Fence News September 2024 by fencenewsusa

Residential 5/8” | Commercial 3/4”

Residential 5/8” | Commercial 3/4” | Industrial

1”

Industrial 3/4” & 1”

SCAN ME

•

• Durable

Advertiser Index

Abbey Hardware, 4

All-O-Matic, 37

Ameristar/Assa Abloy, 11

Antebellum Manufacturing, 31

BD Loops, 32

Blackline HHP Products, Back Cover

DAC Industries, 36

D&D Technologies, 3

Dan Wheeler Podcast, 46

Dandy Digger, 30

DKS DoorKing, 16, 17

Dyna-Bignell, 32

Dura Crete Walls, 35

Eagle Fence, 52, 81

Eastern Wholesale Fence, 42, 43

Elite Fence Products, 45

Encon Electronics, 57

Expert Wood Care, 51

EZG Manufacturing, 79 Fence Armor, 44

Fence Empire, 29

Fencing Supply Group, 9

FLW International, 21, 71

FUH Industrial, 60

Gopher Wood, 55

50 Registration is Open for

Patio & Deck Expo

52 Altronix® Announces Strategic Partnership with LiftMaster® to Elevate Door Control Solutions

54 Envision Outdoor Living Products Introduces Vinyl Deck Railing with the Look of Real Wood Grain

54 Parksite Expands Offering to include Outdure QwickBuild Deck Framing System

55 DoorBird D21x Series Nominated for UX Design Awards

57 The AZEK Company Enters Long-term Partnership with Doman Building Materials to Expand Distribution of TimberTech® Decking in Canada

60 EverFence Raises $7 Million in Funding for Growth

62 Parksite Expands Offering IG Railing to Ohio and Florida

64 Enclosure Kits Expand Opportunities for Fence Installers

66 CLFMI Summer Meeting Recap

68 Advantage Lumber Announces Upcoming Changes to Ipe and Cumaru Decking Hardwood Trade Regulations

74 DeckWise and Arbor Develop Thermally Modified Wood Clip

77 7 Ways AI Can Help Automate Your Business Growth

78 Top of the Chain with Damian Lang, Founder and CEO of EZG Manufacturing

82 Trex Launches New Trex Signature® X-Series™ Railing

Hampden Fence Supply, 56

Homeland Vinyl Products, 10

InCord, 46

International Gate Devices, 68

Interstate Wholesale Fence, 63

Iron World, Front Cover

J.C. Gury, 72

Jerith/Assa Abloy, 13, 15

Keener Dupont Wire, LLC, 68

L&C Enterprises, 58, 59

Little Beaver, 38

GreenWay Fence & Railing Supply, 33

LMT Mercer Group, 83 Locinox, 39

Business Management

56 It is Not Too Early to Peek Into 2025 by Mark Levin

64 Management Corner: Navigating Inflation: 5 Strategies to Protect Your Bottom Line

72 Are Fence Associations Worth Joining? by Tom Luby

76 How Leaders Develop a Strategic Mindset by Mike Reed Events & More

75 Coming Up - Our Next Issue

75 In Memoriam: Pay Tribute to Those Who Have Passed

80 Events

Master Halco, 5

81 Classifieds FENCE NEWS IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS: FENCE NEWS IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH:

Maximum Controls, 67

National Metal Industries, 6, 47

Old South Wood Preserving, 34 Pexco, 69

Poly Vinyl Creations,61 Privacy Link, 66

Pro Access Systems, 70, 75 RediDriver, 32

Rent-A-Fence Wholesale, 53

SCIW Fence Products, 81

Seco-Larm, 23

Secure Gate Systems, 77

Shoreline Vinyl Systems, 70

Skidrill, 65, 73

Southwestern Wire, 22

Sportafence, 27

Standard Paints/Wood Defender, 41

Stephens Pipe & Steel, 7

Titan Post Drivers, 74

TREX Fencing - SRF Fence, 2

Trident Fence/Deer Busters, 77

US Premier Tube Mills, 12

Unlimited Sports Systems, 25

Wallace Perimeter, 62 Wheatland Tube, 19

Pickleball?

Really? One day in 1965, Joel Prichard and his friend, Bill Bell, returned to his house after a round of golf to find their families sitting around bored, with nothing to do. So he took over his badminton court and invented Pickleball. The rest is history. There are nearly 50,000 courts in the US with 130 new facilities being added each month. Courts are going up everywhere. Cities are converting tennis courts to pickleball and every one of them needs a fence. Get onboard! Sport court fencing is a specialty at Stephens Pipe. We operate 120 weaving machines, five tube mills, four powder coating operations and have more than a million square feet under roof to support every fencing need. Fabric, framework and fittings to meet any specification. Gates made to order. Windscreen and ornamental fabricated right here in Kentucky. Stephens Pipe, your “One-Stop “ source for all your sport fencing needs.

ALABAMA 205-647-0111, CONNECTICUT 860-812-0265, FLORIDA 321-728-2932, GEORGIA 770-868-1800, KENTUCKY 270-866-3331, LOUISIANA 225-387-1838, MARYLAND 301-699-0400, MICHIGAN 616-248-3433, MISSOURI 816-359-3836, NORTH CAROLINA 336-375-3442, OHIO (Columbus) 614-285-3584 or (Mt. Sterling) 740-869-2257, PENNSYLVANIA 570-567-7538, SOUTH CAROLINA 803-849-1625, TENNESSEE 615-860-0001, TEXAS (Austin) 512-631-0070 • (Dallas) 214-348-2400 • (Houston) 346-271-9017, WEST VIRGINIA 304-522-2210

Postsaver Brings Guaranteed Wood Protection Product to the US Market

Postsaver, a timber preservation company, is now offering its barrier sleeve protection for timber posts across the US through a newly launched webstore: store.postsaver.com.

Their products are available nationwide, with supply direct from local distribution centers ensuring fast delivery.

Postsaver barrier sleeves are a proven solution for preventing fence posts from rotting and also helping to seal in preservatives, reducing leaching. The sleeves are made of a durable, UV-stabilized thermoplastic material lined with a proprietary sealant compatible with all wood preservatives. They are heat-applied to the ground-line section of wooden posts and fruit supports, creating a robust barrier against decay.

The dual-layer rot shield technology has been rigorously tested and meets the standards of the Building Research Establishment (UK), the American Wood Protection Agency (US), and the South African National Standards Board. This technology effectively blocks all factors that cause wood decay.

To kick off the US launch, Postsaver is offering exclusive trade starter packs. These packs include everything contractors need to begin using Postsaver: trial packs of Standard and +Plus wraps, application equipment, and marketing materials. Trade customers receive competitive pricing and the option to request trade credit accounts. Additionally, Postsaver provides customer and marketing support to its trade partners.

“We have had a limited distribution network in the US for some time,” explains Richard George, CEO of Postsaver, “but the launch of our online store and local stockholding will enable home renovators to buy direct and have products shipped at speed. We will also be extending our trade benefits to US fencing contractors and are offering exclusive trade discounts of 35% on our rot protection products. The new webstore is a significant development for Postsaver and cements our commitment to supporting the protection and continued use of wood into new territories. We are looking forward to working with fencing contractors and retailers in the States.”

The Postsaver +Plus sleeve offers enhanced protection by extending deeper below ground than standard sleeves, significantly reducing the risk of decay. Independent tests show that posts treated with Postsaver +Plus sleeves can last over 40 years with UC4 treated posts and 20 years with untreated posts, making it a reliable alternative to vinyl and steel.

Armadillo Decking Partners with Military Makeover with Montel® to Honor Military Families on Lifetime TV

Armadillo Decking, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly and sustainable composite decking, has announced its partnership with the acclaimed television series, Military Makeover with Montel®, airing on Lifetime TV. This collaboration underscores Armadillo Decking’s commitment to giving back to those who have served our country by contributing to home makeovers that celebrate and support military families across the nation.

Military Makeover with Montel is a moving home improvement series dedicated to transforming the homes and lives of military families. Hosted by Montel Williams, a decorated veteran and tireless advocate for the military community, the series enlists the help of designers, contractors, landscapers, and other home improvement

professionals to provide deserving families with the home improvements they need and deserve.

“We are incredibly proud to join forces with Military Makeover with Montel,” says Doug DeLuca, vice president of sales and marketing with Armadillo Decking. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our values of family, sustainability, and honoring those who have sacrificed for our country. By contributing to these home makeovers, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of military families, providing them with the comfort and beauty they deserve in their homes.”

Military Makeover with Montel will air on Lifetime TV this fall. For more information about Armadillo Decking and their sustainable decking solutions, visit armadillodeck.com.

(left to right) Brothers Jim and Richard George, CFO and CEO, founded Postsaver 30 years ago.

COLOR for YOU

US Premier Tube Mills offers high strength pipe and tubing products in industry standard colors.

At US Premier Tube Mills, we offer all of our industrial, commercial and residential products in industry standard colors. PTC Color Coat products are available in 3 mil Polyester Color Coat or a 10 mil Polyolefin Color Coat - all guaranteed not to flake, crack or craze for 15 years. Contact your local distributor to learn more about our PTC Color Coat products.

SPORTS FENCING WINDSCREENS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Boost your branding and promote privacy and security with windscreens, sports fencing and netting. We have the scoop on the latest innovations that are getting attention.

SIGHTLINE COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS SETS THE STAGE FOR OLYMPIC TRIALS

The talent and abilities of the world’s best athletes weren’t all that were on display during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Sightline Commercial Solutions had a significant presence at two of the athletic facilities used in the lead-up to the Summer Olympics. Installations by Sightline, the leading national provider of architectural railing and modular platforms, kept fans comfortable, safe and on top of the action at the U.S. Track & Field Trials hosted at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, and at the U.S. Gymnastics Trials held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“It is truly an honor to have our work tied so closely to the Summer Olympics,” says Brian Elliott, national projects director for Sightline Commercial Solutions. “We are proud to have been a small part of these monumental events and hope spectators enjoyed the unobstructed sightlines and breathtaking views made possible by our railing and staging systems.”

HAYWARD FIELD PROJECT OVERVIEW

Historic Hayward Field, home to the University of Oregon’s track and field team as well as the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, now offers athletes an unparalleled stage to push their limits, while also providing the ultimate fan experience.

The newly renovated landmark has been dubbed one of the best track and field venues in the world, featuring a new nine-lane track, comfortable seating, in-stadium amenities, facilities for training and sports medicine, natural daylighting and an iconic wood roof in honor of Oregon’s history and forest lands. Doubled in capacity from 10,500 to 25,000 seats, the world-class arena still offers an intimate setting, positioning spectators on top of the action with the first row just mere feet from the outside lane.

Fans seated in the upper and lower bowls enjoy unobstructed sightlines of the field and breathtaking views of the surrounding hillside, courtesy of Sightline Commercial Solutions’ architectural railing. More than 15,000 linear feet of custom engineered aisle, glass, cable and drinkrail are featured throughout the interior and exterior of the arena, complementing the open and airy design of the state-of-the-art structure.

Hayward Field Project

TARGET CENTER PROJECT OVERVIEW

Target Center had a signiﬁcant renovation overhaul in 2017. The renovation project aimed to modernize and update the arena to enhance the fan experience and ensure the long-term viability of the venue. The renovation expanded and upgraded arena amenities, including improved concourse spaces.

Sightline Commercial Solutions provided their Dot Series railing, Track Rail, as well as ﬂoor, wall, and glass-mounted handrail for this project. The project called for a variety of specialty glass choices, including bent and tightly curved glass, and ½-inch laminated glass with a PVB interlayer. A color interlayer was used to dim the light that comes through the large glass windows in speciﬁc areas of the arena. The custom railings installed at Target Center deliver maximum impact in aesthetics, strength, and sustainability. Learn more at sightlinecommercial.com

Case Study

UNIQUE SETTING AT SPALDING UNIVERSITY REQUIRES UNIQUE NETTING FROM BEACON

CHALLENGE: Protect fans and pedestrians in a tight, urban, multi-ﬁeld setup.

Located in a busy part of Louisville, Kentucky, Spalding University wanted to add outﬁeld and backstop netting to its softball and multi-purpose ﬁelds. It was the only way to protect fans, pedestrians, student athletes and even passing cars from the risk of getting hit by a screaming foul ball or homerun. But space was tight, so the netting systems needed to be customized for maximum effectiveness.

The multipurpose fields were built right up against three busy streets to the west, north and south, while the softball field was built to the east with its outfield pushed right up against a parking lot.

Other Spalding requirements were for the netting systems to maintain great spectator sightlines for the softball ﬁeld, and for the raising and lowering of the systems to be almost effortless for off-season storage. The project was a major investment, so they wanted to make sure it was done right the ﬁrst time while being very durable.

SOLUTION: Beacon customized multiple fence systems to ﬁt the unique ﬁeld setup.

Working with Sabak Wilson & Lingo Landscape and Professional Fence, Beacon handcrafted multiple netting systems that ﬁt the athletic ﬁeld’s unique spatial setup.

Beacon’s solution for the university was a custom outboard Tie-Back backstop system for the softball field, custom In-Line lift and tension outfield barrier net for the softball field, and a custom In-Line lift and tension hybrid netting for the multipurpose fields.

Along with these netting systems, Beacon installed a TUFFframe Pro 55™ double batting cage and custom woodless backstop pad kits for the softball backstop wall.

The problem solving that Beacon had to do for this project was creating custom systems that fit the field layouts wherever containment was necessary. The company had to be sure that the systems worked with site details such as curbs, different fence heights and synthetic turf fields.

Spalding University now has three beautiful new systems that exceed its expectations in both looks and performance.

Learn more about Beacon Athletics sports products and services at beaconathletics.com

OPTIMIZING INVENTORY

Make inventory management a breeze with our exclusive services

• AIM leverages today’s technologies to support your needs with the highest level of efficiency while staying flexible and keeping you in control.

• When you buy from any Zekelman company, you can use your EDI system to communicate with ours for faster, more accurate and free convenience.

• Modern builders need a modern way to buy and track products. Our proprietary Z-Commerce platform makes all aspects of purchasing easy.

Reach out to your sales rep to learn more.

PRINT AND GRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES RAMP UP IMPACT AND PROFITS

New print technologies including advanced inks, long lasting printable mesh, UV coating, and state-of-the-art printers have created greatly increased opportunities for the fence contractor. The breakthroughs for long lasting, durable graphics on fence screens benefit both fence contractors and their clients creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Over 15 years ago Ball Fabrics, Inc., located in Deland, Florida, recognized the potential for outdoor printing and graphics to increase visibility, enhance visual appeal, and add privacy to any chain link or ornamental fence. As a result, the company prioritized the establishment of a state-of-the-art, in-house print facility. Today the Ball Fabrics team of experienced print specialists offers highly durable inks that resist UV degradation and offer high intensity visual punch to any job site.

“Early on, we began to recognize the long-term potential for graphics paired with the quality fence screens we already carried,” says Jon Ball, president at Ball Fabrics. “We have been working with successful fence contractors for over 36 years. We realized that graphics offered our clients tremendous potential for increased profits.”

“We did a lot of research with inks, printing processes, and durable printable fence meshes,” Ball emphasizes. “Our goal was to offer the highest quality, longest lasting, and most durable options. We experimented with different inks. We pioneered a durable UV coating process. We have invested in state-of-the-art printing machines. We even developed fence screens that would hold the ink for longer periods of time.”

Ball described what this means for the commercial fence contractor. “A good fence is obviously the necessary first step. But for smart contractors it is only the beginning. Adding a quality fence screen is the next step. Fence screen increases privacy. But now you have a huge blank slate you can use for site branding, beautification, promotions. The sky is the limit! You can offer your clients the ability to completely transform their facility using the fences you build.”

He encourages fence contractors to start with their own location. “Adding fence screens with graphics and logos upgrades the visual appearance of your property, brands your product, and promotes your company to every person who sees it. It is the best advertising possible. Using fence screens and graphics at your location immediately establishes who you are and what you can do. Your facility instantly becomes a full color statement you can show to potential clients, demonstrating what can be done at their own facility.”

At Ball Fabrics, knowledgeable support team members and graphics specialists with decades of experience are prepared to accompany every client through the development process from start to finish. They can identify the best fence screen for every application and then ensure the graphics fully express the client’s vision.

“Demand for quality graphics is exploding throughout the industry,” Ball explains. “Schools used to order fence screens for their ball fields. Now they are putting fence screens with graphics and logos on every school fence, throughout the campus, to increase school pride and team awareness. They are wrapping bleachers with incredibly creative murals. Athletic facilities are using fence screen graphics to beautify their grounds, attract people to their sites, and promote special events. Commercial and industrial complexes are choosing fence screens with graphics to brand their facility, increase visibility, and enhance visual aesthetics. Graphics and logos on temporary fencing hide the mess while promoting the development. There is not one commercial client who cannot benefit from the addition of fence screens and graphics. You can sell the fence, then sell privacy, visibility, and brand awareness, increasing your profits on every job while providing a valuable service to your clients.”

For more information, visit ballfabrics.com

Fence Factory project - before

Fence Factory project - after

Ball Fabrics project - before

Fence Factory project - after

Ball Fabrics project - after

FULLY BRANDED WIND SCREEN FROM COVERMASTER® WILL BE ON THE WORLD STAGE AT SOFTBALL STADIUM

Four years from now, Los Angeles, California, will host the 2028 Summer Olympics. The softball tournament venue will be a threehour plane ride away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at Devon Park, a world class softball complex that includes a 13,000-seat professional softball stadium, the USA National Softball Hall of Fame, four softballspecific fields, and the headquarters for USA Softball. The stadium not only hosts the annual Women’s College World Softball Series, it is now home of the Oklahoma City Spark, a member of the newly formed, professional women’s softball league.

When it was decided that a more consistent and professional look was required along the outfield fencing at the stadium, COVERMASTER® was contacted to get the job done. Ken Curry, president of COVERMASTER, says since branding was the most important requirement for wind screening along the outfield perimeter, a specialized wind screen with high end graphic ability was recommend. “This will would provide maximum visual impact with full-color capability and high-definition clarity.”

Curry says this windscreen also had proven performance and effect with other similar requests by COVERMASTER® customers, so they knew it would deliver both high quality aesthetics and function.

Over 4,000 square feet of this branded COVERMASTER® wind screen was ordered for the stadium at Devon Park. It was digitally printed and personalized with fully branded graphics of the Oklahoma City Spark and the Softball USA names and logos on a striking blue background. Once installed, the outfield perimeter of the softball stadium provided a unique and colorful frame to this elite softball venue and enhanced the overall professionalism and look of Devon Park.

For more information, visit covermaster.com

• Vandal resistant, suitable for wall, post, or gooseneck mounting

• Built-in proximity card reader

• IP66 Weatherproof

• Keylock provides secure access to the interior of the keypad

SAFEGUARDING THE GAME: THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF FENCING IN SPORTS FIELD SAFETY

PERIMETER AND BARRIER FENCING

One fundamental way sports netting keeps games safe is through perimeter and barrier netting. By creating a physical barrier around the playing area, this type of netting prevents balls, equipment, and other objects from leaving and entering the designated space. This helps to protect bystanders and property outside the field of play, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Raymond says InCord’s perimeter and barrier netting are custom-designed to fit specific dimensions and requirements, ensuring maximum safety and effectiveness.

ENCLOSURES AND BACKSTOPS

In addition to perimeter netting, enclosures and backstop netting are designed to enhance safety during games. These sports netting solutions are often used in batting cages, golf ranges, and other sports facilities to contain balls and prevent them from straying outside the allotted area. By installing enclosure and backstop netting, sports venues can minimize the risk of damage to surrounding structures and establish the safety of players and guests.

Safety is always a top priority in outdoor sports. Whether it is baseball, soccer, tennis, or other outdoor activities, having appropriate fencing in place can make a significant difference.

“Netting can be a critical safety addition for sports fencing,” says Tammy Raymond, marketing director for InCord. “Netting provides a safe and enjoyable outdoor sports experience, from perimeter and barrier netting to drone netting.”

She provides a overview of the different applications for netting sports facilities:

RETRACTABLE FENCE PANELS

Raymond says InCord’s retractable panels are an innovative product that provide flexibility and convenience in sports facilities. These panels can be easily extended or retracted depending on the specific needs of the game or event. “Sports venues can create optimal safety and functionality by using our retractable panels to help adapt their netting systems to different activities and configurations without players switching courts, fields, or play areas,” she adds.

SCOREBOARD AND GOAL NETS

Scoreboards and goals are essential to soccer, baseball, and lacrosse. These crucial elements can be protected and accidents prevented with scoreboard and goal nets. These nets should be designed to withstand impact and provide a secure barrier around scoreboards and goals, ensuring the safety of players and equipment on the field.

DRONE NETTING

As drones become more prevalent in sports events and recreational activities, Raymond says the need for specialized netting has grown. InCord offers drone netting designed to protect drones from collisions and accidents while in use.

“Whether the drone is being used for broadcasting, event management, or training,” says Raymond, “installing drone netting will ensure the safety of everyone inside your sports venue and minimize the risk of damage to the drones themselves.”

With decades of experience in the netting industry, Raymond says InCord has established a reputation for excellence. “Our expertise in designing and manufacturing high-quality netting solutions sets us apart, and our products are crafted in the USA, allowing total quality control, fast turnaround, and expert customer service” Learn more at incord.com.

THINK OUTSIDE THE FENCE

Fencing is a vital component of any athletic construction project. It 4% provides security, safety, crowd control, and ﬂow.

Did you know there are many other components of athletic ﬁeld construction projects that require similar products, skills, and knowledge?

Many of Unlimited Sports Solutions' athletic ﬁeld construction products tie into, attach to, go on top of, or are in close proximity to the fence. These products provide a great opportunity for fence contractors to grow their sales on these projects

When you partner with USS, we become a part of your team. We o er consistent support from project bidding through installation Our responsive sales representatives have extensive industry experience making working with USS seamless.

4-Plex Sports Complex Typical Budget

Playing Surface ($3.6M) Athletic Field Construction Equipment ($581,000) Fencing ($170,000)

As the data shows, only 4% ($170,000) of a $4.3 million project represents the fencing scope, while athletic ﬁeld construction equipment represents 13 5% ($582,000) of the budget

If a fence contractor was able to add the latter to their project scope of work, they could grow their sales on the project by nearly 450%!

DELIVERS THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION FOR SAFE & PORTABLE SPORTS FENCING

Safety and versatility are critical factors in sports facilities. Whether it's a little league baseball game, a high school soccer match, a regional all-star softball tournament, or multiple events taking place at the same complex, ensuring that players and spectators are protected while maintaining the integrity of the game is crucial, and challenging. SportaFence portable sports fencing meets this challenge with an innovative, highly effective, solution to maximize the safe use of field space.

“SportaFence is a game-changer, literally transforming how sports fields are set up and secured across the nation,” says Chad Simich, owner of SportaFence. “This portable fencing system can quickly and easily create boundaries for sports fields, and unlike traditional fencing, which can be time-consuming to install and impossible to move, Sportafence is lightweight, durable, and incredibly easy to assemble and move. This makes it an ideal choice for temporary setups, tournaments, or fields that require flexibility.”

With a background in the recreation and commercial park industries, Chad and his wife Kelly became the owners of SportaFence in 2020. “We knew this product was something special because it’s designed with the needs of both athletes and organizers in mind,” explains Kelly. “We knew there was a real need in the market for a product that could be quickly set up and taken down without compromising on safety. Sportafence provides a flexible solution that can adapt to any environment, from athletic fields to event venues where crowd control is needed.”

SportaFence is ideal for temporary events, tournaments, and venues that require regular setup and teardown. Constructed of durable galvanized steel with eight-gauge, coated chain link, Chad says this is the only patented portable fence system manufactured using the same commercial grade materials as standard fencing, with a comparable usable life – 10 to 15 years – as permanent outﬁeld fencing.

The Simiches detail the key advantages offered by SportaFence:

EASE OF INSTALLATION. SportaFence can be installed by anyone in just a few minutes. The fencing is lightweight and comes with easy-tofollow instructions, so even a small team can have it ready in no time. Storage is as simple as rolling the panels out of the way.

PORTABLE CONVENIENCE. Its high level of portability enables a facility operator to change ﬁeld boundaries in under an hour. This means a single ﬁeld can host multiple sports in a day. SportaFence is available in wheeled and nonwheeled options, both of which can be used on grass.

SAFETY. The fencing is made from highquality materials that are durable and capable of withstanding the demands of fast-moving sports. It provides a clear boundary that helps prevent injuries while keeping the focus on the game. Sportafence is built to absorb impact and protect athletes, reducing the risk of injury from collisions or out-of-bounds plays.

AESTHETICS. The sleek, professional appearance of SportaFence enhances the look of any sports field, making it suitable for a wide range of events. It can also be customized with team logos or sponsor branding, adding an extra layer of branding and potential revenue for sports organizations or event planners.

AFFORDABILITY. With no installation or maintenance costs required, Sportafence offers a more budget-friendly alternative than traditional permanent fencing without sacrificing quality.

Sportafence has quickly gained popularity among sports organizations, schools, and community leagues for its versatility and durability. “SportaFence meets the needs of today’s sports facilities, ensuring that athletes are protected, and fields look great,” says Kelly. “Whether for a temporary setup or a permanent solution, Sportafence is an excellent choice for sports organizers looking for a reliable, cost-effective fencing system.”

Learn more at sportafence.com.

SportaFence TM is a professional grade, wheeled or non-wheeled, portable fencing system that can be easily adjusted for varied distances and dimensions to elevate the level of tournaments by offering regulation athletic barriers.

With SportaFence TM , a field can be revised and ready for an event in about one hour. SportaFence TM can drive field revenue and decrease field configuration labor costs.

SportaFence TM is a high quality portable fencing system that enhances player and fan safety.

SPORTAFENCETM IS PERFECT FOR SETTING UP YOUR FIELDS FOR: Softball • Baseball • Soccer • Football • Special Events • Crowd Control Security • High School Graduations • Anything You Can Imagine... When

2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study

Gen X and Millennial Homeowners Extend Livable Space with Outdoor Projects

Houzz Inc., the leading platform for home remodeling and design, has released the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study. The survey of more than 1,100 U.S. respondents found that one-third of homeowners are upgrading their outdoor areas to extend their living space (33%). This number jumps to 41% for Gen Xers* and 38% for Millennials, compared with just 28% of Baby Boomers. Similarly, younger generations are more likely to prioritize outdoor upgrades for entertaining (44% and 42% of Millennials and Gen Xers, respectively, compared with 34% of Baby Boomers).

To make their outdoor spaces more livable and suitable for entertaining, it’s no surprise that younger generations invest in major structural improvements, such as decks, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools and hot tubs, more frequently than older homeowners (65% for Millennials, 61% for Gen Xers and 54% for Baby Boomers). Millennials and Gen Xers also pursue outdoor decorating projects at a higher frequency (54% and 45%, respectively, versus 31% of Baby Boomers) to make the space more usable and inviting.

“With limited housing stock and higher interest rates impacting affordability, younger generations are squeezing functionality out of every inch of their current homes by focusing on the outdoors. Millennials, in particular, are most likely to invest in major structural upgrades in the yard and to add furniture and accessories to make it more personalized and livable,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “That said, large-scope outdoor projects are common across generations, and homeowners are hiring professionals to bring their dreams to life.”

Nearly two-thirds of homeowners hired a professional for their outdoor project (65%). Additional insights from the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study include:

LIGHTING UP THE LANDSCAPE: Among homeowners with outdoor system projects, nearly 4 in 5 homeowners upgraded outdoor lighting (78%). Landscape lighting topped the list (81%), followed by string or bistro lights (44%), and porch sconces (37%). Light fixtures are most commonly a combination of glass and metal (58%); however, 32% of lights are entirely of metal.

GETTING SMART WITH OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY: More than two-thirds of all products purchased for outdoor spaces can be monitored or controlled by a mobile device (68%), including security cameras (43%), light fixtures (26%), irrigation systems (16%), and speakers or sound systems (15%). Millennials are significantly more likely than other generations to purchase smart products (89%, compared with 75% and 60% of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, respectively).

INCORPORATING FIRE AND WATER: Among homeowners who upgraded outdoor elements, approximately 1 in 5 added or upgraded fire features, such as fireplaces or fire pits, or water features like fountains in their outdoor spaces (21% and 18%, respectively). Fire features were especially popular among Millennials (37%, compared with 23% and 17% of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, respectively).

LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS: Among homeowners with outdoor feature projects, more than three-quarters of homeowners upgraded plants, shrubs or trees on their property (77%); and two-thirds upgraded beds or borders (66%). Flowering (82%); low-maintenance (70%); butterfly, bee or hummingbird attractant (55%); and native plants (52%) were the most common.

You can download the full 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study at houzz.com

Boost Your Business: The Power of Outstanding Customer Service

In today's competitive marketplace, exceptional customer service is not just a bonus, it's a necessity for businesses aiming to rise above the rest. Successful customer service practices play a pivotal role in shaping an organization’s reputation and fostering long-term customer relationships.

“Excellent customer service is the personality of the company and the primary reason customers return,” says Stephanie Anderson, customer service manager at Trident Enterprises, the home to Trident Fence, DeerBusters, and Easy Pet Fence brands. “Understanding that each interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate reliability and professionalism, you need to maintain direct and open channels of communication. Our focus on effective communication, personalized service, active feedback utilization, and employee empowerment highlights the essential role of customer service in driving business success."

PERSONALIZED SERVICE AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Personalized service plays a key role in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Treating every project as unique and investing time to understand individual requirements will help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Personalized service not only meets the immediate needs of customers but also fosters a sense of value and appreciation, encouraging repeat business and referrals. This also strengthens the company’s reputation in the market.

LEVERAGING CUSTOMER FEEDBACK FOR IMPROVEMENT

A central aspect of successful customer service is the active pursuit and incorporation of customer feedback. This commitment to listening and evolving based on client input is instrumental in refining services and processes. “You should welcome feedback as a treasure trove of insights, giving you information to continuously enhance your offerings, and ensure you are keeping up with industry trends and customer expectations,” says Anderson. “Without customer feedback, you limit your growth as a company.”

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Employees’ readiness to provide expert advice and timely conflict resolutions reflects the commitment to going the extra mile in customer service. This proactive approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also strengthens the company’s reputation for exceptional service. “Empowering employees to prioritize customer contentment cultivates a company culture where exceptional service becomes the norm, not the exception,” Anderson says.

TRAINING AND EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES

A key element of customer service success is the focus on employee training and empowerment. Through comprehensive training programs, employees gain the skills and knowledge to deliver outstanding service. This investment in training not only equips employees with technical expertise but also emphasizes soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and empathy, which are crucial in handling diverse customer needs and situations. As a result, employees are well-prepared to provide personalized solutions and exceed customer expectations, contributing significantly to the company's reputation for exceptional customer service.

“The adage of ‘People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel’ is a core message of our support team,” Anderson explains. “Treat your customers as a friend and they will share their experience. They will become a customer for life.”

Antebellum is

The verbiage of Buy American, Buy America, Made in USA, and Assembled in USA can often lead to confusion. Antebellum, a company owned by USA citizens, manufactures its products in the USA using aluminum and powder that are also produced in the USA.

Antebellum Manufacturing follows a straightforward process. We acquire our extrusions in the USA, bring them into our plant in Ocala,FL where we proceed to cut, punch, notch, bend, weld, and manufacture the final product. Powder coating is done on site in our plant, then shipped across the USA to our valuable customers.

Vista Railings Expands their Distribution Network into Texas with Carolina Atlantic

Vista Railing Systems, Inc., a market leader in aluminum and glass railings, have expanded their distribution agreement with Carolina Atlantic to include their location in Cresson, Texas, that services the eastern half of Texas. This relationship represents significant growth potential for each company in a significant aluminum railing market.

“Carolina Atlantic has been a great distribution partner with Vista over the past year in the Southeast, and we are excited to expand the geography that Carolina Atlantic services with Vista Railing into the Texas market,” says Kalvin Eden, national sales manager with Vista Railing Systems. “The addition of Vista Railing to their current product offering in the Texas market will lead to great opportunities in the market, this product mix along with their impeccable reputation in the market of servicing their customers will allow them to expand and grow with their current customers and extend their reach to new opportunities. They will be stocking our full line of premium quality aluminum, glass and picket railing systems, we will offer other Vista products as available via special order to start.”

Jamie Brown, vice president and partner at Carolina Atlantic says, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Vista Railing Systems into the Texas market. We believe this collaboration will be an innovative offering for our customers and their markets. Carolina Atlantic and Vista Railing Systems will achieve great success with our customer-first approach and extensive expertise. We’re eager to bring top-quality railing solutions and exceptional support. By supporting our customers and their businesses with Vista Railing products, we at Carolina Atlantic can execute our mission of Moving Forward Together.”

Founded in 1974, Vista Railings has become a world-class manufacturer and supplier of aluminum, glass and cable railings. Their distributor and dealer network covers North America servicing markets from coast to coast in Canada and the United States.

For information, visit vistarailings.com

Dwayne Hoover

Ervin

Known for Quality Fence Products

Emergency Response from AFA Midwest Chapter

April 27, 2024, the tornado sirens sounded across the state of Oklahoma; as many as 22 were reported. Sulphur, Oklahoma, suffered fatalities and severe structural damage. The town of about 5,000 residents is in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains.

Daniel Brown, president of the American Fence Association Midwest Chapter, reached out to the chapter’s board of directors early Sunday morning and connected with the owners of On Point Fencing in Davis, Oklahoma, to get an assessment of the situation and see if any immediate needs could be met in the neighboring community of Sulphur.

The Midwest Chapter held an emergency meeting Monday morning and voted unanimously to purchase supplies and deliver them. The supplies in need included OSB boards, tarps, gloves and construction trash bags.

Brown, along with Randy Ward, sales specialist at Shiloh Fence and Gate Supply, picked up material in Stillwater, Oklahoma, as

local stores in the southern part of the state were selling out of supplies; they made the 115mile delivery to the Sulphur/Davis area.

On Point Fencing provided 300 hot meals to first responders and residents. Brown, Ward, and other volunteers helped in serving them.

“A huge thank you to Kyle Robinson and the Carolina Chapter for their donation to assist with this project,” says Brown. “They continued helping the Sulphur/Davis area, allowing our Midwest Chapter to assist a fellow fencer from Hadrian Fence in Claremore. That family suffered from the aftermath of the tornado on May 25.”

“We have an amazing community of fence professionals that make up our Midwest Chapter,” Brown continued, “and an active board of directors. They continue to support the chapter with education events, planned networking opportunities, as well as preparing and mobilizing as quickly as possible to support the community when unexpected events occur.”

Enduria Unveils Website Expansion

Enduria Structures, a builder of outdoor living spaces, has launched its new website, bringing an all-new look and feel to its online presence and providing an updated experience for its customers. With its release comes the addition of their latest products, mortise and tenon porches and pavilions.

The main goal of the expansion is to provide customers with the full scope of their products. Now, customers can access product information that conveys all the possibilities for their outdoor living space. Additionally, the new website features all the styles of outdoor structures that the company has added over the years.

On the new website, customers can also view a range of new photos that display recent projects the company has worked on. These photos allow them to see all the possible options for their home.

"We're excited about our new website," says Henry Stoll, CEO. "Our customers will be able to learn more about what we offer and see all the potential outdoor structures we can help them create."

Visit the site at enduriastructures.com

(left to right) Randy Ward with Shiloh Fence and Gate; Blake Thomas with Vinyl Fence Warehouse and Daniel Brown with Oakley Fence.

The team with On Point Fencing and those who brought the supplies and helped.

Deckorators’ Partners with PGA Tour’s Victor Perez

Deckorators, recently designated as the Official Decking and Railing sponsor of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, is pleased to announce their partnership with Victor Perez.

Perez, a French professional golfer, is coming off a successful 2023 season, winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Other accolades include a win at the 2022 Dutch Open and the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, making this win his third DP World Tour victory. Victor is currently enjoying his rookie season on the PGA TOUR-ranked 72nd in the Official World Golf Rankings.

"Partnering with Deckorators is a fantastic opportunity," says Perez. "Their drive for excellence in outdoor living mirrors my dedication to golf. Together, we aim to inspire others to pursue their passions with the same commitment and integrity."

“Perez’s passion, perseverance, and sportsmanship on and off the golf course embody Deckorators’ brand philosophy, and we’re looking forward to the opportunities this new partnership will create,” adds Michelle Hendricks, Deckorators category marketing manager.

“At Deckorators, our mission is to inspire and empower homeowners and contractors to create exceptional outdoor environments. We believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in outdoor living,” says Landon Tarvin, vice president at Deckorators. “Victor Perez is an excellent partner for us—we’re thrilled to watch his talent on the green as a dedicated player who leads with integrity and has international appeal.”

In February, the PGA TOUR and Deckorators announced a multiyear Official Marketing Partnership that designates Deckorators as the Official Decking and Railing of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. Deckorators will showcase its products at PGA TOUR events throughout the FedEx Cup Season in addition to being featured in PGA TOUR social and digital properties through 2027.

Additionally, Deckorators was named as the presenting sponsor of the 18th Green Courtyard at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship, returning to TPC Southwind August 14–18. The FedEx St. Jude Championship will mark the first on-site activation sponsored by Deckorators at a TOUR event, and the 18th Green Courtyard will feature Deckorators Voyage Decking with Surestone™ technology built into the flooring of the courtyard for attendees to experience.

Learn more at deckorators.com

Chief Economist Lynn Reaser passed away in August after a long illness. Dr. Reaser, who was one of the world’s most recognized and respected economists was a valued member of the Chain Link Fence Manufacturer’s Institute’s leadership team. She was 76.

Dr. Reaser’s relationship with CLFMI started in 2010 when CLFMI was meeting in San Diego and looking for a local economist to speak on general economic trends. CLFMI got Lynn’s contact information from a local TV

station and she agreed to do the program. She asked if CLFMI did any statistical work for the industry and was told that CLFMI collected production statistics. She asked permission to see the most recent report and included insightful industry information into her program. CLFMI members saw the quality of her work and her professional presentation manner and encouraged the CLFMI board of directors to see if there was an opportunity to do some more in-depth work with Dr. Reaser and her staff. That work became the industry outlook and quarterly forecasting program that member companies have come to rely on.

“Lynn Reaser took our organization to a completely different level,” says John

Eichenlaub with Zekelman Industries and CLFMI’s longtime statistical committee chair. “She raised the bar for everything we did as a group. More importantly, she became a trusted member of what she often called her ‘CLFMI family’. Believe me, we all knew what a brilliant yet humble person she was, and what her reputation was within the business, economic, and academic communities. Lynn became part of CLFMI’s brand.”

CLFMI will honor Dr. Reaser’s member and her outstanding contributions to the organization at the upcoming annual meeting in Washington, D.C., November 13 – 15.

Lynn Reaser

•

Local Fence Association Donates New Fence to School District

In August, the Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia chapter of the American Fence Association (AFA) installed 280’ of galvanized chain link fence at Aliquippa High School, famous for producing three Hall of Fame NFL players through the years, the most from any high school in the country.

“I’ve never seen this much fence go up so fast,” says Harrison Dover, chapter president and sales manager for SRF Fence/Trex. “The project had elevation changes and went along a steep hillside. It’ll be much safer for children and the visitors of Heinz Field moving forward.”

School Superintendent Dr. Phillip K. Woods says, “I express my heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable contribution to the Aliquippa Football Stadium Heinz Field. Your support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for our athletes, spectators, and community members. The new fencing not only enhances the security of the stadium but also adds to its aesthetic appeal, reflecting the pride we all share in our community. This improvement will have lasting positive impact on everyone who uses the facility, providing a more enjoyable and safe experience for years to come.”

All the fence framework, or pipe, for the job was donated by the Aliquippa branch of Master Halco, which is located a few miles from the project. The WPA/WV AFA chapter funded the remaining fabric, fittings and accessories.

“We’re proud to support our local fence association and the Aliquippa school district on this chapter project,” says Patrick Williams, branch manager with Master Halco.

Crews and owners from various Pittsburgh area fence companies and suppliers donated time, tools, personnel and specialized equipment to make the installation successful. The companies in Pennsylvania contributing labor to the project included:

• Penn Fence in Butler

• Duquesne Fence in Aliquippa

• Just Fences in Harrison City

• Shly Decks in Carnegie

• Metro Fence in Coraopolis

• SRF Fence/Trex in Harrisburg

• VEKA Outdoor Living Products in Fombell

The entire installation was completed in one day.

The AFA is a trade group made up of professionals in the fencing, gate, security, decking and railing industry ranging from installers, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers with a focus on education, safety, community and professionalism.

YOU’RE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR STAIN.

• Residential, Commercial, & Industrial

• Highest Quality Aluminum

• 3 Standard Colors

• Limited Lifetime Warranty • Custom Sections Available

Gates Available With Add-Ons

Locinox Introduces VENUS: Innovative Motorized Gate Closer for Pedestrian Gates

Locinox is expanding the range of a dozen hydraulic gate closers to include a motorized version. VENUS offers gate manufacturers, installers, and end users a versatile, reliable and user-friendly solution for pedestrian gates.

The all-weather VENUS has been developed to meet the specific needs of pedestrian gates up to 4’6” wide. The brushless reversible motor protects the gate closer and all integrated electronics against the unprecditable behavior of pedestrians and any physical force they might use.

To provide a solution for different gate situations, Locinox is also adding three arms and several installation accessories to the VENUS range. The installer only needs to drill five holes. A user-friendly application gives step-by-step guidance through the programming.

The gate closer is equipped with a brushless reversible motor that responds smoothly to human interaction. The integrated obstacle detection ensures that the gate closes safely and even considers the reduced mobility of pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.

The gate closer adds value to gate security and should therefore be combined with a locking mechanism such as a lock with a lock catch.

VENUS is versatile and suitable for a range of environments. When combined with access control, the gate closer also works as a lowenergy gate opener that in many cases, does not require additional security sensors.

End users enjoy easy access with the push-and-go function, where a gentle push is sufficient to activate the gate. VENUS automatically opens further and closes safely, considering the waiting and closing times set by the installer.

For more information, visit locinoxusa.com/lpvenus

40 Years of Highlights

In August, leading perimeter access wholesale supplier Encon Electronics celebrated its 40th anniversary. “Since our inception on August 4, 1984, Encon has made its mark on the access control industry,” says company president Jeff Harris. “The number of employees, customers, and manufacturers has changed, but Encon’s commitment to our dealers has remained the same. We will continue to do offer our customers superior service, free and knowledgeable training and technical support, and do our best to ship stocked products the same day they are ordered. Milestones from Encon Electronics’ 40 years in the Industry:

December 1997: Encon begins recognizing “Employee of the Year” (EOY), an honor voted on by Encon peers. Since then, 23 employees have received the award including the most recent 2023 EOY honoree, Josh Wahl.

June 2007: Encon adds commercial door operator line adding to its already expansive inventory.

September 2007: Hayward, California, footprint increases dramatically with office expansion consisting of four separate warehouses and a combined 10,000 square feet of space.

November 1998: Encon’s first company softball team, “Smooth Operators,” is formed and competes for several years. April 2000: Encon’s vast inventory becomes computerized.

Spring 2005: Encon remodels office, adding a state-of-the-art training facility used to host free seminars and a one-of-a-kind demonstration room for customized training for its dealers.

February 2009: Encon becomes first West Coast industry distributor to host Automated Gate Operator Installation Certification (AGOIC) Exam and becomes first distributor to boast a completely certified AGOIC technical sales team.

1988: Encon ends exclusive selling agreement with Stanley gate operators. Now, they represent over 70 leading manufacturers including over a dozen gate operator manufacturers.

October 2000: Encon hosts its first golf tournament. Over 40 players, consisting of employees, manufacturing vendors, and customers, participated. Since, Encon has hosted 17 golf tournaments featuring various themes, including superhero, movies, music, and this year’s 1980s theme for their anniversary tournament, held on May 17, 2024.

January 2005: Encon launches new, cutting-edge trade show booth at the American Fence Association show in New Orleans, Louisiana.

August 4, 2009: Encon celebrates its 25th anniversary, hosting a party for its customers and vendors.

“Then and now” or

and

February 2010: New, fully enhanced and updated website goes live. Encon’s new website is one of the first to offer its customers product details, pricing, and specifications for the thousands of products in their inventory.

August 4, 1984: Encon Electronics is founded. Betty Mullin, president and CEO. She and Joe Weber, sales director, make up the entire Encon staff.

2001: David Aldave becomes Encon’s first bilingual technical sales representative. Today, Encon offers multilingual assistance (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese,

Taiwanese) in several departments including accounting, sales, support, and shipping.

2003: Jeff Harris is promoted to General Manager.

Early 1985: Encon exhibits at its first trade show – Far Western Show in San Diego, California. This show is now known as the International Door Association (IDA) Expo.

“1985 and 2024” 1985: Lawrence Bourke is hired to work in the warehouse, and 39 years later, Bourke still works at Encon.

October 2016:

ever NorCal Trade

and over 100 attendees and 25 exhibitors participated.

June

and

Longtime employee and former

New Sac Office_August 2017 and move over because August and July are in the wrong order.

August

July 2024:

REFLECTIONS FROM ENCON’S COMMUNITY PARTNERS

“Since its inception, Encon has been an advocate for safety in the gate industry. They insisted upon safety edges on motorized gates decades before UL325 regulations were even discussed. Through the years, Encon has proven their dedication to a company culture of fairness, education and caring for employees, customers and vendors.”

Flossie Miller, Miller Edge President

December 2016: Encon, a demonstrated leader of safety training and education, hosts a UL-325-2016 informational training seminar to prepare installers for the modified UL-325 requirements scheduled to go into effect.

2017:

a second

and

May

dealer visits, deliveries, and demonstrating new products. As of 2024, the company has two vans to support both their Bay Area and Sacramento locations.

May 2024: Encon kicks off anniversary year with Anniversary Golf Tournament and NorCal Trade Show. In honor of the company’s inception, both events featured a 1980s theme.

“Encon has always stood for all the right things ... family, friendship, value, ethics, commitment to providing great service. From a vendor standpoint, it has always been important to Encon to create true partnerships.”I have worked with Encon for over 20 years. In 2005, I visited Betty Mullin (Encon founder and president at the time) with my wife and six-month-old daughter. Betty carried my daughter around like she was her own grandchild. This was typical for Betty. She treated most people in the industry as family, not as a vendor or customer. The environment she created was very unique.”

Jac Whitmore, DoorKing National Sales Manager

“Maximum Controls, LLC, wants to thank Encon Electronics for a wonderful partnership. Encon is a very professional company. We have been in business with them for many decades. They are experts in gate operators and access control, and we look forward to many more years of business with them.”

Alex Parsadayan, Maximum Controls CEO

Encon hosts first

Show,

January 2012: Betty Mullin is awarded with AFA Distinguished Service Award by her industry peers.

2017: Encon unveils customized van designed for

August

Encon launches

branch – An office

warehouse in Sacramento, Calif.; Encon hires Dana Naylor as Branch Manager.

2018

Encon President and industry trailblazer Betty Mullin retires after 34 years successfully building

running the company.

general manager, Jeff Harris, is appointed President and CEO of company following Mullin's retirement.

June 2022: Lawrence Bourke becomes dedicated outside sales and support representative.

October 2022: Dana Naylor is promoted to Vice President of Sales, responsible for overseeing the entire sales team.

2022-2023: The Sacramento office expands sales support team with the addition of Antionio Lepe, and Aaron O’Mary, James Wahl, and Josh Wahl.

April 2023: Technical support representatives Jeffrey Harris and Derek Zeng provide training at the AFA University in Sacramento, Calif.

October 2023: Encon moves Sacramento office to new location: 230 Harris Ave., Ste. 20, Sacramento, Calif. The new location offers Encon customers easy access to the office and features three times more warehouse space than the company’s previous Sacramento branch.

Longtime Encon employee Mark Sousa celebrates 25 years with the company. Sousa is one of multiple employees that have worked at Encon 25 years or more.

4, 2024: Encon celebrates 40th anniversary with customer appreciation BBQ at its Hayward, California, headquarters.

April 2017: First Encon employee, Joe Weber, retires; Encon hosts farewell party in his honor.

Homeowners don’t only invest a lot of time in their home but a lot of money, too. In its latest home and garden survey, the magazine FOCUS MONEY identified which providers and products are worth the investment. In the category of “Door Intercoms and Bell Systems,” DoorBird was named the industry winner. Customers are particularly impressed by the smart IP door communication products made of high-quality materials in Germany.

“Germany’s Best—Around the Home“ study is yet another review underscoring that our door intercom systems, access control systems, and accessories meet the demands of our customers,” says Sascha

Keller, managing director of DoorBird. “The products themselves aren’t only decisive here. It’s also services such as first-class advice or fast delivery that play a role in customer satisfaction.”

Over 161,000 consumer reviews about 1,532 companies from 98 home- and garden-related industries were gathered in the study. A self-initiated survey conducted independently by the companies evaluated via an online access panel served as the basis for the study. Respondents were asked about their satisfaction with companies and providers over the past 36 months.

For more information, visit doorbird.com

Registration is Open for Pool, Spa, Patio & Deck Expo

Builders can now sign up for the International Pool, Spa, Patio Expo, co-located with Deck Expo, that will take place in Dallas, Texas, on November 9-14.

Held in partnership with the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the three-day event dedicated to pool, spa, patio, decking and outdoor living industries, will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. More than 345 exhibitors are confirmed to attend, presenting the latest advancements in decking, outdoor accessories, fencing and gates, hot tubs, saunas and cold plunges, and pool accessories.

“The outdoor living industry continually seeks to advance products, layouts, designs, technology and software designed for residential and commercial spaces,” says Kris Osterbusch, show director for the International Pool Spa Patio and Deck Expo. “With over 10,000 industry professionals attending last year’s show, we are poised to make an even bigger impact in Dallas this November, kickstarting the 2025 buying cycle and equipping our communities with the products, tools and knowledge needed to maximize their seasons.”

Learn more or register at poolspapatio.com

BREATHE EASIER WITH ULTRA-LOW VOC.

For all 50 states and beyond, a new VOC standard has been set. While coating industry giants nimbly reformulate, EXPERT Professional Wood Care has always formulated eco-friendly stains that contain lower VOCs than the EPA’s 250 g/l.

Backyard-safe and user-friendly, EXPERT Stain & Seal provides real impact by blending premium oils and pigments with fewer toxins resulting in ultra-low VOCs and lower, long-term off-gas levels.

Make EXPERT your smart, safe choice in oil-based wood stain. Try multi-surface, premium Log & Timber stain containing less than 250 g/l and high-quality Fence & Deck stain featuring an ultra-low

BECOME AN EXPERT DISTRIBUTOR. CALL 1-833-4-THE-EXPERT, OR SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE.

Altronix® Announces Strategic Partnership with LiftMaster® to Elevate Door Control Solutions

New Integration Enhances Flexibility and Efficiency for Four to 16 Door Systems

Altronix, a leader in power and data transmission for the professional security industry, announces its strategic partnership with LiftMaster, a leading brand of professionally installed access solutions including smart video intercoms, smart door controllers and gate operators. This collaboration combines Altronix’s advanced power distribution with LiftMaster’s CAP2D Smart Access Controllers, resulting in new pre-configured kits designed to support up to 16 door systems from a single enclosure.

LiftMaster Smart Access 2-Door Controller (CAP2D) is a cloud-based credentialed access control product that controls up to two doors, gates, elevators or commercial door operators. Customers can easily expand to any number of access points through the myQ Community web portal.

"We are excited to partner with LiftMaster to deliver a seamless door control solution that allows for more flexibility for our mutual customers," says Ronnie Pennington, director of sales for the Americas. "This new access and power integration highlights our focus on delivering solutions that exceed industry standards."

These scalable Trove solutions are now available and consist of preconfigured kits that support four, eight, or 16 door systems. These can also be designed a la carte – by choosing an Altronix Trove enclosure/backplane, power distribution, and the LMBK2 mounting bracket to support CAP2D controllers. Kit models include battery leads, mounting hardware, power on/ off rocker switch(es), and tamper switch.

877.741.4896 Fax: 832.288.5197

New Altronix Models Include:

• TML400K1(D) – 4-Door Kit

• T2LMK7F8N(D) – 8-Door Kit

• T3LMK77F16N(D) – 16-Door Kit

(CAP2D boards sold separately)

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Altronix, delivering a seamless and easy-toinstall solution for our LiftMaster Smart Access 2-Door Controller (CAP2D),” says Rebecca Peterson, director of product, access control solutions. “The Troveseries SKUs, custom-built for LiftMaster, will enable our installers to unlock new possibilities for both retrofit and new installations, thereby expanding our award-winning myQ Community access control experience to an even broader customer base.”

By combining the strengths of both companies, these kits provide enhanced power, improve installation efficiency while providing a single point of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of multi-door applications.

The Altronix and LiftMaster partnership exemplifies the companies’ dedication to advancing access control technology, ensuring that security integrators have the tools they need to deliver comprehensive and reliable solutions to their end users.

For more information on Altronix’s partnership with LiftMaster and product availability, visit altronix.com

224.610.0956

877.639.1023 Fax: 847.672.7350

Envision Outdoor Living Products Introduces Vinyl Deck Railing with the Look of Real Wood Grain

Envision Outdoor Living Products, manufacturer of Envision composite decking and Fairway Railing collections, has launched the V310 railing, the industry’s only wood-look vinyl deck railing. V310 railings feature a variegated color finish that mimics two wood grain species: Native Chestnut, a rich, earthy brown, and Silver Birch, a warm grey offering the charm found in the silvery patina of aged timber.

“The new V310 railing provides the best of both worlds—the low maintenance and durability of traditional vinyl railing with the warmth and richness of wood,” says Shara Gamble, president of Envision Outdoor Living Products. “The variegation found in both Native Chestnut and Silver Birch delivers a versatility suitable for a range of design styles and for pairing with a multitude of decking and exterior color palettes.”

Like other Fairway Railing vinyl offerings, the V310 is lightweight, easy to work with, affordable, built to last, and it features a top rail with an aluminum core for added strength and stability. Railings come in convenient kit packaging for fast and straightforward installation, and a hidden bracket system provides a seamless look.

V310 railings are available in six- and eight-foot kits, in 36- and 42-inch heights, and with round black aluminum baluster infill.

For more information, visit envisionoutdoorliving.com.

Parksite Expands Offering to include Outdure QwickBuild Deck Framing System

Parksite, Inc. is now offering Outdure’s QwickBuild Aluminum Deck Framing System across its Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida, and North Dakota geographical territories.

QwickBuild is a modular structural solution that is fast and efficient to install. QwickBuild has been designed to support a variety of surfaces, including wood decking, composites, exterior tiles, and turf. The process is simplified with Outdure’s breakthrough deck planner software, allowing design and quantification of the entire deck in minutes.

“This product offering is directly aligned with our growth plans,” says Bob Higgins, senior vice president of sales for Parksite. “We pride ourselves on being the premier partner to leading manufacturers in the building industry, and we are extremely proud to have been selected to represent Outdure’s QwickBuild framing system. At Parksite, we build and maintain mutually successful relationships with all our suppliers and customers. We are excited and privileged to align with an organization that shares our philosophies.”

Learn more at parksite.com

DoorBird D21x Series

Nominated for UX Design

Awards

Developing solutions for everyday challenges – that’s the task product developers face repeatedly. Yet it’s not just the solution itself that is important, it’s also the user-friendliness that counts. The International Design Center Berlin (IDZ), a leading, independent institution with more than 50 years of experience, founded the UX Design Awards in 2015 to recognize special achievements in userfriendliness, or in other words user experience.

DoorBird’s IP video door stations from the D21x series is nominated for the award. The D21x series features a variety of innovative modules, customization options, and elegant design, meaning it offers noticeable added value by significantly optimizing both safety and aesthetics of the home environment for the user.

As a smart door communication solution, it also enables a maximum degree of flexibility; no one needs to be physically present in the home to grant access to a building or property or to communicate with delivery persons and parcel carriers at the door. An app allows all of this to be done easily. DoorBird has expanded the access options with the latest D2101TFV model. The touchless call button now makes it possible to access facilities with high visitor traffic in a hygienic manner.

The UX Design Awards are handed out twice a year and winners are decided via a multi-stage selection process. The winners will be announced in September.

Bird Home Automation GmbH develops and manufactures IP-based video door intercoms, access control devices, indoor stations and accessories under the DoorBird brand. The company’s headquarters and production plant are in Berlin, Germany, with sales offices in San Francisco, California and Jacksonville, Florida. The smart home products are made in Germany according to the highest quality and security standards and are installed worldwide. DoorBird is part of ASSA ABLOY.

For more information, visit doorbird.com

by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP executive vice president,

It is Not Too Early to Peek Into 2025

Even as most of us are still thinking about the end of summer and the excitement of the upcoming presidential election, it is not too early to start peeking into what the industry can expect in 2025. The speakers at our CLFMI 2024 Summer Meeting helped to identify several major trends that might hold the key to success in the perimeter security industry next year.

1) Technological advances will continue to present their frustrating good news/bad news cycle for our industry. While the opportunity to provide fencing systems that can serve as platforms for multiple perimeter security technologies will continue to be there, we still live in a world where the “bad guys” seem to be at least a half-step ahead of us. The emphasis will be on enhancing the inter-connectivity of these security devices. Protecting against physical breaches has become the minimum. In 2025 industry professionals must be able to assure that everything from cyber security to access control to alarm systems to response times to camera coverage and more will coordinate seamlessly and reliably under an ever-broadening level of attacks.

2) The bottom line is not going anywhere. It is right where it always has been – at the bottom, and customers are always going to have to deal with that number. Contractors and project designers are going to have to be able to help owners prioritize their perimeter security needs to meet the

limited budgets on many projects. Be prepared to offer alternatives, or to offer suggestions such as phased-in security levels as new funds become available. Remember, funding agencies and organizations are being monitored to ensure that they are implementing contract clauses which call for fines or other penalties for product failures and late delivery of finished products. The pressure is on everyone involved in these projects to deliver on-time, on-budget work.

3) Training is always going to be a key to success. Installation of an effective perimeter security system is just the start in protecting people and assets. It is important to have the responsibility for such things as ongoing training, repair, system updates and upgrades, and emergency management spelled out in contracts. Transparency and accountability will continue to be huge issues, especially on high security public and private projects. Be sure to know where you stand on the critical postconstruction concerns.

4) Privacy and data protection will continue to be critical issues. Every level of security - be it physical, cyber, information, identity, data, etc. - is going to be scrutinized. Individuals, governments, and companies alike are concerned about protecting personal privacy and information of all types and levels. This means that even ordinary day-to-day communications within the scope of a perimeter security project will be subject to review. Make sure your employees know what the parameters for sharing information are, and what levels of confidentiality need to be maintained throughout the project.

5) The 2024 U.S. elections just might move the needle. There is no indication that there will be any slowdown in projects already funded by the infrastructure bill, but each of the apparent nominees has a completely different worldview, in addition to his/her obviously different view on how the U.S. economy should be run. The fact that we live in a global economy which can tilt one way, or another, based on decisions made by the leader of a few countries (or even an individual country!) ensures that very few guarantees can be made about the health of the U.S. economy at any point in time.

The many talented economists in our industry will be remarkably busy in 2025, trying to grapple with all the variables the new year holds.

As executive vice president of Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute for 38+ years, Mark Levin is also an author and avid promoter of the fence industry. He believes in the successful leadership qualities he promotes, including listening, delegating, consensus building, communications and effective decision-making.

The AZEK Company Enters Long-term Partnership with Doman Building Materials to Expand Distribution of TimberTech® Decking

The AZEK Company Inc., a leading manufacturer of low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, has announced a longterm distribution partnership with Doman Building Materials Group Ltd., a premier Canadian distributor. This strategic partnership will expand the availability of AZEK’s TimberTech brand of decking products to customers across Canada.

Under this agreement, Doman will distribute TimberTech decking, known for its unparalleled performance, innovative technology, premium aesthetics and top-rated fire resistance. This partnership aligns with AZEK’s commitment to expanding its market presence and providing Canadian customers with high-performance, environmentally sustainable decking solutions made from up to 85% recycled waste and scrap material.

Doman has a longstanding relationship with AZEK in both the U.S. and Canada, having successfully distributed products under the TimberTech

Encon Electronics E n c o n E

and EMX Industries a n d E M X I n d u

have been partners h

in the access control

industry for decades.

We are both dedicated W

to providing dealers t o

with quality safety and w

access

ucts. Encon has most

in Canada

and AZEK Exteriors brands in the U.S., as well as AZEK’s Versatex® brand of trim, moulding and siding products in Canada for several years. Doman’s extensive distribution network and industry expertise make them an ideal partner for AZEK.

“We are thrilled to partner with Doman, a company that shares our dedication to service, quality and success,” says Jonathan Skelly, president of residential and commercial for AZEK. “This collaboration positions us to meet the growing demand for TimberTech decking products and will allow us to better serve the Canadian market in 2025 and beyond.”

This multi-year distribution agreement will take effect on January 1, 2025. Together, the companies aim to deliver exceptional value and service to their customers.

For more information, visit TimberTech.com or Domanbm.com.

Designed for doors, gates, and barriers.

Up to 115 ft. range and 4 monitoring interfaces. Compact design and IP65-rated enclosure. UL325 compliant.

IRB-RET2

Designed for door and gate safety. Up to 60 ft. range and 6 monitoring interfaces. Compact design and easy LED alignment. Rugged NEMA 4X enclosure and Stealth mode. UL325 compliant. IRB-MON2

UNIVERSAL THRUBEAM PHOTOEYE

UNIVERSA s. de.

UNIVERSAL RETROREFLECTIVE PHOTOEYE

EMX products in

E M X

and ready for same a n d r e a d y f o r s a m e day shipping. Call to d a y s h i p p i n g C a l l t o place your EMX order. p

18-25 ft. read range.

Circular polarized antenna.

Multiple communication options.

IP65-rated housing.

3-axis magneto resistive technology DETECT-ON-STOP™ feature

Compact sensor/controller for reliable presence and detection in access control applications.

Dual relay outputs.

Stainless steel backlit keys.

IP66-rated housing. Suitable for high-traffic, harsh environments.

EverFence Raises $7 Million in Funding for Growth

EverFence, an innovative digital platform connecting homeowners and contractors to simplify fencing transactions, has announced it has secured $7 million for its Series A funding round from HIPstr, the early-stage investment arm of HighPost Capital, LLC ("HighPost"), a leading private investment firm focused on the global consumer sector. EverFence intends to use the proceeds to enter attractive new markets throughout the United States, further enhance its technology platform, broaden its service offerings, such as providing financing to customers and tiered/bundling options, and expand its team.

Founded in 2020 by fence industry professionals with more than 20 years of experience, EverFence provides homeowners a differentiated and seamless online shopping experience that includes instant quotes, faster lead times, and the widest range of fence types in the U.S. EverFence also offers guaranteed projects for contractors with full transparency on timing, pricing, materials, and profitability for the contractor, as well as full back-office support to remove the time-consuming backend of their businesses. EverFence currently serves customers in Southern California, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, and Orlando, Florida.

"Our goal at EverFence is to be a one-stop-shop for homeowners' fencing needs. As the U.S. fencing market experiences positive momentum, there will be a need to continue to innovate and expand as companies are able to enhance their capabilities to provide a better shopping experience and customer service to clients," says Matt Sivewright, founder and chief executive officer of EverFence. "Using this new capital, we see the potential to expand our home services offerings into adjacent verticals like deck and patio construction. We are thrilled to be working with the HIPstr team, who share in our mission and who will bring significant resources and strategic guidance as we seek to scale our business."

Learn more at everfence.com

Parksite Expands Offering IG Railing to Ohio and Florida

Parksite is expanding its offering of frameless glass railing manufacturer IG Railing to its territories of Ohio and Florida. The expansion follows Parksite’s rollout of IG Railing to its Northeast territory earlier in the year.

“We launched IG Railing in our Northeast territories just four months ago and the excitement and acceptance of this innovative solution has been very high,” says Bob Higgins, senior vice president of sales at Parksite. “We are excited to partner with IG, and to share their railing offering with Parksite customers.”

IG Railing is built on a base mount that houses a Wi-Fi controlled LED light system, and holds ½-inch tempered low iron glass. IG Railing eliminates sight

obstructions of traditional post and rail systems during the day. By night, the low iron glass and LED lighting allows illumination to flow throughout the panels. Glass connector accessories, top rail, and spigots are available in matte black or polished finishes.

“The Parksite team has had great energy in our first several months of rollout in the Northeast and further expansion is a testament to the category shift we have been building,” says Mike Kunard, coowner of IG Railing.

Learn more at igrailing.com or parksite.com.

Management Corner

NAVIGATING INFLATION: 5 STRATEGIES TO PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE

As inflation continues to affect the economy, contractors face unique challenges. Rising material costs, increased labor expenses, and fluctuating supply chain prices can significantly impact profitability. For any type of construction contractor, who often work with tight margins, managing the impact of inflation is critical. Here are some strategies that can help with managing these challenges to protect the business’s bottom line.

1. Review and Adjust Pricing. Inflation drives up the cost of materials like wood, metal, and concrete, which are crucial for construction projects. To maintain profitability, it’s essential to review and adjust your pricing strategy. While raising prices may seem risky, it could be necessary to cover increased costs. Consider implementing gradual price increases or offering different pricing tiers based on material quality. Communicate these changes clearly to your clients, emphasizing the value of durable, high-quality fences and the need to adjust prices due to rising costs.

2. Optimize Operational Efficiency. Inflation often exposes inefficiencies in operations. This is the time to evaluate and streamline your processes wherever possible. Review your supply chain and consider bulk purchasing materials to lock in prices before they rise further. Additionally, evaluate your labor management— ensure your crew is working efficiently. Make changes and/or provide training where needed. Efficient operations can help offset higher costs and keep your business profitable.

3. Diversify Your Services. Relying on a single type of service can make your business more vulnerable to inflationary pressures. Diversify your service and product offerings, if possible. For example, expand the type of materials you use, add additional installation and/or repair services. By broadening your service range, you can attract more customers and mitigate the impact of rising costs in any one area.

4. Focus on Cash Flow Management. Inflation can strain your cash flow, especially when project costs increase unexpectedly. To maintain financial stability, you may need to tighten your payment terms and require deposits or progress payments on larger projects. Keep a close eye on your receivables and payables, ensuring that you’re paid promptly and can cover your expenses. Building up cash reserves will give your business more flexibility to handle rising costs.

5. Strengthen Client Relationships. In a competitive market, maintaining strong relationships with clients is more crucial than ever. Focus on delivering excellent service and quality workmanship to encourage repeat business and referrals. Loyal and satisfied clients are more likely to accept necessary price increases, understanding the value of your work and the impact of rising costs on your business.

Being proactive and strategic can help ensure long-term success, even when faced with a changing economic environment.

Enclosure Kits Expand Opportunities for Fence Installers

In a segment traditionally dominated by masonry, CMU block, and cast-in-place concrete designs, the opportunity for fence installers on dumpster and other enclosures has often been limited to simply gate installation.

Dura-Crete Walls’ new Enclosure Kit enables fence installers to offer installation of the entire closure, maximizing their effectiveness and mitigating the general contractors’ labor coordination and overall expenditure.

The system’s innovative design was engineered with efficiency in mind, is highly durable and significantly more cost effective to construct and maintain than traditional alternatives.

“Our installation crews love the simplicity of this system, whether we’re building a wall or an enclosure,” says Marc Bowman, fence program manager at Future Fence Company. “We can build a standard enclosure kit from start to finish within four hours of being onsite, which helps us utilize our installer’s time more effectively and close more jobs.”

Enclosure Kits can be installed on top of existing concrete pads, making it suitable for both new construction and existing property upgrades. The primary color selection was designed to complement a variety of masonry tones to help safeguard municipal code compliance. Standard kits are available with chain link and wood privacy gates. Custom colors, layouts, designs (including roof systems), and gates are available upon request.

“The quality of our concrete walls has been vigorously tested over 28 years of manufacturing and installation success,” explains Kelsey Gannon, head of business development at Dura-Crete Walls. “The enclosure kit system is an exciting development as it can help installers offer more to owners and general contractors on jobs they’re already bidding. Maximizing your role on job opportunities is just smart business.”

Dura-Crete Walls’ Enclosure Kits are in stock and ship nationwide. For additional information and support, visit duracretewalls.com, email info@duracretewalls.com or call (586-759-4286.

SKIDRIL, the originator of the gas powered post driver, introduces the G2XD high power at a great price!

4” POST DRIVER BIGGER MEANER FASTER TUFFER

• On-Off simplicity

• Simple 4-cycle OHV engine or powerful 2-cycle

• Easy service replacement motors, for low cost repairs

• 2 engine makes available

• Few moving parts

• Drive T-Post, round post up to 4”

• Available Multi-Collet option

• Air cushion dampening for virtually no recoil

• High fuel efficiency 1qt/hr

• Modular design

CLFMI Summer Meeting Recap

The 2024 Chain Link Manufacturers Institute Summer Meeting was a resounding success. Held July 16 – 19 in Washington State, the Suncadia Resort was a beautiful setting for the networking and camaraderie experienced.

The speaker lineup provided a wealth of information for attendees. Terry Hughes, district sales manager and Ping Liang, department manager for Market Intelligence for NUCOR Steel talked about the state of the steel industry and what members can expect to see in the steel marketplace in the coming years.

Dr. Matthew Kidder is an associate professor at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. He gave a comprehensive look at the global economic situation heading into the last half of 2024, along with the outlook for the chain link industry through his analysis of the eight economic indicators used to develop our industry forecasts.

Paul Gibbons, an advisor to Delotte, IBM, PwC, and KPMG, was the keynote speaker. His presentation, Generative AI and The Future of Work, covered the facts and myths of AI in the workplace. Specifically, he identified the key terminologies needed to understand this new aspect of technology. He explained relevant case studies on current uses of AI in manufacturing and other industries, and he described which jobs AI will replace and which ones will be created.

“Our members have made it very clear about their participation in our meetings,” says CLFMI executive vice president Mark Levin. “They are coming for the relationship-building opportunities, and they are coming for the take-away value provided by the speakers and working sessions. This meeting was one of our best turnouts in years, and we had top-level presentations by respected content experts. There was plenty of value for everyone.”

Hughes Kidder Liang Gibbons

Advantage Lumber Announces Upcoming Changes to Ipe and Cumaru Decking Hardwood Trade Regulations

Advantage Lumber, a leading provider of premium hardwood decking and lumber, has announced that effective November 25, 2024, two popular decking hardwoods, Ipe and Cumaru, will be added to the mandatory CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) system. This international agreement, which regulates the trade of certain plant and animal species, is designed to ensure sustainable trade practices and prevent overharvesting.

Founder Rob Pelc. “Over 30 years ago, we prioritized these values before they became industry buzzwords. As we face these new challenges, our established compliance programs and extensive investments in sourcing teams will enable us to navigate these changes effectively. While the increased regulatory burden will impact the industry, we are well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on."

CITES is an international treaty aimed at protecting wildlife by controlling international trade in certain species. Ipe and Cumaru, both prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal, are being listed under CITES due to their high demand and potential risk of overexploitation. While these species are categorized at the lowest level of significance within CITES—meaning they are not currently considered endangered—the listing is intended to regulate their export and maintain their availability for future generations.

The implementation of CITES regulations introduces an additional layer of bureaucracy for the hardwood industry. This comes on top of the existing regulatory framework involving more than 15 permits required for selective harvesting, milling, and transporting wood products. The complexity of these new requirements mirrors the regulatory burden seen in industries such as pharmaceuticals, military products, and banking services. Although CITES' objective is to safeguard species while permitting sustainable consumption, the increased red tape and insufficient preparation by producing countries pose significant challenges.

Past inclusion of species like Rosewood and Mahogany in the CITES system has already demonstrated the impact of such regulations. These cases have shown that while CITES aims to protect threatened species, the restrictive quotas and permitting processes have led to a significant reduction in the number of U.S. importers and have intensified operational challenges for those involved in the trade.

Advantage Lumber has long been at the forefront of sustainable sourcing and compliance. "We recognized early on that investing in legal and sustainable material sourcing was crucial,” says Advantage CEO and

Currently, Advantage Lumber boasts one of the largest inventories of specialty hardwoods in the U.S., including Ipe, Cumaru, and other sought-after species. As the new CITES regulations approach, the company is working to ensure that its inventory can bridge the expected delays and disruptions. Despite the challenges posed by increased costs of business lines of credit, financing costs, and port strikes in producing countries, Advantage Lumber is committed to maintaining a robust supply for its customers.

Contractors and customers are advised to plan accordingly, considering options such as early procurement of materials or adjusting construction contracts to accommodate potential price fluctuations. Advantage Lumber remains dedicated to supporting its clients through these transitions and ensuring the continued availability of high-quality hardwood products.

Learn more at AdvantageLumber.com

Ipe wood deck with Garapa wood border

CHAIN LINK FENCE SYSTEMS

for all the right reasons!

• Privacy

• Security

• Enhanced aesthetics

FENCE PRODUCTS

PDS® Fence is the brand you’ve trusted and proven in the field for over 40 years.

Still providing the same great looking, durable, cost effective product you’ve relied on to add privacy, security and aesthetics to any chain link fence system.

• Fourteen unique chain link enhancement products

• Nine standard slat colors or customized options

• Easy to clean with high-pressure garden hose

With East and West Coast manufacturing facilities, to ensure the quickest service and highest quality products. PDS ® Fence from Pexco . Beware of imitations.

Visit www.pexco.com/fence to learn more, or email us at fence.sales@pexco.com

•

Sugi Timbers

2 x 6 Red Diamond Cedar

Red Diamond Cedar

Sugi Timbers

Red Diamond Cedar Pickets

Are Fence Associations Worth Joining?

by Tom Luby, owner of Profit Builders International

I am going to go out on a limb here and assume that if you read this magazine, you probably have something to do with fencing. Brilliant, I know! Maybe you’re a fence contractor, supplier or manufacturer, or maybe in related services, like myself. I am a fence industry consultant and business partner to the fence industry.

No matter your involvement in the fence industry, you may have wondered, as I have, if belonging to a fence related association is a worthwhile endeavor. I admit I’m biased. I have been an active business partner of the American Fence Association (AFA) for about 27 years, and I have seen their relevance first-hand. I have seen the exchange of a wealth of business management and technological knowledge, the development of close personal friendships and professional camaraderie, the advancement of professional ethics and the creation of an overall competitive advantage in local marketplaces; all these things have been enhanced through association membership.

There are several fence industry associations to choose from so please check them all out for yourself, but my involvement with the AFA stems from their over six decades of service to the fencing community and their overall commitment to excellence and professionalism in fencing. I recently attended the mid-year meeting of the AFA, representing the

Florida chapter and it was truly amazing to see how close knit this group of men and women were to each other and to the fence community in general.

The mantra for the three-day meeting was, “How can we, as fence professionals, make membership in the AFA more beneficial and relevant to our members and subsequently advance the profession of fencing to ensure the general public always receives the best products and services for a fair price, resulting in the best overall value for everyone involved?”

I admit my involvement in fencing initially began as a financial gain for me, earning consulting dollars for sharing my expertise in business management, marketing and sales. My clients would translate that knowledge into systems and procedures to make more money for their respective fence companies. I soon learned that, at least in this industry, there is more to the fence community than simply making more money. Fencers genuinely care about each other and about their industry. To me, fencers are not like any other group, in or out of the construction trade. Other professions don’t seem to have the same genuine personal care for each other within their industry. Sure, they may promote for their profession, but only because it benefits them personally. They don’t necessarily stick together just to help each other out. I have learned that fencers do!

I think that if you are reading this article and therefore involved in the fence community at some level, if you do not already belong to a fence industry association, please look into joining one, they are worthwhile.

If you are already a member of any fence industry association, congratulations; you are a more committed member of the fence community. If you are a member of the AFA in particular, know that all nineteen local chapters throughout America and the national board of directors have committed to do more for the profession of fencing and to make membership in such even more relevant than ever, and to create an even more distinct advantage for both the individual members and promoting the interests of the general public.

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

• High-impact force

• Uses less than 8 GPM

• Patented accumulator reduces recoil, adds power

• 6” driver tool standard

• Near perfect center of gravity

• Highest hitting force per pound of tool

• Self lubrication prevents damage

• Closed circuit hydraulics creates no exhaust

• Drives wood and steel up to 6” diameter, guard rail and more

• Drives stakes, rods and pins

• Runs off of skid steer loaders and tractors

• Can be slung or hard-mounted

• 1 year parts and labor warranty

DeckWise and Arbor Develop Thermally Modified Wood Clip

DeckWise, a leading American-made manufacturer of hidden deck fasteners, and Arbor Wood Co., a pioneer in American-made thermally modified wood products, have formed a strategic partnership to develop and promote a new fastener specifically designed for the thermally modified wood decking industry. This collaboration brings together DeckWise’s cuttingedge fastening solutions and Arbor Wood’s superior wood products to offer unmatched quality and performance for outdoor decking projects.

DeckWise has recently introduced the ThermoClip hidden deck fastener, specifically engineered for edge-groove thermally modified wood decking. The ThermoClip is designed to complement the unique properties of thermally modified wood, providing a seamless and secure fastening solution that maintains the integrity and aesthetics of the decking. Arbor Wood Co., renowned for its high-quality thermally modified wood products, has long been at the forefront of sustainable and durable wood decking solutions. By subjecting the wood to a specialized heat treatment process, Arbor Wood Co. is able to enhance the durability, stability, and rot resistance of the wood, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications in any climate.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies as they combine their expertise to deliver superior decking solutions. Customers can now benefit from the synergy of DeckWise’s advanced fastening technology and Arbor Wood’s premium thermally modified wood, ensuring long-lasting and visually stunning decking installations.

“Partnering with Arbor Wood is a natural fit for DeckWise,” says Roderick Kabel, marketing director at DeckWise. “Our ThermoClip hidden deck fastener is specifically designed to work with the unique characteristics of thermally modified wood, and Arbor Wood products are among the best in the industry. Together, we can offer our customers an unparalleled decking experience.”

Jon Heyesen, CEO at Arbor Wood, adds, “We are thrilled to collaborate with DeckWise. Their innovative fastening solutions align perfectly with our commitment to quality design, unmatched durability, and sustainability. This partnership will enable us to provide our customers with even greater value and performance in their decking projects.”

Customers can expect enhanced durability, ease of installation, and a sleek, seamless appearance that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. This partnership not only meets the demands of today’s environmentally conscious consumers but also sets a new standard for innovation and quality in the decking industry.

Learn more at deckwise.com or arborwoodco.com

Fence News USA would like to honor fence industry members who are no longer with us by publishing their obituaries. Many of these individuals help shape the fence industry.

It is especially meaningful when we can publish aspects about their career in the fencing industry: where they worked, what they did, how they improved our industry, the organizations they were part of, etc. This information is much appreciated, to help tell their story.

Send obituary information to: editor@fencenews.com. Photos are also welcome.

Coming Up!

Our October issue will feature a section on ornamental fencing. Coatings and wood fencing will be featured in our November issue. We welcome your editorial submissions and photos for our upcoming issues. Please send to editor@fencenews.com.

OPEN WIDE!

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.

How Leaders Develop a Strategic Mindset

by Michael Reed executive director, American Fence Association

Strategic leadership involves more than just setting a clear vision or accurately forecasting your numbers. It requires a deep understanding of the relationships between your organization and its environment, making informed decisions about how to win in the marketplace, and rallying others to join you on the journey. This article explores the three core aspects of a leader’s strategic mindset: strategic thinking, strategic acting, and strategic influencing.

STRATEGIC THINKING:

UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE

Strategic thinking is the foundation of a leader’s strategic mindset. It involves recognizing your business's complex, interconnected nature and environment. Strategic thinking requires the ability to consider the broader landscape, anticipate trends and changes, and understand the implications for your business. It is the art of imagining what might be.

Your Strategic Thinking Mindset

• Environmental Scanning: Monitoring industry trends, competitor actions, and emerging technologies. Scanning helps identify opportunities and threats early.

• Systems Thinking: Understanding how different parts of your organization interact and how changes in one area can impact the whole. This holistic view is crucial in decision-making.

• Critical Analysis: Evaluating your organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This analysis helps prioritize initiatives that align with your business's capabilities and market position.

Developing a strategic thinking mindset involves regularly engaging in reflective practices, seeking diverse perspectives, and dreaming about what’s possible. Leaders encourage their teams to challenge assumptions and explore new possibilities, creating a culture where innovative ideas flourish.

STRATEGIC ACTING: FROM ART, TO PLANNING, TO ACTION

The next step is a series of strategic choices that define your business's direction. Strategic acting involves deciding who your customers are and how you create value for them. This process requires decisiveness and knowing what it takes to win in your market.

Your Strategic Acting Mindset

• Decision-Making: Making informed decisions based on data and analysis. Considering both short-term and long-term impacts and being willing to take calculated risks.

• Resource Allocation: Ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives. This may involve reallocating resources from lower-priority areas to highimpact initiatives.

• Execution: Developing clear strategic plans with goals, timelines, and responsibilities. Effective strategy execution requires disciplined project management and regular progress reviews to stay on track.

Strategic acting is deciding what you will (and won’t) do to advance your business. It also involves fostering a culture of accountability, encouraging team members to take ownership of their roles in your strategic plan, and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

STRATEGIC INFLUENCING: BUILDING COMMITMENT AND COLLABORATION

The final component of a strategic mindset is strategic influencing, which involves building commitment to the strategic direction by inviting others into the strategy process. This requires effective communication, relationship-building, and inspiring others.

Your Strategic Influencing Mindset

• Vision Communication: Clearly articulating the vision and goals to all stakeholders. Use compelling narratives to illustrate the strategy's importance and potential impact.

• Engagement: Actively involving team members, partners, and other stakeholders in planning and implementation.

Strategic influencing involves developing and cultivating a strong culture. Your intentional efforts to be clear about the organization's direction, recognize success, and make your people feel invested in the organization's purpose are all important outcomes of your strategic influencing efforts.

By mastering strategic thinking, acting, and influencing, leaders can navigate the complexities of their environment, make informed decisions about how to win in the marketplace, and build a committed culture.

Michael Reed has been involved with the American Fence Association for eight years, the last two serving as the executive director. Michael loves AFA’s history and culture and believes in the power of associations to solve problems big and small. He’s focused on building an AFA that develops leaders, increases professionalism, and plays a leadership role in our industry's growth and success. His passion is leadership, and he’s currently finishing his doctoral dissertation on trust and leadership development.

American Fence Association

3751 Main St, Suite 600 #343 The Colony, TX 75056 512-431-5360

michael@americanfenceassociation.com

7 Ways AI Can Help Automate Your Business Growth

Standing out among competition is how to grow in business. This doesn’t necessarily mean you work harder, but rather, have automated intelligence (AI) work smarter for you.

“Finding out what your customers need and focusing on delivering that will set you apart,” says Basel Hakim, owner of Web Services Pro, an AI automation and digital marketing company located in Virginia. “The time is coming where those who ignore AI in their business processes will be like someone today not having an online presence, scribbling notes on scratch paper and napkins. And the time will be here sooner than you think.”

Hakim shares seven ways AI can help contractors and business owners generate and acquire leads, reduce costs and overhead, and recoup more time for family and friends.

AUTOMATED REPLIES AND CONVERSATIONS 24/7

You have about five minutes to reply to every lead for a chance to capture them before they move on to the competition. This becomes more difficult when prospective customers reach out across multiple channels; sales teams must juggle and monitor all those platforms 24/7. Instead of that, AI, custom trained for your business, can respond intelligently to every lead coming in from different platforms in real time, even if it’s 2:47 a.m., before they explore your competition.

CUSTOMIZED SALES TRAINING

A well-trained AI assistant can manage all your online customer support and questions, as well as handle their objections, without needing time off. This means never dealing with “tire kickers”.

SIFT LEADS

Contractors already know what specific criteria describes an ideal customer and project. An AI chatbot actively pre-qualifies leads according to your criteria and preferences, allowing the efficient processing of multiple leads without effort or time on the part of the owner.

CALENDAR BOOKING AND CONFIRMATION

AI can integrate with work calendars to schedule and confirm sales appointments with those prequalified leads and reduce no-shows by automating reminders. “This allows the contractor or business owner to avoid juggling appointments that go nowhere,” Hakim says.

DATABASE REACTIVATION

New revenue doesn’t only come from new leads. “It’s much easier to score a touchdown from the five- or ten-yard line instead of across the field every time,” he says. “Use AI to re-engage with old ‘dead’ leads and unconverted quotes, as well as past customers, to generate new sales and revenue without any ad spend.”

COLLECTING MORE REVIEWS

Frequent positive reviews are a great conversion tool and a strong ranking factor in Google searches. AI takes reviews further by offering two routes based on the review sentiment. If it’s a negative review, it can receive that review and send it to you privately. If it’s a positive review, it can provide the client a convenient link where they can leave that positive review on your Google business profile or Facebook or Yelp page.

QUOTE CONFIGURATION

Your website needs to clearly satisfy three things in the mind of the visitor:

• Who are you?

• What can you do for me?

• How much will it cost me?

That doesn’t mean exact prices must be displayed online. AI can ask a potential customer the details of their desired project and give them an estimated range. That delivers a much higher quality lead because they’ll book an appointment after being satisfied with that price range. The owner can give a finalized quote during the sales meeting, without price haggling.

“There are many more ways AI can make company operations smoother and more effective, automating your business growth,” Hakim says.

To learn more, visit webservicespro.co.

Damian Lang

FOUNDER AND CEO OF EZG MANUFACTURING with

Success in the masonry industry led to success in the fencing industry, thanks to innovative and quality manufacturing. Damian Lang, founder and CEO of EZG Manufacturing located in Malta, Ohio, is the creator of the Fence Hog® and other equipment used in several industries. As an innovator, he is continuously looking for the next creation to improve productivity.

WHAT LED TO THE LAUNCH OF YOUR FIRST COMPANY, EZ GROUT?

I was working in the masonry construction field on jobsites in the 1990s while using equipment that was not user friendly. In fact, I found that the equipment on the market was built so cheaply, it kept breaking down. After looking into it, I learned this was by manufacturer’s design because they made most of their money on parts.

Being both a manufacturer and a contractor and by using the equipment we built, we had to eat our own cooking, so to speak. Downtime cost us way more than it would to build high quality equipment.

It didn’t make sense to me to build equipment that would intentionally break down over time.

I developed a policy that we would not build equipment or do anything at our company that would benefit our company over the end user, and I stand by that policy.

WHAT LED TO THE CREATION OF THE FENCE HOG®?

The Fence Hog propelled us into the fencing industry in the early 2000’s. Before that, I developed equipment for the masonry construction industry and achieved a good deal of success, but I was looking for another industry to grow into to help diversify our company.

A local fencer came to me with the idea of a fencing machine that would tremendously reduce the amount of time it took to install fence. His story was a lot like my own, so I bought into the idea; we greatly enhanced the design of the product, and Fence Hog was born. Once fencers started using the Fence Hog, sales took off for the machines.

Studies show that only 30% of the cost of a piece of equipment is incurred on the day of purchase while 70% of the cost is lost or gained during daily use. With those studies, I knew people would be more satisfied to buy quality equipment built to last long term.

WHEN DID EZ GROUT BECOME EZG MANUFACTURING AND WHY?

We were building all types of equipment, but the name EZ Grout gave the impression to customers that we made grout materials, understandably so. Therefore, several years ago we changed the name to clear up confusion about our company’s main line of business. It was painful at first, but changing to EZG Manufacturing has turned out to be a great move.

WHAT FUELS YOUR CREATIVITY?

Passion to do something different. I get frustrated when everyone wants to do things a certain way, just because that is the way it has always been done. I have always been a dreamer and visionary.

YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT IMPROVING EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY SO MUCH THAT YOU WROTE A BOOK ABOUT IT. HOW DID THE BOOK REWARDING AND CHALLENGING EMPLOYEES COME ABOUT?

I got a call from the editor of Masonry Magazine. She asked if she could interview me on the management systems my company was using. We spent four hours together discussing the article and once it was published, I got calls from contractors asking me for more information; some even traveled to see me in person. I used the content of what I was teaching to write my book and published it in 2004.

Damian Lang on the manufacturing floor of EZG Manufacturing

WHAT ARE YOUR KEY POINTS FOR MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES?

It’s important to realize that people work for themselves. They don’t go to work to make my company money. They go to work for personal and family reasons. Therefore, we must design systems that not only benefit our company, but those who are striving to help us reach our goals. It must be a win/win situation for all involved.

Also, what gets measured gets done. We must create mutual goals with our people, then build a roadmap for how we are going to get there together. We measure and as they hit the milestones we created, they are consistently rewarded for their part in our journey.

WHAT ARE SOME CAREER-RELATED CHALLENGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED AND HOW DID YOU HANDLE THEM?

The 2008 recession just about did us in. In 2010, we almost went broke - in fact, I was broke! However, during the darkest of times, I made a promise to myself and the team that we would never give up. Slowly, things began to improve. We never looked back.

The naysayers were tough; not many believed my plan of changing the systems in an industry that has been around for hundreds of years with few changes. I always preached to our teams to be like the Budweiser horses in a parade. The horses have blinders on, so they aren’t distracted with people in the streets watching, yelling, and screaming. I told our team to put blinders on and keep their sight on nothing but the target while keeping outside influences at bay.

WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR EZG MANUFACTURING?

We will continue to innovate new products and strive to improve systems and processes. We are currently working in masonry, fencing, hardscape, precast/refractory and contractor manufacturing markets.

To us, every day is like the first day I started the company. I am continuously motivated to accomplish more. That keeps me wanting to wake up every morning to do bigger and better things.

To learn more and view the products available, visit ezgmfg.com

Fence Hog

Eliminates obstacles and minimizes physical difficulty in every aspect of the fencing process– start to finish –EZG's hydraulic-powered Fence Hog is built to last and engineered to take your business to new heights.

• Models to accommodate 6' and 8' height; up to 36" dia. rolls chain link or woven wire

• Cage height extension kits available

• Optional tilt plate for uneven terrain If it

done

we know how.

Jamie Lang, plant manager, and Damian Lang, lead engineer.

The Fence Show & Security Expo 2024

September 11-13, 2024 Las Vegas, Nevada fenceshow.com

NADRA Southeast Region Networking Event

September 26

Governor’s Gun Club Kennesaw, Georgia nadra.org

HySecurity Pro Authorization Training

October 2 – 3 | Corona, California

October 16 – 17 | Las Vegas, Nevada controlledproducts.com

Farm Fence Forum 2024 October 3 – 5 Worthington, Indiana farmfencesolutions.com

MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS

Fall Super Summit at Fortress Building Products

Thornton Fence Consulting Group Garland, Texas October 13 – 15 fenceconsultinggroup.com

WASA (Western Access Systems Association) 2024 Trade Show

October 15 – 17

Pechanga Resort Casino Temecula, California admin@wasaonline.org or (714) 502-9300

Common Ground Alliance Fall Committee Summit

October 28 – 31

Las Vegas, Nevada commongroundalliance.com

2024 CLFMI Annual Meeting

November 11 – 15 Hotel Sofitel Washington, DC chainlinkinfo.org

International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo

November 12 – 14

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, Texas poolspapatio.com

Thornton Fence Conference 2nd Annual Fence Business Conference

December 2 – 4 Branson, Missouri fenceconsultinggroup.com

Mr. Fence Academy Retreat January 12 – 14, 2025 Gatlinburg, Tennessee Early Bird Registration ends November 1, 2024 mrfenceacademyretreat.com

NADRA 2025 Summit and Awards Gala

January 2 – 4, 2025 Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Clearwater, Florida nadra.org

Canadian Fence Association Summit

February 5 – 7, 2025 Calgary, Canada canadianfenceassociation.ca

Common Ground Alliance 2025 Conference and Expo April 7 – 11, 2025 Orlando, Florida commongroundalliance.com

AMERICAN FENCE ASSOCIATION (AFA) EVENTS | AmericanFenceAssociation.com

West Coast Fence Show ‘24

September 5 – 8, 2024

Peppermill Resort, Spa and Casino, Reno, Nevada westcoastfenceshow.com

Operations Manager School

AFA University Sales Training School

September 18 – 19

Carolinas by the Sea Kiwah Island, South Carolina

Northern Ohio Chapter Meeting and Clay Shoot

September 20 Hill ‘n Dale Club Medina, Ohio

Midwest Chapter

The Fence Professionals Network Golf Tournament

September 20

Shangri-La Resort

Afton, Oklahoma

WOOD DEFENDER TRAINING CLASSES

WoodDefender.com

Women in Fence

Carolina Fence Association

September 21 Kiawah Island, South Carolina carolinasfence1@gmail.com

University Fence Installation School

September 24 – 26 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University Gate Automation Designer School

September 24 – 26 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Gulf South Chapter Annual Fundraiser Clay Shoot October 19 Jackson, Mississippi

September 27

Mansfield, Texas

October 25

Mansfield, Texas

November 22

Mansfield, Texas

University Gate Automation Installation School

November 3 – 9 Arlington, Texas

University Fence Contractor Business School

November 3 – 9 Tulsa, Oklahoma

University Fence Installation School

November 3 – 9 Tulsa, Oklahoma

University Gate Automation Installation School

November 3 - 9 Arlington, Texas

University Contractor Business School

November 4 – 8 Tulsa, Oklahoma

University Sales Training School

November 7 – 9 Tulsa, Oklahoma

Jackpot 2025 Trade Show

January 24 – 25, 2025 Harrah’s Hotel Atlantic City, New Jersey americanfenceassociation.com

FENCETECH ‘25

February 25 - 28, 2025 Salt Lake City, Utah americanfenceassociation.com

FENCETECH ‘26

January 31 – February 6, 2026 Indianapolis, Indiana americanfenceassociation.com

If you have a fencing industry event you’d like included in an upcoming issue, please email the information to: editor@fencenews.com.

EQUIPMENT

NEW HARDWARE

Trex Launches New Trex Signature® X-Series™ Railing

Cable and Glass Railing Options Enhance Style and Specification X-ponentially

When it comes to deck railings, cable and glass are among the hottest styles with today’s homeowners but also among the most difficult to specify –until now. Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking and railing, and a leading brand of outdoor living products, has expanded its popular Trex Signature® Railing line with the introduction of X-Series™ Cable Rail and X-Series™ Frameless Glass Rail. Now available through Trex channel partners, these two new offerings blend modern profiles with simplified installation to deliver a winning combination for contractors and clients.

“Cable rail is a complicated specialty segment that has historically been a source of frustration for contractors,” explains Leslie Adkins, group vice president of marketing and ESG development for Trex Company. “Our new X-Series system not only simplifies specification and installation for cable railing but also affords the flexibility to accommodate frameless glass,

giving consumers even more style choices to achieve their desired outdoor aesthetic.”

Differentiating the new X-Series Railing in the marketplace is the innovative X-Series™ Post that anchors the system. This versatile post not only accommodates cable and frameless glass but was also designed to accommodate a variety of infills and attachments for future additions to the X-Series line. Furthermore, with its modular design, the X-Series Post can be used as an end, line and corner post, laying the foundation for a SKU-efficient approach to railing.

“The versatility of the X-Series post enables us to add two new specialty options to our premium railing line while also remaining SKU-conscious,” notes Adkins. “We are excited to provide our channel partners with a sophisticated yet streamlined system that is as easy to sell as it is to order and install.”

The Trex Signature X-Series includes two view-optimizing infill options:

FRAMELESS GLASS RAIL: The flexible design of the X-Series anchor post can also accommodate glass infill. Half-inch laminated glass panels (sold separately) float seamlessly between the sleek Charcoal Black posts for a picture-perfect view.

CABLE RAIL: Novel spring-loaded cables offer improved tension management so that cables are less prone to sag over time, while push-to-connect fittings eliminate swaging or crimping. Most notably, ball ends allow the cables to swivel to accommodate horizontal and stair angles.

To simplify specification, X-Series Railings are sold in easy-to-order kits. Cable Rail kits include everything in one box for spans up to 18', including thinner passthrough posts to support cables between anchor posts. Frameless Glass Rail is sold in a one-size-fits-all infill kit.

In addition to being easy to buy, stock and sell, X-Series Railings are also easy to install and maintain. All Trex Signature Railings feature powder-coated aluminum for durable strength and style, while cable hardware is made from premium-grade stainless steel for corrosion resistance, even in marine and coastal environments.