Training, Education & Certifications
This category covers training resources that help fence contractors and crews improve faster, including certifications, skill development, trade-school style instruction, and ongoing education for owners, estimators, and installers. It is focused on practical learning that can be used on real jobs, not theory for its own sake.
Training matters because better education leads to fewer mistakes, faster installs, stronger leadership, and more confidence in the field and office. Listeners will learn what skills are worth developing, how to train teams more effectively, and how continuing education can improve performance across the company.
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.
Great Salespeople are Exceptional Observers!
In “Great Salespeople are Exceptional Observers!”, The Fence Podcast features Josh Clark of High Steel Fence, who shares how a strong sales career in fencing starts long before the quote is written. He explains how his background in vending, chemical plants, and construction shaped his approach to sales, but it was learning to observe people, ask the right questions, and understand a customer’s true pain point that made the biggest difference. Josh and Brian Frederiksen dig into why sales is a skill distinct from estimating or installation, and why the best reps don’t just measure jobs — they read body language, notice details about the property, and identify who is really making the decision. The conversation also explores common mistakes newer fence salespeople make, including overexplaining, underpricing, and trying to “teach” the customer instead of solving the problem. Josh emphasizes that sales starts with reputation, punctuality, and brand trust, then succeeds through quiet listening, proper pricing, and knowing when to stop talking. He also previews his Full Throttle Education class at the Fence Show in Las Vegas, where he’ll teach attendees how to read their environment and adapt their approach to different types of customers. For fence contractors, salespeople, and owners alike, this episode offers practical advice on closing more jobs without giving away the farm.
Brian and the Full Fence Show Exhibitor Roundup
In “Brian and the Full Fence Show Exhibitor Roundup,” Brian T. Frederiksen brings together a practical, industry-focused conversation with Dalton from High Point Fencing and Mark from JC Gury, with Susan Worley helping steer the discussion around planning, production, and show logistics. The episode centers on a deceptively simple but critical topic: pre-construction meetings. Dalton explains how thoughtful pre-job coordination can prevent costly delays, while Mark connects those same principles to his decades of experience in landscaping, plumbing, and sign manufacturing, emphasizing that clear scopes, shared expectations, and internal production meetings are essential to profitability. The conversation expands beyond jobsite planning into documentation, scheduling, and trade coordination. The guests discuss how assumptions, missing paperwork, and poor communication create project failures, especially when multiple trades are involved or when fencing is the last piece of a larger construction sequence. Susan also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Fence Show and Security Expo uses pre-construction-style meetings to coordinate with the property, vendors, and hotel teams — a process that has helped establish the event as an official annual fixture. The episode closes with a preview of Dalton’s Full Throttle Education sessions, designed to give contractors immediately usable tools for accountability, communication, and better project execution.
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.
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.
Sales Silence and Cash Flow
In “Sales Silence and Cash Flow,” Brian T. Frederiksen sits down with Dusty and Robin of Blue Ribbon Fence for a practical, funny, and refreshingly real conversation about what it takes to grow a fence company without losing control of the business. Dusty shares how he went from detective to fence contractor, and how the company grew from a side hustle into a full-time operation built on persistence, relationships, and learning on the job. The discussion highlights why continuing education matters more than ever in today’s fencing industry: it helps contractors sharpen sales skills, raise professionalism, improve margins, and connect with a wider network of people who can help them solve problems faster. A major theme of the episode is communication — both in sales and in business operations. Dusty explains how silence, listening, and reading customer behavior can build trust and improve close rates, while Robin emphasizes the financial side contractors often ignore until it becomes a crisis. She breaks down the importance of cash flow, balance sheets, compliant business structures, and understanding the difference between profit and actual money in the bank. Together, they make a strong case for live education over passive content, arguing that real-time conversation, experience-based teaching, and asking questions on the spot create the kind of learning that moves the needle for small fence businesses.
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.
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.