Networking, Associations & Community
This category is about the relationships fence contractors build through associations, peer groups, contractor communities, and volunteer involvement. It covers networking, learning from other owners, sharing ideas, supporting peers, and getting more involved in the industry beyond your own company.
Community matters because fence contractors solve problems faster when they are connected to people who have already faced them. Episodes in this category will show listeners how to build useful relationships, find support from other professionals, and use networking to gain knowledge, opportunities, and accountability.
We had a choice to make
In “We had a choice to make,” Brian T. Frederiksen drops in with a fast-moving, behind-the-scenes update on the upcoming Fence Show in Las Vegas and the decision to keep the event run by the industry, for the industry. Speaking with Veronica and the event team, he explains the turning point: rather than handing operations over to an outside management company, the show will lean on volunteers from across the fencing community to help run registration, doors, food and beverage, education rooms, the expo floor, the stage, and more. The goal is to preserve the unique energy and “vibe” that has made the show stand out while putting money, access, and opportunity back into the industry itself. The episode also lays out the value for volunteers: hotel support while supplies last, Full Throttle access, educational classes, food and beverage perks, networking with contractors and suppliers, and a deeper look at the inner workings of the event. Veronica highlights how this year’s education program and logistics will be bigger than ever, with thousands of pages of materials and dozens of instructors to coordinate. For fence professionals, contractors, and small business owners, the message is clear—show up, contribute, and get far more out of the industry by investing your time and energy into it. Interested listeners are encouraged to apply at fenceshow.com/volunteer and join the team making the show happen.
Built to Last: Composite Fence Best Practices & Common Failures
In “Built to Last: Composite Fence Best Practices & Common Failures,” The Fence Podcast dives deep into what separates a successful composite fence install from an expensive callback. Brian T. Frederiksen and co-host Sasha Founders Fence talk with Lisa from Greenwood Fence about how she got into the business, how Greenwood’s modular aluminum framing system works, and why composite is increasingly replacing wood for customers seeking a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution. Lisa explains that composite fencing combines wood fibers and recycled plastic, offering durability, color retention, and a 20-year warranty—while also emphasizing that the product is only as good as the install. The conversation is especially valuable for contractors. Lisa outlines the most common mistakes installers make, including incorrect post spacing, missing insertion brackets, skipping the one-inch spacer, and failing to account for thermal expansion. She also highlights why composite requires more precision than wood and why Greenwood is shifting toward installer certification at Fence Show and future training sessions. The episode closes with practical business insights on quoting accurately, avoiding costly shipping mistakes, and helping customers choose between composite, vinyl, and other options based on budget and site conditions. A bonus segment on FWA Health adds a useful industry benefit for contractors and their families.
Crazy fruits and Veggies of Puerto Rico with guest Ghesi Stojanov
In “Crazy fruits and Veggies of Puerto Rico with guest Ghesi Stojanov,” The Fence Podcast takes a playful detour from fence and gate talk into a colorful walking tour of a Puerto Rican grocery store, where the produce becomes a surprising window into local culture. Brian T. Frederiksen reacts in real time to unfamiliar ingredients, from yuca and calabaza to vividly colored bell peppers, pre-split bananas, and citrus that looks different from what he expects back home. With Ghesi Stojanov guiding the conversation, the episode blends humor, curiosity, and cultural appreciation as they explore how food grows and is used differently on the island. Beyond the laughs, the episode underscores an important business takeaway for contractors and small business owners: stay curious, be open to new environments, and learn from the communities you serve. Ghesi also highlights her mission work and invites listeners to connect through Rest Mission, while Brian encourages viewers to reach out, follow along, and continue engaging with the broader fencing-industry community. It’s a light, memorable episode that reinforces the value of relationship-building, cultural awareness, and showing up with an open mind—qualities that translate far beyond the grocery aisle.
Walking and talking in Puerto Rico with @RestMission and guest Ghesi Stojanov
In “Walking and talking in Puerto Rico with @RestMission and guest Ghesi Stojanov,” Brian T. Frederiksen joins Jess and the Rest Mission team on the ground in Puerto Rico to see a major service project come to life. The conversation captures the energy of the first volunteer wave preparing for a larger mission trip, including the setup of a dental and medical clinic, the arrival of more than 50 volunteers, and the logistics behind getting equipment, supplies, and systems in place. Jess explains that this is just “phase one” of a much bigger vision for Rest Mission: expanding from dental care into full-time medical and optical support, while also developing after-school enrichment programs for local children. Beyond the mission logistics, the episode highlights the community need driving the work. Jess shares sobering statistics about dropout rates, poverty, and cost-of-living challenges in Puerto Rico, while emphasizing the long-term opportunity to support families, improve health outcomes, and strengthen future workforce pipelines. Brian connects the dots for listeners in the fencing and small business world, underscoring how industry sponsorships — especially from Founders Fence — can directly fund meaningful change. It’s a motivating, behind-the-scenes look at how business leaders and tradespeople can serve beyond their day jobs and make a tangible impact where it’s needed most.
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.
30 Days on the Road and What Is Coming Next for FWA
In “30 Days on the Road and What Is Coming Next for FWA,” Brian T. Frederiksen and the crew catch up after a whirlwind month of travel that took them from Demo Days in Florida to industry events, supplier visits, and community projects across the country. The conversation highlights how FWA is intentionally reshaping what fence-industry gatherings can look like: more outdoor experiences, more practical training, more family involvement, and a stronger focus on making education accessible to contractors of every size. Brian reflects on why South Point in Las Vegas became the home for the Fence Show—affordable rooms, truck-friendly parking, and a welcoming environment for the people who actually build fences. The episode also previews what’s next: the 2026 Fence Show and Security Expo will feature “Full Throttle” education, a broader, more hands-on training experience designed to deliver real business value, not just classroom theory. Veronica joins to spotlight the Women of FWA retreat in Branson, Missouri, emphasizing networking, leadership, and a budget-friendly way to invest in the people who hold companies together. Across the episode, the message is clear: the fencing industry grows when it stops chasing only the biggest customers and instead supports small contractors, suppliers, families, and the next generation of trade professionals.
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.