Fence Business Growth & Strategy
This category is about big-picture business growth for fence company owners who want to scale beyond day-to-day firefighting. Topics include company structure, hiring, delegation, diversification, moat strategy, capacity planning, and making growth decisions that support long-term profitability instead of just more work.
It matters because a larger backlog is not the same as a healthier business. Listeners will learn how to think like owners instead of operators, how to build a stronger business model, and how to grow in a way that protects margins, reduces risk, and creates a more valuable fence company.
Inside Full Throttle Education and Black Vinyl Fencing
In “Inside Full Throttle Education and Black Vinyl Fencing,” Brian T. Frederiksen brings together Veronica, Zach Romero of Blackline HHP, and Sasha for a lively conversation about what it really takes to raise the bar on education in the fencing industry. The episode centers on the upcoming Full Throttle education program at the Fence Show, where Veronica explains how the curriculum was built from real-world installer, sales, and operations experience rather than recycled presentations or thin sales pitches. With tracks covering gate operators, customer sales training, bridging the gap between sales and operations, post-to-profits, and bidding commercial jobs, the goal is to give contractors practical tools they can use immediately — and then continue accessing through Fence University after the show. Zach adds a manufacturer’s perspective, sharing the story behind Blackline HHP’s focus on black vinyl fencing, why the company doubled down on a once-controversial niche, and what contractors should know about evaluating vinyl quality. He breaks down wall thickness, virgin versus recycled material, extrusion methods, and why installation practices often matter more than the product itself. The episode also highlights the new instructor voting system and the value of investing in education, networking, and industry relationships — especially for teams looking to grow faster without wasting time on generic advice. For contractors seeking better systems, better installs, and a better return on training, this episode makes a strong case for going “full throttle.”
A Lifetime in Fencing and What Comes Next
In “A Lifetime in Fencing and What Comes Next,” Brian T. Frederiksen sits down with industry veteran Tony Thornton for a wide-ranging conversation about where the fencing business has been and where it’s headed. Thornton reflects on his journey from hands-on installer and salesperson to executive director, consultant, and industry mentor, explaining how his time with the American Fence Association shaped his perspective and opened the door to new opportunities. He also shares what it was like to step away from the spotlight, pivot into a corporate branch-management role, and now return to consulting with renewed focus on education, relationships, and helping contractors build stronger businesses. The discussion dives deep into the evolution of the fencing trade: from handwritten quotes, carbon-copy forms, and old-school sales methods to today’s estimating software, faster quoting, and technology-driven workflows. Thornton and Frederiksen also explore the Canadian fencing market, standards development, cross-border shipping challenges, and the importance of brokers and distributor relationships. The episode closes with practical advice on hiring, leadership, and profitability, plus a preview of Thornton’s new mastermind-style venture, Fence Masters Group, designed to help contractors learn from peers, avoid costly mistakes, and improve their operations.
Messy Books and What Is Actually Holding Fence Companies Back
In “Messy Books and What Is Actually Holding Fence Companies Back,” Brian T. Frederiksen sits down with Michael of Purple Coaching and Consulting for a candid, practical conversation about what really keeps small fence businesses stuck. Michael explains how Purple Coaching grew into a recognizable brand by leaning hard into memorable identity, strategic positioning, and a clear division of strengths between him and his brother Robert. From there, the discussion turns to the real-world challenges fence contractors face: disorganized books, weak systems, and the lingering effects of the COVID boom that left many owners with unrealistic expectations about demand, pricing, and ease of sales. The episode gets especially useful when Michael breaks down the common problems he sees in small businesses: messy accounting, poor decision-making, and owners who delay getting help until the pain becomes overwhelming. He makes the case for hiring a bookkeeper, building a creative marketing plan, and knowing when a company is or isn’t the right fit for coaching. The conversation also highlights why FWA’s education tracks matter, especially for operators, administrators, and leaders who need tactical help—not just motivation. Michael and Brian also touch on commercial bidding risks, the importance of security in the fence industry, and the opportunity for today’s contractors to shape the future of the trade through better standards, stronger leadership, and a willingness to serve customers well.
Gate Operators, Golden Nuggets and the Moat Around Your Business with Brooks
In “Gate Operators, Golden Nuggets and the Moat Around Your Business with Brooks,” Brian T. Frederiksen reconnects with fan-favorite guest Brooks for a fast-moving conversation about gate operator education, technician confidence, and why the fencing industry needs more hands-on training. Brooks shares that he has shifted into inside sales and consulting after years in the field, but remains deeply involved in teaching through Fence University and the Full Throttle education series. He explains that the best technicians aren’t necessarily the smartest—they’re the ones with a strong foundation, discipline, and the ability to follow the manual, use the right tools, and stay safe on the job. The discussion goes deep into real-world troubleshooting, from radio control programming and receiver issues to photo eye failures, chain brakes, and the ongoing tradeoff between plug-and-play convenience and true technical understanding. Brooks and Brian emphasize that education should not be passive; attendees need to hunt for the “golden nugget” in every class and apply it immediately in the field. The episode closes with practical advice for contractors: invest in training, equip your crews properly, and build your business moat through skill, safety, and profitability—not by trying to block competitors. For fence and gate contractors looking to grow, this episode is packed with sharp humor, technical insights, and actionable takeaways.
Stop Hiding from Your Books and Start Growing Your Fence Business
In “Stop Hiding from Your Books and Start Growing Your Fence Business,” Brian T. Frederiksen and Sasha get real about one of the most stressful parts of running a fence company: bookkeeping, taxes, and opening the books before you feel “ready.” They normalize the fear many contractors feel when it comes to CPAs and financial records, emphasizing that messy books are not a sign of failure — they’re often a natural byproduct of building a business at full speed. Their advice is direct: don’t panic, don’t hide, and don’t wait until the problem becomes a crisis. Instead, start somewhere, gather your records, and let the right professionals help clean things up. The conversation also stresses that no contractor should try to do everything alone. Whether through a CPA, bookkeeper, CRM system, business coach, or industry education, the goal is to understand your numbers well enough to make better decisions and avoid cash-flow surprises. Brian and Sasha tie that message to the upcoming Fence Show in Las Vegas, calling it a “full throttle” opportunity for fence and gate contractors to get free advice, connect with experts, and learn from top industry educators. The big takeaway: healthy businesses are not perfect businesses — they’re businesses that stay honest, keep learning, and act before hidden financial problems slow growth.
Live Tour of Demo Days Florida with Brian
In “Live Tour of Demo Days Florida with Brian,” The Fence Podcast takes listeners on a fast-moving walk-through of one of the fencing industry’s most dynamic live events. Brian Frederiksen moves booth to booth across the demo arena, highlighting the energy, family atmosphere, and hands-on format that make Demo Days different from a typical trade show. Along the way, he spotlights the importance of industry education, live demonstrations, and the chance for contractors to see products in action before they buy. The episode captures the buzz of exhibitors setting up, attendees arriving, and the excitement of reconnecting with familiar faces from across the fence and gate world. Listeners also get practical insight from a wide range of manufacturers and distributors, including gate automation, black vinyl, privacy slats, louver systems, solar fencing, fencing software and marketing, and heavy-duty access control hardware. Guests share what makes their products stand out, how they help installers work faster and smarter, and why innovation, durability, and simplicity matter in today’s market. For fence contractors and small business owners, the episode offers a clear takeaway: building relationships, attending live events, and seeing new tools firsthand can uncover better products, new supplier connections, and opportunities to grow your business.
Building a Fence Company with Systems and Networking
In “Building a Fence Company with Systems and Networking,” Brian T. Frederiksen sits down with Nikki H. of Hage Fence and Pete of GCF Coast Fence for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to grow in the fencing industry. Pete shares how his background in the military shaped his love for systems, SOPs, and process-driven operations, and how those habits helped him turn a one-man startup into a more scalable company in just two years. He explains how his business now runs through structured workflows, customer expectation calls, virtual assistants, and a growing emphasis on social media and follow-up systems that generate leads and keep jobs moving. The episode also highlights the power of networking and community. Pete credits local relationships, industry events, and persistence for helping him level up faster than he could have alone, while Nikki shares Hage Fence’s journey from fixing rental-property fences to building a thriving operation with trucks on the road and a stronger internal structure. Together, they discuss the industry’s changing expectations, the need for training and innovation, and the importance of building businesses that serve both customers and families. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for better systems, smarter delegation, and how strategic networking can open doors for growth.
Think Like an Entrepreneur with Matt Warner from Empire Fence
In “Think Like an Entrepreneur with Matt Warner from Empire Fence,” Brian T. Frederiksen sits down with one of the fencing industry’s most energetic operators for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, culture, and building a business that goes beyond the fence truck. Warner shares how Empire Fence evolved from netting into residential and commercial fencing, fabrication, sports solutions, software, powder coating, and even real estate development. His big takeaway: contractors should stop thinking only like fence installers and start thinking like entrepreneurs—look for ways to diversify, create more value, and build multiple revenue streams without losing sight of profitability. The episode also gets practical. Warner and Frederiksen dig into backlog management, explaining why contractors should keep three to four months of work booked, raise prices when demand is strong, and use backlog as leverage instead of fear. They also tackle real-world contractor questions on core drilling, rock breakers, and jobsite safety, stressing the value of working with insurance and safety teams instead of against them. Throughout the discussion, Warner emphasizes leadership, Monday morning meetings, honesty, and culture as the foundation for long-term success. It’s an encouraging, tactical episode for fence and gate contractors who want to grow smarter, protect margins, and lead their teams better.