Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/117828
18 ��� APRIL 2013 ��� WORLD FENCE NEWS Fencer���s Field Report continued from page 16 ���fracking��� production process, to help prevent the theft of oil. Dean told us that those facilities generally call for 6+1 or 7+1 fencing. On the residential side, the company carries a full product line but has a large demand for cedar fencing on galvanized posts, which offer advantages such as rot resistance and strength. (According to government data, the second windiest city in the United States is Dodge City, and the stronger framework holds up better.) The company service area is about the western part of the state about a 120 mile radius into southeast Kansas City. We asked about the economy in the area and Dean told us that it was very good. At the time we spoke, unemployment was 3% to 4%. Dean told us that there are two meat plants in the area that are going to pick up now that the federal farm bill has passed. He feels the oil business is going good, as is wind power generation. There are many foreclosures, although construction is ongoing on several housing developments, hotels and motels. On the day we spoke, a new International House of Pancakes was opening for business, as was a new Extended Stay hotel. On the residential side, there are homes and apartments being built, although as previously mentioned, there are many foreclosures. Food and agriculture giant Cargill recently closed its plant in Texas and that means 1,600 to 1,800 people from Texas will be relocating to the Dodge City area to another plant, raising some serious questions regarding demographics. We then asked what the strategy will be for the company in 2013 and Dean told us that he is hoping to keep up with the demand for industrial chain link. As far as marketing, he said they have no Yellow Pages ads, but have good results from posting jobsite signs and of course plenty of fence signs. And, last for this issue, we spoke with Ken Sweezey of Sweezey Fence Erectors in Whitman, Massachusetts, who told us that this past season was ���not terrific.��� The company business mix is 50% commercial and 50% residential. According to Ken, the company has been in business since 1969 and has a service area from Worcester east. The company offers all styles and heights of picket fencing, all types of rail fencing, all types of cedar fencing, PVC fencing, chain link fencing, steel railings, swimming pool enclosures, dog kennels, arbors, lamp posts and mailboxes. On the commercial side, the company does work for cities and towns, industrial plants and schools. On the residential side, PVC is a decent seller. As we have many other fencers, we asked Ken the following question: Going back to the start of the recession (probably 2008), how has the economic slowdown affected the company? Ken replied that it has cut the company in half and downsizing has occurred throughout the firm. We then asked has the company approach to advertising changed? Ken responded that they have cut Yellow Pages entirely and gone strictly to the internet. We asked Ken how the labor situation was in the area, and how hard is it to find good help. We were told that they didn���t have any particular need for help at this time, but if they needed them, they could get good workers. We asked what the competitive situation is in their area and Ken told us that it is more competitive than ever. There are anywhere from 5 to 40 bidders for every job. However, most bidders recognize the need to scrutinize or summarily throw out ridiculously low bids, and that helps restore more control to the process. We also asked about the economy in the area, and we were told ��� in a word ��� that it is ���terrible��� and probably going to get worse. Ken reported that the governor of the state has increased various taxes across the board, which is not helping matters. There are a lot of foreclosures and abandoned homes, he noted. Security fencing has picked up, particularly in downtown Boston. Ken said that a lot of businesses are floundering and could become casualties if the economy does not improve soon. We asked about the company strategy for 2013. The company, once again, is counting on repeat business and referrals to play a big role in their success, and otherwise they will keep doing what they are doing. Thanks for sharing thoughts with us so that we might bring them to you through the World Fence News! You may call or e-mail us at WFN, so we may share your thoughts, as well. We look forward to speaking with you for another issue! Isn���t It Time to Put the Strength of the Gorilla to Work for Your Business? Fast Installation, Water-Shedding Designand Now ICC Compliant... 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