Top of the Chain with

Coley Scott, Jr.

Owner/President, KEENER DUPONT WIRE

A man with many stories and a true appreciation for his role in the fencing industry, Coley Scott, Jr. with Keener Dupont Wire is an example that humbleness and hard work still win in business. His traditional approach to business puts a lot of value in a person’s character and it’s led to many years of success.

How and when was Keener Dupont Wire founded?
Keener Dupont Wire originated in Panama City, Florida. It moved to Louisiana in 1968 when my dad bought the company in 1971 and I’ve been part of it since 1975. The company location moved from Plaquemine, Louisiana, to our current place in Prairieville, Louisiana, in 2004, the same year I officially became owner. Our new location is about three times the size of where we were.

You mentioned that personal service is an important aspect in our industry. What makes it a critical piece of your company? It boils down to the fact that we are problem solvers, you have to “work the problem, don’t let the problem work you”. Our customers know that we will help them find the product they need, even if we don’t sell it. I’ve even had calls come in late in the evening and shipped out the materials they need on the evening bus. I try to do all I can to meet their need, If we don’t produce it, which doesn’t happen often, then I’ll try to find a resource for them.

My customers, my suppliers and my employees, they are the critical ones in the mix, I’m just the one to coordinate it. So being the owner I get to just link everyone together and can’t do it without all of them. This is why I believe in personal service, not just to my customers but my employees and suppliers as well.

I’ve learned over the years that you get out what you put in. I’m right there with my customers, getting them what they need, partnering with them to solve their problem. I appreciate all the return business we have; we have so many loyal customers.

What are some of the business techniques you’ve learned along the way?
I’ve found that most people are honest. If you keep a channel of communication open with your customers, you know how their business is doing. We’ve had only a handful of bad accounts in my 47-year history. That’s because we try to know our customers.

It goes back to our commitment to personal service. I believe that helps us in every way in this business.

Did you always envision yourself in the fencing industry?
I enjoyed studying electronics in high school. After graduation, I had some offers from other companies. In the end, I decided I really enjoyed the fencing business and continued working with my dad here at Keener Dupont Wire. I can’t envision myself working in any other industry. I wouldn’t change anything; I actually enjoy coming to work every day.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I truly appreciate all the friends I’ve made over the years in this industry. The people are what make this so enjoyable. We have customers in every state of the country, except Alaska. Most of our business comes from personal referrals and from other companies. When you treat people well, they remember it and they are glad to recommend you to other businesses.

What do you enjoy as a hobby?
I’ve had several hobbies over the years. I’m a ham radio operator. I had my pilot’s license for many years and enjoyed flying. I had a Harley for years and my wife and I drove from Prairieville, Louisiana, to Las Vegas and back several times; we had a wonderful time with each trip and met so many friendly people.

Do you have other family members who work with you in the business?
My son Thomas is my general manager. He started working in the back in production for several years, because you have to know how to work it before you can start solving problems with customers. After a few years of that, I moved him to the front and he answered every phone call for five years. That helped him learn quickly the pulse of our customers. Now, he knows almost as much as me. Almost.

My daughter DeeDee has been with us for several months. She’s a machine operator and is progressing in her knowledge of how it all works. We are looking forward to her next steps.

But I have to remember that I’ve been doing this for 40-plus years and they are not going to learn it all in a few weeks. I found that some of the institutional knowledge that we have with 40+ years has to be experienced and can’t be just taught. But it’s wonderful when your family is part of the business.

What do you envision for the future?
We have plans to expand our storage and manufacturing capacity because we are anticipating more growth. Our current location has 16,400 square feet and we’ll probably expand that soon.

What advice have you followed over the years?
Someone once told me, “If a man will lie to you, he’ll steal from you.” I’ve made it a point to observe people and do my best to work with honest people. You can get to know someone’s character if you pay attention. I’ve been fortunate to do business with so many good people.