Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/75653
24 • AUGUST 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Fencer's Field Report continued from previous page Specialist Fence in Gibsonton, Florida. Melinda told us that this year has been a good one, to this point. She said that the company has a business mix of 50% commercial and 50% res- idential and has been in existence some five years. On the commercial side, they are currently involved with industrial plants and security fencing. On the residential side, PVC is the biggest mover this year, she said. Fur- ther, we were told that their active service area is all of Hillsboro County. We asked Melinda what she thought the overall outlook is for 2012 would be in the residential market. Her response was that it was looking good; calls were increasing along with sales. We then asked if the company had instituted any cost savings measures, and Melinda responded that, for the most part, not really. PrivacyLink® We also asked if, in the course of selling fence jobs, whether or not they tried to sell additional items such as outdoor furniture, trellises, arbors, hand rails, etc, and once again, we were told "not really." When we asked about the econ- omy in the area, we were told that it seems to be improving; the housing market is picking up and there are commercial buildings that are being renovated and new tenants coming in. She said that is a hopeful sign. Residential, Commercial & Industrial Fence Products – YOUR FENCING SOURCE Wow! Just 230 pounds per nine foot panel! Can you imagine working with concrete this lightweight? Each 6 x 9 foot prefabricated RhinoRock Concrete Fence panel weighs just 230 pounds and is plain and simply easier to install than the same size concrete panel weighing 2,500 pounds. A three man crew can install 300 to 600 linear feet per day, by hand. Compare that to a much larger crew that must rely on the use of cranes and heavy construction equipment to install poured concrete fencing. RhinoRock Concrete Fence panels are manufactured by combining a high performance fiber reinforced concrete outer shell with a structural foam core. And they offer the equivalent of a 140 mph wind load. BudgetLink® RhinoRock Concrete Fence is the right choice for homeowners or Even though BudgetLink® is constructed using single wall slats, it looks and appears remarkably similar to our premium (PrivacyLink®) pre-inserted fence. BudgetLink® comes in 3 1/2" x 5" mesh, three different gauges of galvanized wire, as well as fused and bonded vinyl coated wire. It is available in heights up to 8' high and 25' rolls. There are also seven attractive colors to choose from. Take a close look at BudgetLink® - an economical fence that offers many essential bells and whistles. Privacy Full Privacy Industrial Semi Privacy Let us quote your next project. We can have you an estimate in about 20 minutes when you call our toll free number. VISIT OUR WEB SITE OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION www.eprivacylink.com • 1.800.574.1076 businesses who want a concrete fence system that is easy to install, easy to maintain and will last a life-time. - the right fence for tight economic times! However, we were told that there are a lot of foreclosures, so many, in fact, that Melinda indicated that the number is among the highest in the country, especially among middle class families which she defined as "husband, wife and two children." We asked her about the business strategy that is being implemented in 2012, and Melinda told us that their focus is totally on customer service, which leads to referrals and word of mouth business development. She said that they don't do any ad- vertising at all. So, thanks to these fencing friends for sharing their thoughts with us so that we might bring them to you through World Fence News! Call or e-mail us at WFN if you would like to participate so we may hear your thoughts, as well. We look forward to speaking with you! That's it for this issue; we'll catch you next month. Northern Ohio AFA expo will highlight tools and equipment The Northern Ohio AFA will sponsor an Equipment Rodeo and Tool Expo on October 6, 2012 from 10 a.m- 4 p.m. featuring large outdoor demos. The event will be held rain or shine at the Merchants Metals branch facility at 12137 Prospect Road, Strongsville, Ohio 44149. Included will be equipment and tool demonstrations, hands on training seminars, complimentary barbeque, and competition events for installers, such as hanging an aluminum slide gate, weaving a chain link panel, ma- neuvering a wheelbarrow with a bucket of water in it through an obsta- cle course, and tying off a fence blind- folded. Those wishing to be part of the demonstration should sign up as soon as possible, but no later than Sept. 21, as space is limited, the chapter said. Participants must make their own sleeping arrangements. A block of rooms has been re- served on a first come first serve basis for Oct. 5-6 at the Hampton Inn and Suites at 7074 Engle Rd, Middleburg Hts, Ohio. Contact the hotel no later than Sept. 4 at 440-234-0206. The rate is $104 per night. Men- tion Northern Ohio AFA when making your reservation. For more information or to receive Member: a registration form, e-mail Michael Kalinich at m@kalinichfence.com or call Heather Amato at Elyria Fence at 440-323-7581 or e-mail her at heather@elyriafence.com.