Legacy BUSINESSES
50
MORE THAN
YEARS
Nathan Nelson and Bob Richison
since 1955
empire Fence company Things are solid as a fence post at Empire Fence Company. Bob Richison, who established the business in 1958, continues to lead Empire as president with grandson Nathan Nelson as vice president. Together, along with a team of loyal employees, the company achieved a record-breaking sales year in 2012. “Our business is still located at the corner of Admiral and Garnett where we offer all types of fencing from wood to chain link to ranch rail,” says Richison. “Our focus is on residential fencing so privacy fencing is our most popular product, but we also sell commercial fencing.” The longtime owner believes the company has achieved over a half-century in business because of the way Empire does business. “We chose to build and operate our fence company on a foundation of integrity,” Richison says, “offering customers quality products and excellent service at a good price, and striving to be helpful and fair with each and every customer. I learned long ago the importance of doing business the old-fashioned way because we are not the only fence company in town.” Nathan says advertising — in the form of the small, yellow-and-black Empire signs affixed
22 North Garnett Road Tulsa, Oklahoma 74116 (918) 437-1671 www.empirefence.net
to each installed fence — works well for the company. “When you’ve been selling and building fences in Tulsa for nearly 60 years, people see our fence signs on our product all around town,” says Nathan. “It’s a great advantage to be able to place our company’s name on products in so many different locations.” Nathan, age 32, muses that he has 20 years experience because “I began hanging around the business at age 12.” Bob Richison has guided Empire Fence Company to and through the half-century mark, and hopes his grandson enjoys an equally long run. “I know Nathan will operate the business in the same good way and, with the continued blessing of good health, will be around to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary in 2058. I am filled with gratitude that we’ve enjoyed 58 years in business serving so many valued customers and friends.” Empire Fence Company is a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa, Tulsa Executives Association, and the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Oklahoma.