Fence Workers Association

Time - it’s the one commodity that no one seems to have enough of.

Or sometimes, the commodity that we feel like could be put to better use. Cue ‘software’, a tool that is supposed to provide us with more time and optimize the time we spend using it.   

With so many software services coming into the fence industry, how can we be sure that we’re choosing the right software for our needs at the right time? Let’s review a few of the key features that make software worth purchasing and the challenges of implementing new software.

AUTOMATION

There are, and will be, software solutions on the market that offer great automations, such as producing a material breakdown, job sketch, shop drawings, and all associated documents simultaneously (Fence. Cloud) or helping to track and monitor a customer’s relationship with the tea while simultaneously handling job progress, scheduling, and reminders based on tasks (Job Nimbus). 

ORGANIZATION

Organization is key for efficiency. Choose software that helps you visualize your process and seamlessly keep track of important documents and images. One issue that we’ve encountered with clients is when generic software can’t differentiate between files that need to be associated with a particular estimate, and files that need to be readily available to all employees for every job.  An image that we took 2 years ago doesn’t mean much to us today until we see it in the context of an estimate or job. Taking that idea one-step further, a truly intelligent piece of software will allow you take an estimate specific file and add it to company-wide resources; or designate a company-wide file to an estimate and mark it as being provided to the customer. Being organized not only helps you wow customers and save time, but also protects you from liability. 

DEVICE LIMITATIONS

After selling a Windows only estimating program (CFS) for four decades, we can tell you from experience that forcing a Mac person to use a Windows operating system is an uphill battle. This holds true across multiple devices. Check to see if the program you want to use is only available on one type of operating system. If it is not the operating system that your team is used to using be prepared for extra implementation time. Not only does your team have to learn anew piece of software, but they also

have to overcome that uneasy feeling of working with an interface that doesn’t feel natural to them. As more and more software solutions become universally available or cloud-based, this issue should fade away.

DUPLICATION

How many pieces of software are you running? One? Two? Three? Some of our clients are using 4 or 5 pieces of software just to manage their day-to-day operations. And if these solutions are not talking to one another, someone is expected to duplicate information from one important system to another. At this point, things can begin to fall through the cracks.

Implementing a large piece of software can be overwhelming, but consider the trade-offs between learning a new piece of software that handles 2 or 3 different tasks, versus keeping track of information between two or three different programs. If you have a program that does an incredible job and simply can’t be replaced then see if an integration is possible. Integrations that reduce data duplication reduce mistakes and save your team valuable time.

By: Julie Schulze

In 2016, Cannon Johnson felt there were simply not enough good fence contractors to service the market in West Tennessee. They believed they could fill the gaps, so they formed Jackson Fence Company - of Medina, Tennessee.  With just $600, a 17-year-old truck, and some borrowed tools, they got to work.  

Hole after hole, blister after blister. Jackson Fence Co. worked their tails off learning the trade. They didn't feel they were the best, but they worked hard.  Looking back, Cannon Johnson believes all their fences were quality - even the early ones - they were just very inefficient.  But here they are, 4 years later, and about 1,200 fences under their belt, somewhere along the way, they have gotten pretty good and efficient at what they do. 

Cannon says that like any business.  It's hard.  It's hard now, but it's hard in a different way than it was in 2016.  He feels they are still learning, and fortunately it seems we're still growing.  Today, it takes my wife, seven guys, and myself to keep up with the demand that West Tennessee has afforded us.  Some days, it seems we're only barely keeping up.  Still, it's been fun.  We've met a lot of really good people, and we've seen West Tennessee more times in the last four years than I ever imagined.  Hopefully, if you're reading this, you will choose to become a part of our story as well.  

                                                                                           - Cannon Johnson

Running any service business can be confusing, overwhelming,

and full of challenges. And as you know all too well, Fencing is no different. You’re dealing with difficult clients, material shortages, high gas prices, lack of labor, and so much more. But if you can make it, there is plenty of success to go around. Recently, we sat down to chat with a panel of seasoned fencing experts to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting the industry in 2022.

Fencing businesses looking to scale can look to diversify their products and services, offering upsell opportunities that do not require significant labor or overhead increases. 

Matt Warner, noted that when looking to scale, he wanted to go “both vertical and horizontal.” “I added a fab shop, I added sandblasting and powder coating. We specialize in sports construction so we’ve added a retail arm for sports construction,” Warner says. “As business owners, you have to be thinking outside the box and having different arms of your business.”

While increasing sales is an important aspect of scaling your business, you must also expand your team in order to handle the increase in business. To accomplish that, finding creative ways to reach those workers is essential. Shawn King, President of Mr. Fence uses advertisements to start the hiring process. “One thing I did uniquely in my job postings was I didn’t put a position/title and did not put pay, so we were looking for anybody that wants to be a part of the team. When the conversation starts, ‘Well how much do you pay?’ I say ‘Well how much are you worth? You tell me what you’re good at and I’ll tell you how much you’re worth.’”

ABOUT ARCSITE

ArcSite is the mobile sketching and estimation software of choice for residential contractors. Professionals use ArcSite to save time and eliminate errors with digital drawings and instant proposals. ArcSite enables businesses to close more deals on the spot and save hours every week producing quotes and takeoff reports. Over 75,000 contractors use ArcSite to deliver more bids and boost sales as high as 52%. Residential contractors look more professional, stand out from the competition, and bid better with ArcSite. Learn more at www.ArcSite.com/Fencing