledge of fencing reaches well beyond the scope of barnyard chores, and they are stepping into the duty of providing solutions, specifically, soil solutions.
Soil degradation, desertification of global grasslands, loss of ecological diversity, and social stresses all fall under the umbrella of Kencove’s sense of duty, according to Mack. He says the basis for solving these issues requires livestock to be managed and moved very intentionally across the landscape, which is no small task. Contrary to the tales and headlines that vilify cattle as the culprits, these creatures hold the key to restoring healthy soil and ecosystem function. It takes committed land managers, along with unique and flexible technology, to orchestrate such a symphony of natural functions. By using grazing livestock, especially ruminants, in the right place, at the right time, with the right behavior, landscapes can once again function in symbiotic relationship like they did in ages past when large herds of herbivores breathed life into their surroundings by grazing, trampling, and defecating.
“Kencove, is no longer just a supplier of fence products, but a partner in agricultural regeneration,” said Mack. “We have the products and knowledge of fencing needed for such times as these. How else would these herds be directed around pastures without the grazing products and expertise we provide?”
Kencove has reached a point where the skills, experience, and products contained within the company now go beyond sales and inventory. Mack says they knock on the door of duty and responsibility and aid a world in agricultural crisis and a generation who desperately wants to save their world from ecological collapse.
Mack also offered this challenge of conviction, “Knowledge and experience come with responsibility, and Kencove chose to answer that call. No industry, professional, expert, or layman is immune to this call, it begs of us all.”
From passing on your skill to the next generation to choosing what projects you take on, what materials you choose to use on a job, and where and how said materials were sourced, all leave a mark for better or worse. “Kencove wants to use their expertise to provide products and solutions for the issues facing our world and hopes to see a network of professionals and companies rise to that same calling,” says Mack. “Together, we can lead the way to a better tomorrow!”
Learn more about Kencove and the products they offer at www.kencove.com.
The growing urbanization of North America has altered the typical patterns of wildlife habitats. Many animals have learned to adapt to people in proximity. Whether they’re seeking food, shelter, or a place to nest their young ones, animals often look for places near or inside communities.
In certain areas, bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, moose, alligators, and even snakes are a direct and imposing threat to not just people, pets, crops, or livestock - but to property as well. While in urban communities, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, opossums, chipmunks, deer, and rabbits present multiple levels of concern – damaging gardens, further compromising fences, attacking children, and small pets, burrowing near or under foundations – the list is endless. Damages are not just unsightly; they can be surprisingly disastrous and always costly. These animals can damage crops, attack people, pets and livestock, damage home, vehicles, and outbuildings, just to name a few risks. Fencing can also be destroyed and allow wildlife access if it’s not in good repair. But protecting an urban or rural property can be done quickly with the right type of fencing and fence maintenance protection plan.
The best defense starts with a fence. Start asking what the property’s fence needs are and the type of wildlife intrusions it might be facing:
• Is it in in the country, the suburbs, or the city?
• What kind of animals are local to the area?
• What are the critical seasonal factors? Remember, animals are not unlike people; their priority is caring for their young. Spring is often the time when they look for nesting places.
• What’s the state of the existing fence? Can it be easily breached? Does it need a total replacement, an addition, repairs, or replacements?
Make a solid investment.
Throughout North America, property fence lines are a number one priority. Many homeowners have fences to create privacy first and security second. If there is a pool or a hot tub, a fence is necessary to prevent trespassing or even an accidental drowning. The same can be said for wildlife – how many homeowners have ever had to scoop out drowned skunks, bunnies, or raccoons?
A fence that’s well planned, professionally designed, constructed, and maintained will protect property from wild intruders, season after season. When you factor in the cost of professional wildlife control, a fence represents an important investment. “Discuss the extra costs the homeowner could avoid by properly planning or maintaining their fence line,” says Al Martins of Fence Armor. “If an existing fence has weakened boards or posts, or if there’s evidence of digging under panels, or posts, chances are there is a family of critters, or multiple families calling their backyard ‘home’ already.”
It’s essential to keep fence panels and posts in proper repair as rabbits, snakes, and alligators can quickly push through weakened areas at the bottom of these panels. “Consider replacing rotted, leaning, or unstable posts with posts that are reinforced with the protection of Postsaver, below ground,” says Martins. “It’s also important to think about protecting these posts against trimmer damage – and even gnawing wildlife with Fence Armor Post Guards.”
Leaning fence posts will pull entire panels out of alignment, creating the perfect opportunity for the fence line to be breached, above and below. Hungry, determined, larger, or more dangerous wildlife, such as coyotes, bears, or cougars, can easily gain access to yards that to do not present a fortified front against their intrusions.
Small wildlife intrusion prevention. During the process of repairing existing fence posts, it may be wise to consider installing a multi-purpose mesh barrier, such as chicken wire or a poly-hex patterned mesh at the base of each fence panel. Proper installation of this product
requires it to be secured to the length of the fence, with at least 6˝ of the material buried underground. This prevents burrowing or digging critters, as well as snakes and alligators, from breaching the fence line at ground level. “The most common fence types for this form of mesh are wood or vinyl privacy fences,” adds Martins. “However, chain link, ornamental, or even 3’ tall picket fences could benefit from this level of protection.”
Larger wildlife intrusion prevention.
In most cases, living in a rural area offers the greatest challenges. Larger animals such as deer, caribou, and moose, or more dangerous animals like bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, or foxes, are most often searching for food – and it’s not always in the form of what’s in your garbage bin or growing in your garden. They can pose a real threat to property owners, pets, crops, and livestock alike.
“Although the property owner may have considerable acreage to protect. a ranch fence is still the best protection against wildlife intrusions” says Martins. “A two, three, or even four-rail fence will pay for itself in protection. And you can – and should – bolster it with extras, such as wire mesh to keep smaller animals out, and fence caps, or post guards to prevent deer, cattle, goats, sheep, and horses from nibbling at the tops or bottoms of posts.”
Proper design, build. maintenance schedules and defensive products will always protect the investment of any fence line far longer than if it were sitting in the ground with no protection or maintenance plan.
Build an effective electric fence.
If the rural fence is compromised, it may be worthwhile for the property owner to invest in additional preventative measures, such as electric fencing. Martins says to always check with your municipality regarding fencing restrictions. Building an excellent electric fence is important to the health and well-being of livestock and wildlife. It’s safe to use with animals because it doesn’t harm livestock or wildlife. It simply redirects them safely.
“Good fences make good neighbors” is an old saying that applies to more than humans. “Clearly, we want to live in harmony with animals that inhabit our communities – but that doesn’t mean allowing them access to our property,” says Martins. “By choosing the right kind of fencing, we can easily live in peace with our animal neighbors without the risk of destruction, disease, or nasty confrontations.”
Fence Armor designs, manufactures, and distributes products that provide outstanding post protection above and below the ground line. Visit www.FenceArmor.com for sustainable and effective fence maintenance products and other helpful tips on building a fence that delivers long-term benefits.
Two years ago, they enrolled in Virginia’s Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program and used this state funding to fence their cattle out of the streams and develop a rotational grazing system.
“The program opened a huge door of opportunity for us to get water for our cows to parts of the farm that didn’t have any,” says Whitescarver. “There has never been a better time to fence cattle out of streams, thanks to state and federal funding being made available.”
This year, Virginia provided a record amount of funding for its agricultural cost-share and related programs, totaling more than $280 million over the next two years. On the federal level, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also receiving historic levels of investment in farm conservation practices. Private non-profit organizations are helping with funding and technical assistance as well.
In addition to benefiting farmers and cattle, these programs also prevent pollution to waterways from the Shenandoah River to the Chesapeake Bay. People downstream want clean water, and they are willing to pay for it through these robust programs.
“Before we enrolled in Virginia’s cost-share program, our cows had one source of water: a creek on the north side of the farm,” says Whitescarver. “This meant we couldn’t make full use of our land. The cattle stayed near the creek to drink and were reluctant to walk almost a mile to graze on the south side of the farm. We have a cow/calf operation, and we didn’t want our cows calving near the creek. Steep banks and wetlands are dangerous places for newborn calves to learn how to nurse.”
However, under the state program, Whitescarver says conservation specialists helped them design a system of six watering stations strategically located throughout the farm. They installed a mile of fencing to exclude their cows from the creek, a mile of internal fences to facilitate rotational grazing and a mile of underground pipeline that feeds water under pressure from a well to the six new watering stations.
“It was a huge endeavor for us, but we got a lot of help,” says Whitescarver. “We were reimbursed more than 100% of the costs
through three programs that provided the funds and technical assistance such as engineering designs and site inspections during construction.”
He adds that the internal fencing and watering troughs help them to be more efficient and profitable farmers. “We prefer to rotate our cattle to new pastures, but previously we didn’t have water for the cows where we needed it. The internal fencing was designed to not only rotate the cows to new pastures, but also to help us get the cows into the barnyard when we need to work them.”
Whitescarver explains some of the top reasons farmers fence their cows out of streams. “The top reason is to get more abundant clean water for their cows distributed throughout the farm. The number two reason is to exclude cows from calving risk areas like steep banks along creeks and wetlands. That exclusion fence is good insurance against a dead calf. The number three reason is to improve herd health. If the herd drinks out of streams, the farmer’s biosecurity program to prevent diseases and infections is only as good as the worst farm upstream. At least 50% of all cattle ailments in the Mid-Atlantic states are transmitted through the fecal-oral pathway. If an infected cow defecates in the water upstream, the cows downstream could drink contaminated water. The number four reason: well-designed fences make it easier to get the cows into the barnyard.”
He says there are more reasons, but the bottom line is that it’s the right thing to do because cattle destroy streams and pollute the water.
It’s all voluntary now, but on July 1, 2026, Virginia’s bovine bill (HB 1422) could mandate that any farm with 20 cows or more must exclude them from all perennial streams. This trigger law only goes into effect if the Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals have not been achieved.
Whitescarver stresses that livestock exclusion from streams is one of the most popular and cost-effective best management practices in Virginia. “Right now, funding and technical assistance are at historic levels. To learn more or to sign up, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District or your local USDA field office.”
Originally published in the Virginia Mercury, 9/1/22. Bobby Whitescarver is a cattle farmer and retired soil conservationist with the USDA. He can be reached through his website at www.gettingmoreontheground.com.
An estimated 75% of Americans feel it is important to spend time outside in their yards. If dogs could take surveys, they would probably express the same sentiment. Having a place for a dog to run and play is important for their health and happiness. However, dog owners need to think about their pet’s safety, which is why installing a fence can be so advantageous. If you’re working with a customer who is installing a pet fence for their dog, the professionals at Straight Line Fence in Grand Rapids, Michigan, advise discussing these three key considerations with them:
1. A big dog requires a big fence. If the dog is a fun-loving gentle giant, it probably won’t take much effort for him to get over a four-foot fence to catch that squirrel he’s got his eye on. You’re going to need a taller fence. For most breeds, six feet should be enough. Of course, a big dog is also probably strong. Make sure you choose durable fencing materials like high-quality wood.
2. Watch out for climbers. Even without opposable thumbs, dogs can be crafty climbers. A clever dog will try to find a way over a fence regardless of the height. When preparing for a residential fence installation, choose a design that is impossible to climb. For instance, a chain link fence is a bad idea, as they provide perfect little footholds for a dog’s paws. A solid panel fence has a flat surface, which is ideal for keeping a dog on the ground, on the safe side of the fence.
3. Minimize temptation. A solid panel fence is also a great option because it keeps a dog from seeing what’s on the other side. If they can’t see the squirrels, the birds, the dogs, the people, the cars, and the myriad of other things dogs love to chase and bark at (which is pretty much everything), they’ll stay much calmer. As it turns out, between 80 to 90% of people looking to put up fences are interested in privacy fences. This is exactly what is best to keep a dog safe and secure.
Over half of homeowners who are upgrading their outdoor spaces spend six or more hours in their yard per week. It is likely that their dogs spend even more time there. That’s why it’s important to work with the homeowner to make sure the fence they choose will deliver the results they want for both their home and their dog.
Learn more about Straight Line Fence at www.straightlinefences.com
They say that good fences make good neighbors — especially true when you share space with gray wolves and grizzly bears.
In places like Wyoming and Idaho, ranchers have learned practical fencing strategies to help to reduce ill-fated encounters between hungry wildlife, vulnerable livestock and valuable produce. USU researchers are learning to take advantage of this hard-won knowledge, according to new research.
“Research about wildlife fencing is often missing on-the-ground knowledge,” says Julie Young of the Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center in the Quinney College of Natural Resources. “We wanted to reduce the cost and social burden of living with recovering wildlife populations, but we needed rancher input to do that.”
Given all possible options for fencing material, placement and logistics, the team wanted to zero in on strategies that had the best chance for success. They turned to the ranchers who have worked for decades in the “trenches” of wildlife conflict to help.
Young organized a group that included livestock producers, natural resource managers and university-based researchers. They met for four months — early in the morning to accommodate producers’ crack-of-dawn schedules. Participants were exposed to the reality of fencing designs and considerations across different scales: from hobby farms to orchard and apiary protection, to large cow-calf operations. The researchers learned about regulatory implications and obstacles to fencing on certain rangelands, which informed how they thought about adoption and the practicality of their research.
Once the research project began to take shape, they took the plan back to the ranchers for feedback.
“Our original design looked just at the effectiveness of fencing designs for preventing conflicts with agriculture or livestock. Concerns about human safety was something we initially overlooked,” says Rae Nickerson,
coauthor on the research and a Ph.D. student in the Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center.
But fencing projects are often located near homestead areas, the researchers learned, and human safety was an issue important to the group. “Some of the new things we learned from the process required flexibility in the process,” Nickerson says. “But it offered a unique way to prioritize our approach. It really took advantage of a diverse set of knowledge and experience.”
Researchers involved in creating preventative strategies for wildlife often view the issue from the perspective of the ecology of carnivores, but that’s not the sole priority of most producers. The researchers learned that they needed to integrate not just how and where fences were effective, but also how to make funding opportunities and paperwork more flexible for the producers. Ranching operations near increasing populations of large carnivores need information quickly, they said, before problems get out of control.
The group also planned strategies to get the word out about what ended up working, once the research was complete.
“Often the most promising and innovative tools aren’t circulated to managers and ranchers because they aren’t recorded or widely shared,” Young says. “The people who discover new and innovative tools to keep wildlife predators separate from livestock, grain storage and beehives often don’t have good ways to communicate their successes to others.”
Word-of-mouth can work, she says, but many of these folks are geographically separated from other producers confronted with the very same challenges. The team’s research will continue to look at the efficacy of using nonlethal tools to reduce wildlife conflicts and ways to disseminate best practices to more livestock owners.
Courtesy Quinney College of Natural Resources at Utah State UniversityRhino’s high-performance hydraulic post driver is perfect for fencing, road signs, farm, ranch, forestry, vineyards, DOT applications - essentially any heavy duty driving job.
Rhino’s high-performance hydraulic post driver is perfect for fencing, road signs, farm, ranch, forestry, vineyards, DOT applications - essentially any heavy duty driving job.
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Durable and low maintenanceFewer wear parts, and continuous lubrication in an enclosed system make our hydraulic tools practically maintenance-free, and useable in below-zero temps.
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Cost effectiveNo compressor costs. Post Driver/Power Pack can be hauled easily and access difficult job sites. Tool efficiency reduces fuel consumption.
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VersatileAdapters and drive caps from the Rhino PD-55 post driver, can also be used with the HPD-60 to fit ground rod, channel, square and round posts. The Chuck-Lok Adapter system from the Rhino Gas Post Drivers is also available for 2 ⅜” & smaller post driving.
VersatileAdapters and drive caps from the Rhino PD-55 post driver, can also be used with the HPD-60 to fit ground rod, channel, square and round posts. The Chuck-Lok Adapter system from the Rhino Gas Post Drivers is also available for 2 ⅜” & smaller post driving.
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Use the optional remote valve (801011) with the HPD 60 tor driving tall posts.
Mike Vickrey, a fifth-generation rancher in Pinedale, Wyoming, runs a cow-calf operation with his parents and daughters. The Vickreys’ rolling sagebrush pastures and hay fields sit east of the Wind River Mountains beside a tributary of the Green River. Along with the family’s 650 yearlings, the ranch’s high-elevation meadows support plentiful wildlife.
“We’ve got all the good stuff — elk, moose, antelope and sage grouse. Plus, we’re in the middle of the biggest mule deer migration corridor there is,” Vickrey says.
Unfortunately, these animals can get injured or killed if caught in the ranch’s fences. Vickrey says he’s seen deer “hung up and twisted on the top wires.” So, when the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service began offering to help improve fences through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Vickrey seized the opportunity.
“It’s been a good way to replace old fences and get some new ones with less cost,” Vickery says. “The NRCS program lets us do more than we could have done on our own. Plus, it makes the landscape a little friendlier for animals to pass through.”
Since 2018, Vickrey has modified six miles of fence through EQIP in places where big game migrate each spring and winter. He’s also flagged fences with reflective markers in partnership with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife to prevent sage grouse from getting tangled in the wires when they fly low to the ground. These fences still work well to keep cows contained, too.
Wildlife-friendly fence designs vary, but one common feature is that the top strand is lower than traditional woven-wire or five-strand barbed wire fences: 42 inches or less from the ground. “If the fence is too high, wildlife like mule deer have a difficult time navigating them, particularly after a long winter when their energy reserves are lower and especially pregnant females,” says Jennifer Hayward, NRCS district conservationist in Pinedale.
The bottom strand is also barbless and at least 16 inches above the ground.
“Pronghorn [antelope] prefer to scoot under fences, so it’s important to have a smooth bottom wire that gives them plenty of space,” Hayward says.
Hayward has worked with 30 landowners on fence modifications. She gives landowners a snapshot of how their fences are faring as part of a resource inventory provided with an NRCS conservation plan.
“Some of these fences are upwards of 75 years old, in need of repair or replacement. If one of those fences is also located on a migration route, it is eligible for cost-share to make it wildlife-friendly,” Hayward says.
NRCS has helped modify about 180 miles of fence in Sublette County where Vickrey has lived since 2017. Partners like The Nature Conservancy, the Sublette County Conservation District, and the U.S. Forest Service have completed an additional 100 miles. Cumulatively, these projects reduce injuries to wildlife moving along Wyoming’s “grass highway.”
Research from GPS-collared animals helps pinpoint their migration routes. This map and many others from the Wyoming Migration Initiative help guide NRCS investments in modifying fences on private land.
And, USDA is now committing
resources to continue improving wildlife migration corridors as part of its recently announced Big Game Conservation Partnership, an initiative through NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife and the Farm Service Agency.
So far, Vickrey says he hasn’t found any wildlife hung up on his new fences, and they also keep his livestock where he wants them. He’s now partnering with the U.S. Forest Service
modify fences on public land where his family leases grazing allotments and the “elk are thick, thick, thick.”
“From our standpoint, we’re trying to carry on for another couple of generations, and we’d like to find a balance that makes it easier for wildlife,” Vickrey says. “I think most ranchers around here feel that way.”
This guide provides tips on making fences wildlife friendly: www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Wyo_ FenceGuide.pdf.
To find out more about wildlife conservation programs available to producers, visit: www.farmers.gov/wildlife.
Robert (Bob) Burton | St. Petersburg, FL
December 19, 1952-August 10, 2022
Retired/Poly Vinyl Creations
William Cantrell | Atlanta, GA
January 3, 1968-August 28, 2022
Davis Wire
Elizebeth Frankel | Tarzana, CA
October 8, 1945-October 7, 2022
Co-Owner of Builders Fence
Donald Holland | Bessemer, AL
1949-July 1, 2022
Retired/Circle A Fence
Robert (Bob) Ingram | Cairo, IL
February 17-1947-June 17-2022
Master Halco
Todd McClure | Aurora, CO
November 22, 1960-January 29, 2022
Pro Access Systems/Fencing Supply Group
John Patrick Nace | Cumming, GA
November 13, 1948-February 20, 2022
Retired/Rush Truck Co.
Jim Pearsall | Orange, CA
December 13, 1946-August 16, 2022
Retired/USA Industries
Charles Richard Walker | Hot Springs, AR
August 7, 1940-October 21, 2022
Retired/Fence Brokers
Charles Wright Weston | Columbia, SC
May 18, 1947-June 25, 2022
Retired/Guardian Fence Supply
ABBEY HARDWARE 2003
AES GLOBAL LLC 603
AFA 1221
AFA COMPETITION AREA 2039
AGAPE INDUSTRIAL, INC. 833
AIL SOUND WALLS 749
ALLIANCE FENCE & SUPPLY 626
ALLOMATIC INC. 1053
ALS AMERICA INC. 202
ALTAVISTA STRATEGIC PARTNERS 837
AMAROK 2048
AMERICAN POWER PULL CORP. 654
AMERICAN TIMBER AND STEEL CORP. 1543
AMERISTAR PERIMETER SECURITY USA, 1203 INC.
AMETCO MANUFACTURING CORP 529
AMICO SECURITY 1247
ARCHITECTURAL IRON DESIGNS, INC. 1021
ARCSITE 1452
ARUVIL INTERNATIONAL 655
ASO SAFETY SOLUTIONS INC. 410
ATKORE SECURITY 1608
AUTOGATE 512
AUTOMATEDLAYOUT 845
AVANT GUARD GATES/HI MOTIONS 521
AZTECH LUBRICANTS 2149
BAD DAY FABRICATION AND SECURITY 2009
BALL FABRICS, INC. 1303
BARRETTE OUTDOOR LIVING 1033
BARRETTEWOOD USA 302
BARRIER1 SYSTEMS, LLC 505
BBC BIRCHER AMERICA, INC. 743
BEND-TECH 924
BERGANDI MACHINERY CO. 315
BEST PICK REPORTS/FIVE STAR RATED 745
BETAFENCE USA 911
BFC SECURITY FASTENER & FIXINGS 2135
BIG RED POST PULLER 525
BISSELL COMMERCIAL 638
BLACKLINEHHP PRODUCTS LLC 1743
BLAIR CORPORATION 1027
BUILDERS FENCE CO INC. 515
BULL BARN FENCE FACTORY 2028
BULLET FENCE SYSTEMS 1054
BULLISTIC BARRIERS 116
BURNDY 739
BUSYBUSY MOBILE TIME KEEPING 1948
C&S FASTENERS 829
CAPITAL FOREST PRODUCTS 314
CARDCONNECT 841
CARELL CORP & EAGLE BENDING 1124
MACHINES, INC.
CARL STAHL DECORCABLE 411
CELLGATE 1603
CERTAINTEED 729
CHRISTY’S 937
CI-FABRICS 2035
CMM, INC. 639
COLORMAX STEEL FENCING 839
COMPANYCAM 1851
CONTAINERS DIRECT LLC 215
CONTRACTOR ACCELERATOR 2111
CONTROLLED ACCESS INC. 2026
CONTROLLED PRODUCTS SYTEMS 703 GROUP, INC.
COSURAC DISTRIBUTORS 406
COUNTRY ESTATE VINYL PRODUCTS 1913
CRAFTMARK 1254
D.J.A. IMPORTS LTD 821
D&D TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1007
DAC INDUSTRIES, INC. 621
DAN 2127
DELTA ALUMINUM (THAILAND) CO., LTD 741
DENCO MARKETING CO. 609
DETEX CORPORATION 506
DIABLO CONTROLS, INC. 1842
DIGGER SPECIALTIES, INC. 1045
DK SECURITY SOLUTIONS 313
DOORKING, INC. 1307
DORINGER COLD SAWS 1544
DYNAMIC TUBE & PIPE 1742
EAGLE FENCE DISTRIBUTING 1149
EASTERN METAL SUPPLY 920
EASTERN WHOLESALE FENCE LLC 1836
EBERLE DESIGN INC. & RENO A&E 2032
ELECTRONIC ENTRY DISTRIBUTORS 2008
EMX INDUSTRIES, INC. 1944
ERCOLINA - CML USA, INC. 921
EVERSTRONG PROFILES & ILLUSIONS 1839
VINYL FENCE
EZG MANUFACTURING 2021
FAAC INTERNATIONAL / 1808
VIKING ACCESS SYSTEMS
FASTENING SOLUTIONS, INC. 1855
FEENEY, INC. 327
FENCE & DECK BLUE BOOK 933
FENCE EMPIRE LLC 842
FENCE GENIUS 427
FENCE NEWS USA 1509
FENCETRAC FENCE SYSTEMS 1803
FENCING SUPPLY GROUP 1633
FLW WOOD & VINYL PRODUCTS 1907
FORTRESS BUILDING PRODUCTS 1241
FRAME IT ALL 1547
FUMEVAC 925
GALV-PRO PRODUCTS 1029
GATEARMS+ 2049
GATEHAWK 2006
GREENWOOD FENCE 636
GREGORY FENCE 1349
GROUND HOG, INC. 1546
HAMPTON LUMBER 1844
HHI CORPORATION 1025
HIGH SHEEN INDUSTRY CO., LTD 311
HOME & RANCH WIRE 1849
HOMELAND VINYL PRODUCTS 1613
IDEA 1745
IDEAL ALUMINUM PRODUCTS 2013
IDEAL MANUFACTURING, INC. / 1034
TILT-A-WAY INDITAL 927
INDUSTRIES P.F. INC. 1746
INNOPLAST 533
IRON WORLD MFG. 2053
IRONCRAFTS, INC. 1942
J.C. GURY SIGNS & DECALS 1003
JEPSON POWER INC. 1120
JERITH MANUFACTURING 1103
JEWETT CAMERON COMPANY 1653
JINFER RAILING 527
JOBNIMBUS 613
KING ARCHITECTURAL METALS 1028
Information correct at time of publication For updates, please visit www.fencetech.com.
LARSEN INNOVATIONS LLC 1102
LAWLER FOUNDRY CORPORATION 1128
LEVANTE ALUMINUM ARCHITECTURAL 214
LIFTMASTER 902
LIGHTHOUSE FENCE SUPPLY 1749
LINEAR 1345
LITTLE BEAVER, INC. 932
LMT MERCER GROUP, INC. 1445
LOCINOX USA 721
LOGICAL DECISIONS INC. 734
MANU INTERNATIONAL 835
MARINE FASTENERS, INC. 1643
MARKET HARDWARE 747
MASTER HALCO 1721
MAXIMUM CONTROLS 1843
METALSULA 1353
MID-PARK 633
MIDWEST COVER, INC. 2002
MILLER EDGE 620
MMTC, INC. 1511
MOWSTRIP & CHAIN LINK WEAVING 503
MR FENCE TOOLS / MR FENCE ACADEMY/ 1943
FENCE ARMOR
MYSALESMAN 1333
NASATKA SECURITY 320
NATIONWIDE INDUSTRIES 1521
NATURES COMPOSITES LLC 938
NEF 433
NOMMA 1220
NORTHSTAR CONTROLS, LLC. 1155
NW QUIK PULL 2004
OKBRAND 1248
OMEGA II FENCE SYSTEMS 1937
ONISH EXPORTS LLP 303
OPTEX INC. 513
ORDERS BY DESIGN 634
OVERSEAS DISTRIBUTORS INC. 642
PERIMIFY 224
PEXCO PDS FENCE PRODUCTS 1513
PHOENIX ROPE & RIGGING 1024
PLY GEM 941
POLARIS SOFT CLOSE HINGE 753
POST GUARD DBA ENCORE 840
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
PPA 310
PREMIER ATTACHMENTS 846
PRIVACY LINK MFG. 421
PRO BARRIER 221
PROGRESJA 2036
QINGDAO SIMEN METAL CO., LTD. 1952
QUICKSCREEN TM 210
READY SEAL, INC 203
RHINO TOOL COMPANY 1729
ROCKITE DIV HARTLINE PRODUCTS CO., 1020 INC.
S.K. WELDEDMESH PVT. LTD. 2108
SEA USA 2112
SECO-LARM U.S.A, INC. 118
SECURITY BRANDS, INC. 1453
SELECT ENTRY SYSTEMS 1903
SHAPES UNLIMITED, INC. 1555
SHORELINE/COASTAL ALUMINUM 1837
SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES 1744
SLAT WAREHOUSE 1921
SOFTWARE DESIGN ASSOCIATES 1829
SOS 510
SOURCE WOOD PARTNERS 226
SOUTHWESTERN WIRE, INC. 1145
SPACEGUARD PRODUCTS 1647
SPANTEK EXPANDED METAL 632
SSD CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, INC. 1802
STAIN & SEAL EXPERTS 1235
STAINTRAC 2102
STEPHENS PIPE & STEEL, LLC. 1503
STOCKADE 403
SUMMIT STEEL AND WIRE 1355
SUMTER COATINGS 1022
SUZHOU ZZF FENCE & RAILING CO., LTD 935
SWAN FENCE INC. 1949
SWEDGELOCK ALUMINUM FENCE 2103 & RAILING
SYNCHRONY 222
TARMAL STEEL 407
TEX-MEX FENCE SUPPLY, INC. 825
THE WESTERN GROUP - LIVING SCREEN 1122
THORNTON FENCE CONSULTING GROUP 413
TIANJIN TONGLI PLASTIC PRODUCT CO., 1953 LTD
TITAN POST DRIVERS 504
TORXUN, INC. 1403
TRES 402
TREX FENCING - FDS FENCE 1703 DISTRIBUTORS
TREX FENCING - SRF NATIONAL 947
DISTRIBUTION
TRIDENT ENTERPRISES DEER FENCE 502
TRUE CONTRACTOR SOFTWARE 838
TYMETAL CORP. 1610
ULTRA ALUMINUM MFG., INC. 737
ULTRALOX INTERLOCKING 853
TECHNOLOGY
UMC INNOVATION 1753
UNITED FENCING PROFILES 827
UNLIMITED SPORTS SOLUTIONS 1535
US PREMIERE TUBE MILLS 2030
USAUTOMATIC 711
VEKA OUTDOOR LIVING PRODUCTS 811
VISTAPRO ARCHITECTURAL RAILING 2134 SOLUTIONS
VOGEL TOOL & DIE 1255
WAGNER 1126
WALLACE PERIMETER SECURITY 1833
WHEATLAND TUBE 321
WILD HOG PRODUCTS 2027
WIRE CLOTH MANUFACTURERS 955
WIREWALL BY RIVERDALE MILLS 1448
WOOD DEFENDER 1927
WORD ROCK DRILLS 934
YARDSCAPES OUTDOOR PRODUCTS 306
ZHEJIANG TIANJIE INDUSTRIAL CORP 307
ZNDUS 627
New Year resolutions are a major point of focus for many people every year. While this is a worthy endeavor for success and self- growth, many leave out a key component to effective goal setting: reflection. Reflection helps you examine and make the best of your experiences by acknowledging the progress you’ve made, building on the momentum you’ve already achieved, and recognizing any barriers holding you back.
Here are a few reflective questions to help you evaluate the past year, and cast a clear vision for 2023:
WHAT GAVE YOU THE MOST MEANING?
When you have meaning and purpose in your life you are more likely to engage in healthy, productive behavior. Meaning provides direction and motivation, despite barriers or discouraging feelings. The knowledge that what you do every day is important drives you to behave in ways that allow you to work toward your goals.
HOW DID YOU HANDLE THE TOUGH TIMES?
There will always be highs and lows throughout life. “Post-traumatic growth” is the positive personal changes that result from learning how to cope through challenging life events. People tend to notice growth in one or more of the following areas after a traumatic event: renewed appreciation, enhanced personal strength, restored focus on career, improved relationships with others, and spiritual growth.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO MORE OF?
Consider this in relation to your work life and home life. Regarding work, what part of your job/business gives you the most satisfaction? What areas do you want to focus more on for continued success, growth and job satisfaction?
Regarding home life, when did you have fun, and enjoy the results of your labor? Looking back over 2022, what activities are not getting enough of your time? Maybe it’s spending time with family, exercising, or connecting with friends. Remember, all work and no play is a major energy zapper and will lead to loss of satisfaction with your work as well.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF?
As a boss? Employee? Spouse? Parent? Friend? Go through each “hat” you wear and reflect on at least one thing you learned about yourself in each of these capacities. Taking a minute to acknowledge this, whether positive or negative, helps to solidify it in our mind, and increase self-awareness, which leads to more long-term improvement.
WHAT’S NOT WORKING?
Whoa! What happened to all that positivity from those earlier questions? This question is just as important, but make sure you reflect on it without judgment. Resist the pity party and instead, just take an honest look to acknowledge what isn’t working in your life – at work and home. This is a tough question, but if you’re honest with yourself, it’s a great way to redirect attention and focus in the New Year.
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by Tom Luby, owner of Profit Builders International
First the pandemic, a drastic plunge in the economy, inflation, and tremendous labor pressure, features of a potential recession (if we’re not already in one) add up to the realization that times are tough.
Like Phil, for about 25 years, I have been somewhat of a fence industry prognosticator in my own right and have felt fairly confident in my past predictions. Not this year. I have no idea what 2023 will hold. What do we do?
First, let’s look at what we know. From coast to coast over the last six months or more, my clients have reported a dramatic drop in residential sales calls. Commercial and industrial work seems to have rebounded from the dip we saw at the beginning of the pandemic, due to postponements, etc., but although 2023 looks fairly solid for larger industrial and commercial work, especially high security work, nothing is certain.
I have reports that in some market areas, competition has doubled or even tripled. I believe this is largely fueled by the flow of free stimulus money over the past few years. This is mainly focused on residential contractors as the bar to admission is much higher for industrial, commercial, and high security work.
New residential fence contractors beware: 2023 will not be easy pickings like the last few years have been. That free money work has all but dried up and is not coming back anytime soon.
A client recently told me one of his competitors is closing his doors. This is a good fence contractor in business for 30 years or so; he’s discouraged at the dysfunctional labor pool and extreme difficulty finding reliable workers. None of us like to hear news like that, and hopefully, it’s an isolated case, but we need to be realists and hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Naturally, higher interest rates have heavily impacted new home builders, a leading economic indicator; and the trickle-down effect will be felt greatly by residential fence contractors. This, combined with an unpredictable labor force, supply chain uncertainties, possible increased competition with fewer sales opportunities, could result in tougher times and tighter margins.
In my research for this article, almost without exception, fencing contractors and vendors I spoke with expect margins to tighten by 20 –25% in 2023. I anticipate deals for the beginning of the year.
With that in mind, I feel that 2023’s FENCETECH in Oklahoma City may be one of the most important to attend in decades. Besides the usual great educational opportunities the AFA will provide in 2023, there will also be some great deals to be had on the show floor.
With my crystal ball to the future completely shattered, all we can do for now is focus on sound business practices such as risk management, overhead control and strong labor relations. In other words, keep focused, don’t take unnecessary chances and remember, if you take care of your best workers, they will take care of you in times of uncertainty.
According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the
construction backlog indicator survey showed that their average backlog declined to 8.8 months. Normally, the fencing industry lags the home builders and general contractors by several months or more, so expect this to hit us soon, if it hasn’t already.
The ABC group also reported that the torrid pace of inflation relaxed, as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by just 0.4% compared to September levels and 7.7% compared to a year ago. It was the lowest annual growth rate seen since February. Core goods inflation declined by 0.4% while core services inflation rose by 0.5%.
The group’s report continues saying borrowing costs will likely increase during the coming months and materials prices set to remain elevated, industry momentum could easily downshift further in 2023, but it’s also conceivable that certain economists are overly pessimistic.
I feel the tightening margins will again force some vendors to cut some deals early in 2023, as the downturn will hurt the big boys even harder than the mom-and-pop fence contractor. The bigger the operation, the harder this downturn will hit.
According to the ABC, the near-term recession is not inevitable. Contractor survey data indicate that while backlog declined in October of 2022, it remains reasonably healthy. Moreover, the average contractor continues to expect sales, staffing, and margins to grow over the next six months. Time will tell whether this lingering optimism is justified, according to the report.
I disagree with the overly optimistic outlook from ABC; I am fairly certain that all will, in fact, decline. However, I hope they are correct and 2023 will end up brighter than it looks at the moment. If I had a fence contractors’ business, I would be very cautious. Over the next six months to a year, we will see who is correct.
Tom Luby has helped hundreds of contractors within the fence industry achieve success with maximum profitability and efficiency. With over 25 years of experience consulting in the fence industry, he developed the “Roadmap for Success”, a program that can help contractors succeed. The program is available on CD, along with the sales and marketing guide “The Close” by contacting him below:
Profit Builders International
3421 10th Lane West Palmetto, Florida 34221 www.profitbuilder.org tluby@profitbuilder.org 941-981-3677
We are a well-established & well know commercial & industrial fence company NEEDING TO FILL POSITIONS FOR FOREMAN / INSTALLERS!
JOB DUTIES CAN INCLUDE:
*Assist crew in fence installation/removal
*Loading/unloading trucks
*Operate forklift and attachments for loading/unloading of materials
*Job clean-up or debris removal
*Ensure that the truck and equipment are kept in proper and safe working conditions
*Experience in fencing a plus, but not required training available
*MUST HAVE VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE,
*MUST be dependable and on time every day
*TWIC card is preferred
*MUST be able to pass a graded background and to pass a drug test!
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $15+ Health Insurance and paid holidays available after 90 days.
If you have a desire to learn, are dependable and willing to perform physical work in all weather conditions please send us your contact details. DBoreman@ CommercialIncorporated.com
OVERSEAS DISTRIBUTORS INC., A LARGE AND GROWING NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF CHAIN LINK
FENCE FITTINGS, is seeking experienced, results-driven Inside/Outside Salespersons and Office Personnel for existing locations in KENNESAW, GA / TAMPA, FL / BALTIMORE, MD / HOUSTON, TX. Frequent travel required for sales. Experience with chain link and farm fittings preferred. Excellent organizational, communication and people skills are a must. MS Office computer skills are a plus. Relocation expenses may be reimbursed. Please send resume with verifiable work history and salary requirements to job@odifence.com.
623 hours, runs great.
Includes Trailer, Water System, Bucket, Forks, Dual Wheels, 4-Wheel Drive.
7 bits included. $75,000. Call Jeff at (928) 941-1000 or email jmiller@yumafence.com for more information.
DD30T Turbo diesel for
155 Hours, LIKE NEW! Includes Trailer, Front End Loader, Water system, Dual Wheels and bits. $80,000. Call Mary at 561-278-1717 or email maryk@bulldogfencecompany.com for additional information. Located in south Florida.
• POSITIONS WANTED
• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• EQUIPMENT (new or used)
• BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (manufacturer’s reps, dealers, distributors, installers wanted, consultants, and other services)
$1 a word (25 word minimum) or by the column inch rate
$50 if camera furnished art
If publisher has to set $60.
Add $10 if a border is added.
10% discount on three-month consecutive insertions, paid in advance. Payment must accompany ads.
Deadline is 5th of the month prior to month of publication. Email Katie at katie@fencenews.com for a price quote and to schedule your ad.
Send editorial submissions to editor@fencenews.com .
Original owners purchased directly from Dandy Digger. Machine has just under 900 hours, maintenance has been kept up on and done in house. Machine comes with trailer, front end loader and other accessories. Please contact us for further details or any questions at 801-796-8800 or cboyce@ northwestfenceutah.com.
POWDER COATING WEEK 2023
February 6 – 8, 2023
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® in Orlando, Florida
For more information, visit www.powdercoating.org.
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY CONFERENCE
Association of Aquatic Professionals Conference & Expo
February 13 – 16, 2023
Colorado Springs, Colorado These two associations are teaming up for an informationfilled conference.
For details and registration information, visit www.watersafetyconference.com
FENCETECH 2023
February 28 – March 3, 2023 Oklahoma City Convention Center Registration is now open! Celebrate the 60th anniversary of American Fence Association with your peers at FENCETECH. Visit www.fencetech.com for updated information and to register.
119TH ANNUAL AMERICAN WOOD PROTECTION ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
April 3 – 5, 2023 Tucson, Arizona
For more information, visit www.awpa.com.
COMMON GROUND ALLIANCE 2023 CONFERENCE AND EXPO
April 17 – 21, 2023 Orlando, Florida
For details, visit www.commongroundalliance.com
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