Start-Up Stories

by Jared Burns

“I grew up with the smell of cedar and it still gets me to this day.”

Jared Burns is a 3rd generation in the fencing industry. His grandfather, Bill Burns, started installing fence in 1964. Bill and his brother worked at Hurricane Fence Manufacturing in the early 60’s in Houston, Texas. Bill oversaw the growing installation business. Since the company wanted to focus on manufacturing, Bill branched out with the agreement that Hurricane Fence would send all installation customers to him.

Bill Burns, grandfather, with Jared, Allison and Ashley Burns

“In that era, the Gemini space rocket was all over the news, and he had been in the Air Force in the early 40’s, and that is how Astro Fence Company began,” Jared explains.

Bill did mostly residential work but started getting more recognized in the commercial field. Bill’s son, Paul, joined the company in the early 80’s and focused on acquiring more commercial projects.

“My dad got the contract with H.A Lott/Manhattan Construction for the fence around the Astro Dome,” explains Jared. “After that first big step, the company continued to grow with my dad at the helm. He served as president in our local American Subcontractors Association in 1991.”

Jared and Paul Burns

Then, the events of September 11, 2001 occurred. “I enlisted in the Air Force, Security Forces and served from 2002 – 2008,” Jared says. “At that time, Astro Fence had grown into one of the largest fencing companies in Houston. I joined the team and worked alongside dad about eight years. In 2017, I became president of the company.”

“The ASA / ABC / AGC have provided positive outlets and forums to truly learn from industry leaders,” he says. “Dad still comes to the office 2 – 3 days a week to consult or offer unsolicited wisdom! I’ve learned a great deal from him and welcome his input.”

Astro Fence Company is in Conroe, Texas, one of the fastest growing cities in the US. “Being able to help the local community grow and develop is my greatest accomplishment in business,” Jared says. “We have a wonderfully strong Chamber of Commerce that promotes positive relationships and support. As a third-generation owner, I hope to instill that same level of pride and accomplishment in my three boys.”

Astro Fence handles fence installation of all kinds: residential and commercial chain link, custom ornamental iron, access control and gate operators, sports complexes, material supply and fabrication and decorative cedar wood. “I grew up with the smell of cedar and it still gets me to this day,” he says. “It’s easy to when you love what you do and can’t wait for Monday, even after almost 15 years. I step back at the end of a project, big or small, and to see what you’ve created is an indescribable sense of accomplishment and pride. With all the gray areas in this world, I appreciate that a fence is tangible. You’re either on one side or the other. Unless you’re ‘on the fence’ and that’s a whole different topic!”

Armed with a talented sales team, Jared says the crew at Astro Fence provides an honest, trustworthy service that he is proud of. “I’m not sure if anyone ever sees themselves as a business owner. A good owner started as a leader. The best owners are elected, not selected. Life is so fluid these days, that all you can do is your best every day and see where you land,” he says. “I work alongside my team and maintain a positive environment. I greatly enjoy watching them grow. Unfortunately, some days you’re the dog, and some days you’re the hydrant. My focus is to build a team so strong that no one can tell who’s the boss, then greatness will follow.”

To learn more, visit www.astrofencecompany.com.

Those on the outside may think owning and growing a business is glamorous. They see the current building, the staff, the equipment and the profits. What they don’t see are the startups. The small beginnings, the ever-present worry, the dreams and the everyday decisions that can either make it or break it.

Fence News honors those who put their hat in the self-employment ring and built their business one small step at a time.