Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/530880
24 • JULY 2015 • WORLD FENCE NEWS We Offer Maximum Strength C-Flex HD, the strongest most reliable poly deer fence on the market Professional Strength Fence Does Not Stretch, Rot, or Rust Virtually Invisible UV Stabilized Easy to Handle Safe for Wildlife specialty fencing involving a large spectrum of security products that in- cludes gate operators, crash barriers, security fence, gates, bollards, histor- ic fences and gates, agricultural fence, etc. We were told that the company was established in 2004, and is owned and operated by two U.S. military veterans. It is a woman-owned small business, and is currently an 8(a) SBA Business Development Program par- ticipant providing specialty contractor service to federal and state govern- ment customers and a limited number of commercial businesses. We then asked what the biggest challenge was that the company has experienced so far this year. Neva told us that having to deal with compliance with every state's requests and having to work through each state's payroll issues and forms, etc. We then asked what the biggest surprise has been year to date. Neva's response was pretty succinct: Getting a Homeland Security job in New York. We then asked about the economy in her area. Relative to her fencing ex- pertise, the company is receiving the most solicitations for fencing this year than ever before. The state of Idaho and the local industry is very cutthroat, she noted. Licensed in Idaho as a DBE com- pany has been good. It has also been helpful to be an 8(a) SBA company and being a service disabled vet com- pany has also helped in being certified through the VA as well. The company also has access to the GSA schedule, which, according to Neva, "comes in handy." We then asked what the company strategy for 2015 is. While they were too busy at the time to have specifically focused on a strategy, they are hopeful to shortly formulate one, Neva said. Finally for this issue, we spoke with Robbie Oxer, sales manager of Hercules Fence in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At the time we spoke to Robbie, he told us that the year was going along pretty well and it ap- peared to be better than last year so far. Further we were told that the busi- ness mix is 60% commercial and 40% residential, which is generated within a 25 mile radius. Robbie was quick to point out that at least 50% and perhaps up to 65% of the company's business is generated from referrals. On the commercial side, the com- pany does mostly chain link and or- namental fencing for schools and new construction. Additionally, they han- dle gate operators and related control items. On the residential side, the com- pany offers aluminum, chain link, wood, etc. Further, the company has a DIY division as well. We then asked Robbie what the biggest challenge has been, year to date. At the time we spoke, we were told that getting personnel was the issue. Most new labor lasts only two weeks or thereabouts. The basic rea- son is that they are competing for the same personnel with refinery plants in the area who pay bigger bucks. We then asked what the biggest surprise was so far this year. He told us that people aren't afraid of spend- ing money now. He further pointed out that people generally know what they want, due to doing research on the internet. We then asked about the economy in the area. Robbie told us that it was good. There are new businesses open- ing. Some new apartment houses are going up, along with some renovation. Working people in the 30-50 year old demographic are being attracted to the area. On the commercial side – a new plant is under construction for inter- national integrated energy and chemi- cals company Sasol. However, we were told that there is not much if any real infrastructure work occurring, and Robbie said roads in the area are still bad. There is a new casino, the Golden Nugget, going up as well, and there is some infrastructure work involved in that as well. Finally, we asked what the com- pany strategy for 2015 is, and were told that it is getting another crew on board to increase growth. Fencer's Field Report continued from previous page A builder was telling a friend about a property they were demol- ishing. "Behind this wall, we found a skeleton with a gold medal round his neck." His friend asked what was on the medal. The builder replied: "U.S. Hide and Seek Champion, 1891."