Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/131533
18 • JUNE 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Fencer's Field Report continued from page 16 ® Douglas Fence Screen Why Choose DOUGLAS? Unmatched Quality Premium Selection Detailed Customization Dependable Service Sports Equipment ..for 45 Years! 800-553-8907 www.douglas-sports.com CUSTOM ITEMS AVAILABLE! USA Manufacturer We then asked Matt, going back to the start of the recession, probably 2008, how has the economic downturn affected the company long term. He told us that the company started fabricating vinyl, "which was a learning experience, to say the least." Actually, what this development created was the opportunity to add some new crews to the operation. We then asked him how has the company approach to advertising changed, and Matt told us that they still advertise in the Yellow Pages but have gone to the internet as well. We then asked how the labor situation was shaping up. Is it easy or hard to find good help? Matt told us that it is tough to find good employees, but he was quick to point out that he is fortunate to have good and responsible people on staff. We also asked Matt what the competitive situation was in their service area, and he simply responded that this was not really a problem for him. We asked Matt how do they effectively compete with the fly-by-night companies who don't have the expenses of a legit company and Matt said that he can show prospective customers that he is, quote, "anchored in" and that it makes a difference. We asked Matt how he typically warrantees a fence and he told us that he warrantees a fence with both materials and labor. We then asked how the economy was in his area and were told that "things are getting better and turning around." Housing is going up. On the commercial side, there are buildings that are still empty, but more strip malls are being built. Foreclosures have slowed down, and he feels that 2013 will be better. Finally, we asked him about the company strategy for 2013 and, like many others have reported to us, we were told that they will keep doing what they are doing. Finally for this issue, we talked briefly with Matt Riehs of Double R Fencing in Edna, Texas, who told us that the company is 5 years old, and while last season ended up being their best year, they were still going very strong at the time we spoke. We were told that the company business mix is 60% commercial and 40% residential. On the commercial side the company does work for pipeline operations, ports, and commercial meter stations. On the residential side, they do custom privacy, custom entrances, chain link, wrought iron, game fencing, and vinyl fencing. Matt told us that 6 foot cedar privacy picket fence was the big item for the most part outside of town. The company service area is a 150 mile radius. We asked Matt how their advertising has changed over the past several years and he told us that the company does county benefits and that referrals are a big source of business, along with an internet presence. We then asked how the labor situation was in their area and he told us that the problem is "keeping help." He says that many people simply don't want to work. Matt says that they pay well but it is still a problem. We asked Matt about the competitiveness in his service area, and he told us that competition was not an issue to the company. He said that they are in the middle, geographically, of the big cities (about 130 miles from several major cities) and they have created a niche market dealing in the towns in smaller markets. We asked about the economy in the area and Matt told us that it is "very good." He said that oil fields and service companies are doing well. He said that people with leases on their properties are prospering. Commercial construction is going on big time. New gas plants are going up in big cities. Odessa and the surrounding areas are doing very well. Unemployment is low, he said, and there are jobs to be had if people want to work. We then asked what the company strategy was for 2013 and his response was "to try to develop some people in leadership roles and go after more work." Well, that's it for this month. Are you interested in sharing your thoughts? If so, please call or e-mail us here at World Fence News. We look forward to speaking with you for an upcoming issue! CLFMI schedules 2013 summer meeting The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has scheduled its summer meeting for July 10–12, 2013 at the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon. If you are a firm which manufactures chain link fence fabric, fittings, framework, accessories, and/or the materials used to produce them and are interested in membership and/or attending a CLFMI meeting, contact executive vicepresident Mark Levin at 301-5962583 or e-mail clfmihq@aol.com.