Fence Guy Podcast

116. Navigating Material Price Hikes, Private Equity & Growth Strategy with Justin Nary, Matt Ciaradonna & Jordan Hunt

How are real-world fence contractors navigating skyrocketing material costs, unpredictable freight, and changing economic trends? In this round-table panel discussion, Justin Nary (Taylor Fencing), Matthew Ciaradonna (JC Fence Company & Elite Technique), and Jordan Hunt break down what's happening across regional markets — from Midwest AG to Northeast residential and Northern Michigan high-end contracts 💡 Key Topics Covered: Regional Market Conditions: How steel, aluminum, and freight prices are impacting different territories . Protecting Profit Margins: Strategies for adjusting quotes, holding 30-day bidding timelines, and landing materials early . Sales & Close Rates: Managing close-rate metrics versus top-line dollar goals and why knowing your numbers is everything . Private Equity in Fencing: Is PE set up to help or hurt long-term industry quality ? Business Operations: Shifting from "owning a job" to building systems, trusting project managers, and letting go of daily field control . 🌐 Connect & Resources Mentioned: American Fence Association (AFA): americanfenceassociation.com Elite Technique CRM: elitetechnique.com NAFCA Arlington National Cemetery Event: October 22 & 23

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Bonus Episode: If I Started Over Tomorrow

If you could start over tomorrow — knowing everything you know right now — what would you actually do differently? In this episode Craig Eubanks gets real about the five things he would change from day one if he had to build Eubanks Fencing from scratch. No fluff. No theory. Just the honest lessons that took years to learn and could save you from learning them the hard way. Topics covered: Why locking in supplier relationships before anything else changes everything The fixed cost versus variable cost decision that keeps contractors alive through slow seasons Why starting social media on day one is not optional — it is a competitive advantage How networking and showing up at industry events like FenceTech pays off in ways you cannot predict Why getting trained fast through AFA University or local programs builds the confidence that closes more jobs The real reason 48% of small businesses fail — and how to avoid it Whether you are just starting out or have been building for years — this one is going to make you think about what you would do differently and what you can still change right now. A huge thank you to our sponsors who make the Fence Guy Podcast possible: 🔩 FenceTrac — The smarter way to build fence 🏗️ Brand Builders — gobrandbuilders.com/fenceguypodcast 📋 Contractor Accelerator — Tools to grow your contracting business 🔩 Orlando Hinge Company — Quality hardware for the fence industry ⚡ ZND — Temporary fence solutions done right 🌟 J.C. Gury — Industry leader in fence products 🤖 FenceGPT — AI built specifically for fence contractors 📱 mySalesman — Smarter sales tools for contractors 🔨 Titan Post Drivers — The gold standard in post pounding

115. From $12/Hour to Industry Leader: Overcoming Adversity with Melanie Goodwin

Join host Craig on this inspiring episode of the Fence Guy Podcast as he sits down with first-time guest Melanie Goodwin—Certified Operations Manager, New York Long Island Chapter President of the AFA, and owner of Enchante Experiences . In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Melanie opens up about her remarkable personal and professional journey . She shares how she overcame immense personal hardship—from facing a major life crisis as a single mother to starting over at $12 an hour answering phones—and transformed those challenges into a thriving career in the fencing industry . In this episode, we cover: Overcoming Adversity & Building Resilience: How Melanie navigated severe life trials, moved her family to New York, and built a successful new career from the ground up . Leadership & Growth in the Fence Industry: Her path from answering phones to earning her Certified Operations Manager credentials, leading an AFA chapter, and advocating for women in the industry . Bridging Fences & Fairy Tales: How she combined her passions by launching Enchante Experiences and its "From Fences to Fairy Tales" VIP program to help fence industry families plan magical Disney vacations . The Next Chapter: Melanie's major announcement about stepping into her new role with Imperial Fence Supply and relocating back South . Whether you're looking for professional motivation, insights into operational leadership, or an inspiring story of strength and perseverance, this episode delivers .

Bonus Episode: Why Does It Take a Tragedy? | 9/11 Reflection 25 Years Later

Twenty-five years after September 11, host Craig Eubanks reflects on the shift from national unity to modern division . Moving past political noise, this unedited audio-only bonus episode honors those who served, remembers the lives lost, and breaks down the core lessons of crisis leadership . Discover how we can reclaim the spirit of September 12th through intentional choices, everyday decency, and choosing unity without needing a disaster to remind us .

114. The Price of Leadership, Adoption, and Community with AFA's Michael Reed

👑 ⚖️ THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Michael Reed, Executive Director of the American Fence Association (AFA), for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, family, and the power of community . Michael reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his approach to leadership—from playing college football to founding a software company, serving in the U.S. Army, and guiding local AFA chapters across the country . He opens up about the true cost of leadership, the crucial role of modeling the way over criticizing, and why trade associations exist to uplift the local "little guy" contractor . Beyond business, Michael shares deeply personal stories about adopting a special needs child directly from the ICU, caregiving through his wife's multi-year cancer battle, and how lean-on support from the "fence family" makes all the difference when life gets tough . CONNECT & RESOURCES 🌐 American Fence Association: https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/ 🎙️ Fence Guy Podcast: https://www.fenceguypodcast.com/

Bonus Episode: The Fake Numbers Trap

"Believe every third word." It's an unwritten rule in the trade industry when people start talking about their revenue, lead counts, and crew sizes . But while inflating stats might protect someone's ego, it creates a dangerous trap—leading other business owners to question themselves and waste money trying to hit numbers that were never real in the first place . In this bonus episode of Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig Eubanks calls out the industry's unspoken trust problem with honest, no-nonsense truth . Drawing on real-world statistics—like why 34% of small businesses make under $50k while only 9% top $1 million —Craig breaks down why fake numbers hold owners back and why true growth only starts from a real baseline . What You'll Learn in This Episode: The "3rd Word" Phenomenon: Why contractors inflate revenue, leads, and size The 3 Drivers of Dishonesty: Insecurity, industry ego, and the dangerous belief that "saying it makes it true." The Fake Numbers Trap: How chasing someone else's inflated stats causes you to make bad decisions and waste capital . Real Business Realities: Why rising costs—not competition or lack of leads—are the #1 challenge facing owners today . How to Actually Grow: Why radical honesty with yourself and your trusted circle is the only way to get to the next level . Stop comparing your real business to someone else's highlight reel . Tune in, check your numbers, and learn how to escape the fake numbers trap . Have a real story or honest number to share? Drop a comment or send Craig a DM—no judgment, just respect .

113. Why Gates Fail & The Future of Gate Hardware w/ Jim Todd (Locinox)

In this episode, Jim Todd from Locinox returns to dive deep into gate hardware, fall protection, international trade show innovations, and the gap between how contractors think about gates versus how they actually operate . Jim breaks down the engineering behind Locinox's hydraulic closers, the launch of their all-in-one electric hinge operator, and what fence pros need to know about safety standards (including B-Safe / U-Safe cables) . Plus, he shares personal insights on working for European companies, life on the road with the Locinox Roadshow Van, and the tight-knit community of the fencing industry . ⚡ Short on time? Check out 5-minute video highlights on our YouTube Shorts Channel! 🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 🛠️ Titan Post Drivers — titanpostdrivers.com 🧬 Fencetrac Fence System — fencetrac.com 🚀 Brand Builders — gobrandbuilders.com 🤖 FenceGPT — fencegpt.ai 📊 MySalesman — my-salesman.com 🚧 ZND Temporary Fence Solutions — znd.com 📈 Contractor Accelerator — contractoraccelerator.com 🏷️ J.C. Gury — jcgury.com 🚪 Orlando Hinge Company — orlandohinge.com

Bonus Episode: The Power of Showing Up: Relationships, Second Chances, and Industry Networking

Why do some of the biggest growth opportunities in business never come from your marketing budget? In this episode, Craig Eubanks breaks down a recent breakthrough in his own business that completely changed his perspective on networking, timing, and long-term industry involvement. Craig shares a personal story of reconnecting with a former supplier—a relationship that didn't work out the first time around, but turned into a game-changing partnership years later thanks to growth, right timing, and never burning a bridge. He backs up the story with compelling networking stats on face-to-face connections, vendor relationships, and why 80% of major business opportunities come from people you already know. Key Takeaways Why Face-to-Face Matters: Why 95% of professionals view in-person networking as essential for future deals over ads or cold outreach. The ROI of Showing Up: How attending AFA and NAFCA events, chapter meetings, and trade shows builds long-term industry trust. Never Burn Bridges: Why past failed vendor or client relationships can be revisited successfully when timing and growth align. Long-Term Connection over Short-Term ROI: Why showing up consistently leads to unexpected phone calls that transform your operations. Whether you're a fence contractor, trades professional, or small business owner, this quick episode is a powerful reminder that showing up and building real relationships is still the ultimate growth strategy. Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to drop a comment, leave a 5-star review, share this with a fellow contractor, and remember: go out there and be a good human!

112. Building Boutique Software, Fighting Cancer, & Honoring Legends with Amanda from Contractor Accelerator

In this episode of Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Amanda, co-founder of Contractor Accelerator, for a deeply candid, inspiring, and engaging conversation . The episode kicks off with a heartfelt tribute and moment of silence honoring the legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton . Amanda opens up about her personal battle with cancer, sharing how setting ambitious business goals and diving headfirst into major software updates helped power her through chemo . The two discuss Amanda's pivot from urban planning to software development, the evolution of Contractor Accelerator over its 11-year run, and how early industry support fueled mutual growth . They also dive into industry trends—including the debate over private equity's growing footprint in the fence and foundation industries, finding common ground on installation standards, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are speeding up modern development . Amanda showcases the newest updates inside Contractor Accelerator, highlighting the game-changing customer portal, real-time Google Weather integration on the schedule, and new dashboard metrics designed directly from user feedback . Key Topics Covered: Honoring a Legend: Celebrating Dolly Parton's life and living by the mantra: "Find out who you are and do it on purpose." Strength Through Adversity: How Amanda navigated cancer, chemo, and leading a software company while relying on her team and focusing on purpose-driven goals . Evolution of Contractor Accelerator: From a static foundation repair tool to a dynamic, boutique CRM built on real contractor feedback . Industry Perspectives: Debunking installation method debates (wet set vs. dry pack vs. no-dig) and analyzing the pros and cons of private equity acquisition . Product Breakdown: How the customer portal, My Salesman integration, and integrated weather features save contractors time and increase conversions . Leveraging AI: How modern software development teams use AI as a research partner and code reviewer . Links & Special Offer: Exclusive Discount: Get 10% off indefinitely and a free backpack cooler when you sign up for Contractor Accelerator before the end of August Book a Demo: Visit ContractorAccelerator.com/demo to schedule a walkthrough with the team .

Bonus Ep. The Slow Season Is Lying to You

Every contractor hits it. The leads slow down. The phone gets quiet. And even when everything else in your business is running well — your crews are executing, your expenses are under control, your systems are tight — that slow period still messes with your head. In this episode Craig Eubanks gets real about what actually goes through your mind when leads dry up, what you should and should not do about it, and how the decisions you make during a slow season will either set you up or hurt you when things pick back up. This is not generic marketing advice. This is the honest conversation that contractors, fence companies, and small business owners need to hear right now. Topics covered: Why every business goes through slow seasons no matter how good your marketing is The difference between a slow period that is a symptom of something broken versus a natural business cycle When to spend money on Google ads and when throwing money at the problem makes it worse Why most contractors make their biggest mistakes during slow seasons and how to avoid them What to actually do when leads are slow to come out of it stronger than before How to stay disciplined when everything in you wants to panic The marketing moves that matter most when the phone stops ringing Whether you run a fence company, a landscaping business, a construction company, or any kind of home services business — this episode is for you. A huge thank you to our sponsors who make the Fence Guy Podcast possible: 🔩 FenceTrac — The smarter way to build fence 🏗️ Brand Builders — gobrandbuilders.com/fenceguypodcast 📋 Contractor Accelerator — Tools to grow your contracting business 🔩 Orlando Hinge Company — Quality hardware for the fence industry ⚡ ZND — Temporary fence solutions done right 🌟 J.C. Gury — Industry leader in fence products 🤖 FenceGPT — AI built specifically for fence contractors 📱 mySalesman — Smarter sales tools for contractors 🔨 Titan Post Drivers — The gold standard in post pounding

111. The Lethal Leadership Mistake Destroying Your Business | Robert Whittaker

Is your leadership style silently holding your company back? In this episode, Craig Eubanks sits down with Robert Whittaker (The Purple Coach) to expose the lethal leadership mistakes that keep business owners trapped in the daily grind. Robert shares raw insights on stepping away from his $8M company, building high-performing leadership teams, managing personal adversity, and why overcomplicating systems caps your company's true potential. 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: The #1 leadership flaw that stops businesses from scaling past $7M–$8M Why unspoken expectations create "premeditated resentment" in your team How Robert scaled Magnolia Fence & Patio to $8M with $0 spent on paid advertising Energy management vs. time management for high-performing leaders How micro-dosing personal development and masterminds transforms company culture The story behind Million Blessings & Lemonade Day 📌 CONNECT WITH ROBERT WHITTAKER: 🌐 Website: purplecoaching.com 📧 Email: Robert@PurpleCoaching.com Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this with a fellow contractor or business owner!

Bonus Episode: Project Management, Slide Tackles, and Finding Your Place in the Industry

On this Friday episode of Fence Guy Podcast, Craig is joined late-night at the AFA Mid-Year event in Cleveland by Eubanks Fencing's very own Project Manager, Seth ! Seth reflects on hitting his one-year mark in the fencing industry and shares what it's really like coming in as a 23-year-old learning the ropes from the ground up . From earning the respect of installation crews to managing daily job site material logistics , Seth gives an honest look at the transition into project management and sales . In this episode, we cover: Life as a Newcomer: Overcoming the "young guy" perception and building credibility with crews . Project Management Realities: Handling job site logistics, avoiding material order mistakes, and why communication is key . Sales & Mindset: How reading the room and remaining confident builds instant trust with clients . Industry Insights: The power of networking at trade shows, learning from online education, and focusing on quality over fast scaling . Behind the Scenes: A hilarious late-night story involving a bathroom slide tackle at Mid-Year ! Enjoying the show? Don't forget to rate, review, and follow on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Have a topic or question you want addressed on a future Friday episode? Drop a comment or reach out in our DMs . Go out there and be a good human !

110. Scaling a Fence Business Through Partnerships & Forecasting with Jared Meyer

In this episode of the podcast, Craig Eubanks (Host) welcomes Jared Meyer (Guest), President of Accent Fence in Atlanta, Georgia. From his military service with MarSoc logistics to managing double majors in accounting and construction management, Jared brings a fresh, highly analytical approach to the fencing industry. Jared breaks down how Accent Fence scaled from running 2–3 crews to managing up to 19 subcontractor crews. He shares crucial insights into business forecasting, managing inventory with military precision, and why building strong, long-term partnerships with suppliers is the ultimate catalyst for business growth. In this episode, we cover: Military & Education Background: How military logistics and accounting shape day-to-day business operations. Building Vendor Partnerships: How smaller contractors can build strong relationships with suppliers to secure better pricing and support. Forecasting & Pricing Strategy: Utilizing historical P&L data and a "Good, Better, Best" tier pricing model to maximize margins. Subcontractor Crew Management: Why using sub-crews fits their scalable business model in the Metro Atlanta area. Industry Connection: The value of joining industry associations (AFA), finding mentors, and continuously learning from peers. Connect with Jared Meyer & Accent Fence: Website: Accent Fence (Atlanta, GA) Industry Association: American Fence Association (AFA) Georgia Chapter

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Bonus Episode: Industry Insights, Supply Chains & AI in Fencing with Mike DiLorenzo

In this audio-exclusive Friday episode, Craig sits down with Mike DeLorenzo in the lobby of the Westin during the AFA mid-year meetings in Cleveland, Ohio . They dive into the high-level industry discussions taking place at the American Fence Association (AFA) board and committee level —including chapter initiatives, free training programs, and the true value of industry participation . Plus, Mike tackles hot-seat questions on the supply chain side of the fence industry : Why suppliers run out of material mid-season The impact of global supply disruptions, shipping bottlenecks, and material shortages The pros and cons of private equity (PE) in the fence market How FenceGPT and AI tools are being integrated to boost operational efficiency without sacrificing industry integrity Whether you are an installer, contractor, or supplier, tune in for a candid conversation on leadership, market forecasting, and where the fencing industry is headed next .

109. Why Low-Ball Pricing Won't Save Your Business | ft. Dan Wheeler

In this episode, Craig sits down with podcast guest Dan Wheeler for an unfiltered conversation on what happens when contractors slash prices just to stay busy . They dive deep into the real-world frustrations of running a fence company—from competing against $5,000 hand-saw-wielding landscapers to dealing with callback nightmares on wood installs . Craig and Dan break down why undercutting your margins is a race to the bottom and share practical, proven strategies for building a long-term, resilient business . Learn how tightening up project management can drastically boost crew retention, how working with regional suppliers can protect your margins, and why you need to step out from behind the desk spreadsheets and get back to perfecting your craft . Plus, stick around for inside scoop on FenceTech, upcoming industry events, and trade show prep !

Bonus Episode: Beyond the Fence Line: Industry Drama, AI vs. Software, and What "Value" Really Means

In this Friday episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig is joined live from the AFA Mid-Year event in Cleveland by special guest Justin Nary! The guys sit down for an unscripted, deep-dive discussion covering: AFA Mid-Year & Ag Professionals: What really happens at mid-year meetings and how the American Fence Association is bridging the gap with the agricultural fencing community . Industry Drama & Respect: Why online posturing and Facebook drama are holding the trade back—and how contractors can learn to disagree respectfully . AI vs. Dedicated Software: The debate on using AI assistants versus established tools like My Salesman to streamline customer quotes and protect your time . Credit & Innovation: The line between taking inspiration to push the industry forward versus copying ideas without giving credit where it's due . Defining "Value": Why value isn't a one-size-fits-all concept and how to align your sales pitch with what your specific customer actually cares about . Tune in for an honest, funny, and practical look at the state of the fencing industry, saving time, and growing your business ! If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to download, leave a review, and share it with a friend !

108. How He Went From Sleeping in a Truck to Building a Vegas Empire | Brian's Story

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, we sit down with Brian to talk about his incredible journey from sleeping in a Toyota truck in circus parking lots at 19 to building a powerhouse business in Las Vegas and launching The Fence Show ! If you're in the trades, running a fence business, or just love a good hustle story, this episode is a must-watch! 👉 Check out The Fence Show: https://fenceshow.com #FenceGuyPodcast #FencingIndustry #BusinessHustle #LasVegasBusiness #TheFenceShow #Trades #ContractorLife

Bonus Episode: Off the Hip in Ohio: Growth, Vinyl Switches & Knowing Your Numbers with Johnny Myers

Live from AFA Mid-Year in Cleveland Ohio, Craig sits down with Johnny Myers for an unscripted, off-the-cuff bonus episode! In this episode, we dive into: 🏀 Balancing Business & Family: How a "family first, fence second" culture keeps team leadership grounded . 🏗️ Strategic Moves: Switching vinyl manufacturers and bringing fabrication in-house to crush lead times . 📊 Mastering Cash Flow: Why planning around a 40-week operational year keeps cash flow healthy through the winter . 🤝 Defining Value: What true customer experience actually looks like in the trades . Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the show!

107. Behind the Scenes of a 200k+ YouTube Channel with Dan Olson

On this Taco Tuesday edition of the Fence Guy Podcast, Craig sits down with Dan Olson, the accidental face of SWI Fence's massive, educational YouTube page . From getting a camera unexpectedly thrown in his face on day one to managing thousands of DIY comments (and the occasional internet hater), Dan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run one of the largest informational trade channels on the web . We also dive deep into his passion for high-end woodworking, how extreme attention to detail translates directly to a flawless gate install, and the hilarious office prank involving a hidden car horn that almost sent a secretary through the ceiling . Plus, as a veteran instructor at the American Fence Association University (AFAU), Dan shares his raw thoughts on why avoiding industry training is like "shooting yourself in the foot," and what to expect from the highly anticipated upcoming installation and foreman schools . In this episode, you'll learn: How SWI scripts and plans their content like a professional TV set . The critical intersection between precision woodworking and building callbacks-free fences . Inside details on the upcoming AFAU Fence Installation School in Grapevine, Texas . Why you need to step up your "gate game" before anything else . #FenceGuyPodcast #SWIFence #DanOlson #FenceContractor #PodcastLife

Bonus Episode: What "Value" Actually Means in the Fence Business (And Why Low Prices Are a Trap)

What is "value" really? Why does everyone want it, but almost nobody can actually define it? In this solo episode of Fence Guy Podcast, Craig breaks down the real definition of value in business and why competing on price is a losing game. Whether you're a homeowner looking at three different quotes or a contractor trying to win high-quality jobs, understanding the gap between expectation and reality changes everything. Craig also digs deep into the data behind podcast sponsorships, sharing real stats from HubSpot, Edison Research, and eMarketer on why host-read ads and brand building consistently outperform traditional marketing. Hint: It all comes down to trust. Highlights from this episode: The honest definition of value (it's not what's in the textbook) The danger of the "cheapest quote" and the illusion of value Podcast Advertising Statistics: Why 88% of listeners take action after hearing an ad The 8-to-12 week rule for brand-focused campaigns Why expectation vs. reality is the ultimate business gap 👇 Drop a comment below and let us know: How do you define value in your business? If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review and don't forget to subscribe! We're pushing for more watch hours so we can start doing some massive fence giveaways for the community. Go out there and be a good human!