Top of the Chain with Al Martins, Director

with Al Martins

DIRECTOR, FENCE ARMOR

When two companies are formed under one leadership, a synergy exists that is difficult to duplicate. Fence Armor and CAM Solutions are led by Al Martins and his business partner Luis Ruivo, men with a zest for life. Sometimes, finding answers to irritating problems leads to new opportunities. Read on to learn how damage from a weed trimmer led to the formation of their companies.

HOW DID FENCE ARMOR COME ABOUT?

I had to replace my fence due to extensive weed trimmer damage. Once replaced, I noticed the damage continued. With a background in engineering, my business partner, Luis, and I created Fence Armor to protect my fence. We decided it was a solution we could offer to others. So, Fence Armor was born in 2008.

DESCRIBE THE GROWTH OF FENCE ARMOR THROUGH THE YEARS.

Fence Armor has grown quite a bit over the years. What started out as a solution to a personal problem, has quickly grown into creating quality relationships with homeowners and contractors alike. It has formed into a full post protection line-up, running from the bottom to the very top. We have added Postsaver, Stain & Seal Experts and Titan products to our lineup. We top it all off with the first ever universal fit fence post caps and finials. Very exciting stuff.

THE MOTTO OF FENCE ARMOR IS PREVENT, PROTECT, PROLONG. HOW DO YOUR PRODUCTS ACCOMPLISH THAT?

By installing Fence Armor, a made-inAmerica powder-coated galvanized steel post protection guard, you are ensuring that the weed trimmer can’t damage the post, therefore, preventing damage, protecting against the weed trimmer and other elements; all the while prolonging the life of the post, as rot and cracks can’t touch it. The piece also provides great curb appeal.

YOU ARE ALSO THE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF CAM SOLUTIONS, AN ENGINEERING COMPANY. HOW DOES THAT COMPANY CORRELATE TO FENCE ARMOR?

Without CAM Solutions, we wouldn’t have Fence Armor. Our invaluable employees in both companies help Fence Armor grow and continue to enhance the post guards. We focus on designing well-engineered products that are made in North America and are made to last. It has also helped us in generating two patents for Fence Armor.

MANAGING ONE COMPANY IS CHALLENGING, BUT TWO COMPANIES MUST BE QUITE INTERESTING. HOW DO YOU JUGGLE DIRECTING BOTH COMPANIES?

Team work really does make the dream work. When you have a great team, anything is possible.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES IN BOTH COMPANIES?

There are 15 employees across the board, many working in both companies. Our employees are found on both sides of the border, giving us good visibility in the USA and Canadian markets.

WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS OF BOTH COMPANIES?

Fence Armor has an office in Ontario as well as an office in Texas, and another office in Florida and New York. Our stocking partner, Postsaver, has an office in England. CAM Solutions resides in Burlington as well as an office in Montreal and an office in Pennsylvania.

WHAT FENCING INDUSTRY OR ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, AND WHAT IS YOUR INVOLVEMENT?

I am the president of NAFCA, the North American Fence Contractors Association. They do fantastic work, and we are very proud of all their service projects in giving back to the community, which is the main focus of NAFCA. We are also a part of CFIA, the Canadian Fence Contractors Association, where I serve as director, and lastly, we are a member of the AFA, the American Fence Association. It is very important for us to network and support our communities and fellow business owners.

DESCRIBE THE NAFCA ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY SERVICE PROJECT AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU.

Every year, the NAFCA team heads to Arlington National Cemetery for the annual fence restoration. It is incredibly important for us to be involved as we can pay our respects and give honor to the servicemen who gave it all. We are proud to provide Fence Armor for this project and to work alongside our fellow NAFCA membership.

WHY IS BUYING AND DISTRIBUTING PRODUCTS MADE IN NORTH AMERICA IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Quality is at the forefront here at Fence Armor and we truly believe that by offering North American-made products, we are offering the best to our customers, both in products and in all of our futures as a whole.

WHAT IS YOUR MINDSET ABOUT BUSINESS?

You get what you give. We work hard to provide the best for our customers and will continue to do so. Like Zig Ziglar said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”

WHAT HELPS YOU OVERCOME WHEN FACED WITH A BUSINESS CHALLENGE?

Always having growth in mind. You don’t learn or grow without challenges and as a team, we can get through anything. We are a family business and that goes a long way to help in working out our day-to-day challenges. Our circle of partners also helps bring in ideas to conquer obstacles to growth. Bottom line is communication with all of us gets us where we want to go.

WHAT HOBBIES OR INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I very much enjoy the world of aviation and currently working on getting my pilot’s license. Being in the outdoors whether walking, skiing, or kayaking are also interests of mine.

IN AMERICA, OUR THOUGHTS TURN TOWARD THANKFULNESS IN NOVEMBER. IS THERE SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR?

We are incredibly grateful for those who have grown with us, whether that be our family, team, distributors, partners or customers. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, being thankful every day is what we strive for.