Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/401422
As far as decking is concerned, Joel regards wood fences as "friends." He says that as wood fences regularly deteriorate, vinyl replaces them in his marketplace. In vinyl, the company offers sev- eral types and styles. These include privacy and semi-privacy as well as post and rail (two, three, and four rail). They also offer gates, hinges, latches, and caps, as well as residential aluminum fenc- ing, pool enclosures, and commercial aluminum fencing. We then asked Joel about the re- cent recession and recession environ- ment, has he had to take any kind of cost cutting measures. We were told that business has been good enough that there has been no need to cut overhead at any point. We then asked Joel how the com- petition was in the area. We were told that, earlier on, the competition was much stiffer, but over time with perhaps a combination of factors including those that were weather related, it has not really been that big of a problem. We then asked Joel about the economy in the area. We were told that people are spending money. Home sales are rath- er slow, however there is building go- ing on. Smaller tract housing is in, and the big builders are back. On the commercial side, there is a mixed market. There are vacant store fronts. Staples has closed 140 stores in his marketing area. We then asked Joel how he felt about the outlook for the fence indus- try going forward. He told us that he felt optimistic. "Needs will still be there," he says. "Vinyl privacy fence will still be in demand." We then asked what strategy was implemented for 2014. We were told that the main focus was trying to move more variegated colors, although there is some "sticker shock" for those who want the convenience of vinyl but with the wood look. Finally for this issue we spoke briefl y with Larry Watlingcon of Weakley Fence Company of Sha- ron, Tennessee. Larry told us that this season has been pretty good. It should end up about the same as last year. He told us that he has six years with this company and that the busi- ness mix at the time we spoke was 60% residential and 40% commercial. We were further told that wood and chain link were the two biggest movers on the residential side and that on the commercial side, perimeter fencing was the biggest mover. Larry indicated that the basic ser- vice area was some 40 miles. We then asked Larry whether during this past recession there had been any type of cost cutting mea- sures utilized. His answer was simply no. We then asked if the company had any problems currently with their sup- pliers. Larry once again said no, not really, their relationships are okay. We then asked about the economy in the area. We were told that it's pretty slow. The residential side was doing a little bit better than the commercial side, which is slower and nothing to write home about. We then asked what the company strategy was for 2014. His answer was "nothing special." Finally we asked how he felt about the fence industry going forward for 2015. Larry expressed his opinion as cautiously optimistic. • Patented tension adjustment • Adjust tension from either end • Increased self-closing weight • No visible fasteners • Decorative trim covers available • 3-way adjustment, vertical, horizontal & tension • D&D patented tension adjustment • Internal stainless steel spring closer • Strong & 100% rust proof • 132 lbs maximum self-closing weight • Fits all square post & gate frames Heavy Duty Series 3 Multi-Adjust 40% stronger! Over 2 times the cycles! Convenient, reliable performance Brushed Chrome Black P: (714) 677-1300 E: info@ddtechusa.com www.ddtechglobal.com World's most trusted hinges for gates up to 154 lbs