Top of the Chain

with Barry Marrs CEO/OWNER WITH SECURITY CONTRACTOR SERVICES, INC.

A respected leader in the fencing industry, Barry Marrs, owner of Security Contractor Services, Inc., says those who work in the industry exemplify the best of America: they have honesty, integrity and commitment. His extensive career path gave him a wide variety of experience in several locations, eventually putting him at the helm of SCS, headquartered in North Highlands, California.

DESCRIBE THE GROWTH OF SECURITY CONTRACTOR SERVICES (SCS) THROUGH THE YEARS.

SCS started as a small wholesale manufacturer in 1973 based in San Jose, California and has grown into three divisions focused on four different markets. The wholesale division manufactures and distributes chain link fencing material to fencing contractors and the rental division handles temporary fencing to contractors around construction sites, special events and repair sites from fires and accidents. In 2007, the company acquired Capitol Steel Products which manufactures custom ornamental iron products.

In all, SCS/Capitol Steel have 10 operating units spread from Southern California to Seattle, Washington, serving the entire West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT WORKING WITH FENCING CONTRACTORS?

I have been in the fencing industry for 55 years. I’ve remained in the business because of my love for the fencing contractor. I’ve had the great honor and privilege to work with a group of individuals throughout the fencing industry that exemplify the best of America. The honesty, integrity, and commitment to their customers, suppliers and employees is great to see and I am honored to be part of that community.

Most contractors are family owned and operated, looking to support their families through hard work, integrity and honesty in all they do. I’m proud to be part of such a great industry.

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND?

In 1967, I joined what was then known as Master Fence Fittings, located in La Habra, California as an inside salesperson. In 1969, I became an outside salesperson covering Southern California and Southern Nevada. In 1971, I moved to Denver, Colorado as a branch manager where I stayed until 1978. In addition to my duties, I assumed the responsibility for representing national accounts, such as Sears and Montgomery Ward. In support of my duties with the national accounts, I moved to Chicago, Illinois as a regional manager with continued responsibility for national accounts.

In 1981, I moved back to Southern California to assume the role of regional manager for the West Coast. In 1983, I was promoted to vice president of marketing for the new Master Halco company that resulted from the merger of Master Fence Fittings and Halco Fence and Wire of Dallas, Texas.

In 1991, I was promoted to president of Master Halco and remained in that role for 12 years. In 2003, I left Master Halco and in January of 2006, I purchased Security Contractor Services, Inc. from the Honoré family of San Jose, California. I remain the owner of the company and have full responsibility for the company’s performance.

HOW IS BUSINESS?

In my 17 years of ownership, the company has grown over 500%; in the past five years, we have grown over 120%.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DOES SCS HAVE CURRENTLY?

Approximately 250, adjusted seasonally.

HOW HAS THE FENCING INDUSTRY CHANGED THROUGH THE YEARS?

Many changes have occurred, some for the better, some not so much. The overriding themes of the past 20 – 30 years are:

• Consolidations among the larger companies
• Dramatic expansion of product offerings to the fencing industry. Those who attend FENCETECH over the years have noticed an expansion of products from chain link being the dominant player to other products such as wood, plastic, and automatic gate operators taking center stage.

WHAT TYPE OF LEADER ARE YOU?

I think of myself as a conscientous manager focused on building the company. I believe in setting a plan and allocating resources to achieve the plan while delegating daily responsibility to achieving the plan to my management team.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

I love what I do and the industry in which I have the honor to do it. I can’t think of anything I would rather do than to come to work each day to tackle the challenges and opportunities this wonderful industry provides.

To learn more, visit www.scsfence.com.