Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/231234
WORLD FENCE NEWS • JANUARY 2014 • to go through three to five people before you get one that is a decent candidate. We then asked him how the economy was in the area. We were told that it is picking up. He is starting to see things improve. People are buying cars, housing is going up, etc. On the commercial side, renovations are taking place, and there is a lot of pent up demand for expansions. Housing sales are going up as well. Finally, we asked what the company strategy for 2014 would be. Tim told us he is sticking with the same message: education for the customer. He also reported he is reducing his presence in the Yellow Pages. Finally for this issue, we spoke with Phillip Doyle of Phillip's Automated Fence Service and Gate Company in Atoka, Tennessee. Phillip told us that this past season was good. His business mix is 90% commercial and 10% residential. The company service area is a 200 mile radius, and for the most part they focus on gated community work. We then asked him what are some of the major trends that he has seen in the fence business in his area. Phillip pointed out that with the advent of the internet he advertises through the manufacturers' web site. It has given him a lot of calls and strong leads. Over the last 10 years, Phillip said, people haven't been spending much money. But this year, many are upgrading their systems, which results in a lot of renovation work. We then asked Phillip whether the changes that he spoke of were better or worse and he told us that they were for the positive. We then asked about advertising changes over the past few years. Phillip told us that he doesn't have a web site, nor does he advertise in the Yellow Pages. The biggest source of new business comes from referrals. We then asked about the economy in the area. Phillip told us that it's picking up. He is seeing new housing starts. Further, he said, there is new commercial growth as well, in dollar general stores and restaurants, for instance. On the industrial side, mostly renovation is taking place. Phillip commented that businesses need to start hiring again, but small business has no incentive to grow. He continued, people must be proactive, not reactive. Today's businesses must be more attentive to issues and changes. We then asked Phillip about the company strategy for 2014. He replied that the main objective is to take advantage of every opportunity to learn about new products and to stay ahead of the competition. We concluded on a philosophical note. Phillip recalled the old saying, "It's mind over matter," however, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter! P.V.C. PROFILES • SECTIONS • CAPS Lowest Prices • Highest Quality Easy Credit Terms Save more and learn to fabricate! We will teach you how! UVX Universal Vinyl Extruders, Inc. 631-643-1786 www.uvxextruders.com NEW CONVENIENT PICK UP POINT IN MARYLAND Tymetal Corp. Gate & Operator Systems Visit Us At Booth #623 We Close Openings 800-328-GATE www.tymetal.com 23