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Top of the Chain Annual Recap 2023
Top of the Chain highlights those in the fencing, manufacturing and outdoor living industries who excel both on the job and off. They've found their passion and make a difference; whether it's in their community or around the globe. Fence News is pleased to highlight the leaders we featured in 2023.
JANUARY | Sheryl McMahon, chief financial officer | Dandy Digger
Sheryl McMahon’s late husband, Jim, founded Dandy Digger in the early 60s in Cathlamet, Washington.
Prior to establishing the company, Jim was a fence contractor who developed a machine for his own use that could dig in all types of tough conditions and still be fast and agile on residential lawn jobs. Eventually these companies began to have him fabricate a digger of the same design he was using for their own use.
In 1980, he built a manufacturing facility to further the design and fabrication of the Dandy Digger unit and its related equipment.
Upon Jim’s death in 2018, Sheryl stepped into the leadership role, along with CEO-Manager Mike Willette, who has been with Dandy Digger for over 30 years. “The responsibility and in-depth commitment that is required to produce good and dependable equipment of this nature in our day and age is immense,” Sheryl says. “We take great pride in our Dandy Digger family of equipment owners and always try to build the professional fencer’s business. We always provide top notch customer service.”
For more information, visit dandydigger.com.
Prior to establishing the company, Jim was a fence contractor who developed a machine for his own use that could dig in all types of tough conditions and still be fast and agile on residential lawn jobs. Eventually these companies began to have him fabricate a digger of the same design he was using for their own use.
In 1980, he built a manufacturing facility to further the design and fabrication of the Dandy Digger unit and its related equipment.
Upon Jim’s death in 2018, Sheryl stepped into the leadership role, along with CEO-Manager Mike Willette, who has been with Dandy Digger for over 30 years. “The responsibility and in-depth commitment that is required to produce good and dependable equipment of this nature in our day and age is immense,” Sheryl says. “We take great pride in our Dandy Digger family of equipment owners and always try to build the professional fencer’s business. We always provide top notch customer service.”
For more information, visit dandydigger.com.
FEBRUARY | Shane Miller, CEO | American Wholesale Fenceworks and Mossy Oak Fence
Shane Miller is head of two independent fencing companies located in Florida that work in tandem: American Wholesale Fenceworks and Mossy Oak Fence.
Mossy Oak Fence was founded in 2008; they install all types of standard fences and gates, but it’s their custom work that sets them apart from the crowd. In 2018, he founded American Wholesale Fenceworks to have a dedicated team of experts focused on purchasing, inventory management, production and order fulfillment that would supply materials not only for Mossy Oak Fence, but many other fencing companies in Florida and around the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
“As a true entrepreneur at heart, I love to build things,” Shane says. “It gives me a sense of purpose every day to wake up running and to see what else we can do as a team to move the company closer to achieving our goals. I’ve also embraced the challenge of building people and helping them take steps towards being the next generation of leaders within our organization.”
“As a faith-based business, our values come from God,” he says. “I believe in doing the right thing in every circumstance and consistently modeling that for the team every day.
For more information, visit awfenceworks.com and mossyoakfences.com.
Mossy Oak Fence was founded in 2008; they install all types of standard fences and gates, but it’s their custom work that sets them apart from the crowd. In 2018, he founded American Wholesale Fenceworks to have a dedicated team of experts focused on purchasing, inventory management, production and order fulfillment that would supply materials not only for Mossy Oak Fence, but many other fencing companies in Florida and around the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
“As a true entrepreneur at heart, I love to build things,” Shane says. “It gives me a sense of purpose every day to wake up running and to see what else we can do as a team to move the company closer to achieving our goals. I’ve also embraced the challenge of building people and helping them take steps towards being the next generation of leaders within our organization.”
“As a faith-based business, our values come from God,” he says. “I believe in doing the right thing in every circumstance and consistently modeling that for the team every day.
For more information, visit awfenceworks.com and mossyoakfences.com.
MARCH | Barry Marrs, CEO/owner | Security Contractor Services
As part of the fencing industry for 55 years, Barry Marrs remains in the business because of his love for the fencing contractor.
“I’ve had the great honor and privilege to work with a group of individuals throughout the fencing industry who exemplify the best of America,” Barry says. “Their honesty, integrity, and commitment to their customers, suppliers and employees is great to see and I’m honored to be part of that community.”
After a career at Master Fence Fittings and Master Halco, he purchased Security Contractor Services in 2006. The company acquired Capitol Steel Products in 2007, which manufactures custom ornamental iron products.
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 all, SCS/Capitol Steel have 10 operating units spread from Southern California to Seattle, Washington, serving the entire West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.
“I think of myself as a conscientious manager focused on building the company,” Barry says. “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. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than go to work each day and tackle the challenges and opportunities the fencing industry provides.”
For more information, visit scsfence.com.
“I’ve had the great honor and privilege to work with a group of individuals throughout the fencing industry who exemplify the best of America,” Barry says. “Their honesty, integrity, and commitment to their customers, suppliers and employees is great to see and I’m honored to be part of that community.”
After a career at Master Fence Fittings and Master Halco, he purchased Security Contractor Services in 2006. The company acquired Capitol Steel Products in 2007, which manufactures custom ornamental iron products.
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 all, SCS/Capitol Steel have 10 operating units spread from Southern California to Seattle, Washington, serving the entire West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.
“I think of myself as a conscientious manager focused on building the company,” Barry says. “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. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than go to work each day and tackle the challenges and opportunities the fencing industry provides.”
For more information, visit scsfence.com.
APRIL | Simon Lee, president | Northstar Controls
After working for several companies in the vehicle detector industry since the late 1970s, it was a natural step for Simon Lee to start his own company, Northstar Controls.
“Although my degree is in engineering and I am still actively engaged in design and engineering, my interest has always been manufacturing and in maintaining consistent quality and constantly upgrading methods,” Simon explains. “This is the major reason that Northstar manufactures all products in-house.”
After opening a small manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona, the increased sales volume from the first few years of business led him to a larger facility in Sarasota, Florida, in 2007.
“Our emphasis on automation improves productivity,” he says. “Our workforce continues to expand in a measured way which allows the company to maintain quality while giving the capacity needed to meet the needs of our expanding market share.”
For more information, visit northstarcontrols.com.
“Although my degree is in engineering and I am still actively engaged in design and engineering, my interest has always been manufacturing and in maintaining consistent quality and constantly upgrading methods,” Simon explains. “This is the major reason that Northstar manufactures all products in-house.”
After opening a small manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona, the increased sales volume from the first few years of business led him to a larger facility in Sarasota, Florida, in 2007.
“Our emphasis on automation improves productivity,” he says. “Our workforce continues to expand in a measured way which allows the company to maintain quality while giving the capacity needed to meet the needs of our expanding market share.”
For more information, visit northstarcontrols.com.
MAY | Tatsuro “Tats” Kimura, president and CEO | Master Halco
Surviving and thriving during the past few years due to the pandemic and supply chain shortages are accomplishments worth celebrating. Tatsuro “Tats” Kimura, president and chief executive officer with Master Halco, focused on customer service, employee retention, and in doing so, led the company to achieve an increase in sales despite the recent challenges.
“We continually search for growth opportunities,” he says. “With the pandemic leading to more people spending time at home and in their backyards, it allowed us to clearly see the huge potential, not only in growing the fence business, but also entering into the decking and railing market as both product lines contribute to improving the outdoor living space experience.”
Promoting a culture of excellence throughout the company is a priority. “We aim to nurture a service mindset to remain the preferred partner with our stakeholders,” he says.
To learn more, visit masterhalco.com.
“We continually search for growth opportunities,” he says. “With the pandemic leading to more people spending time at home and in their backyards, it allowed us to clearly see the huge potential, not only in growing the fence business, but also entering into the decking and railing market as both product lines contribute to improving the outdoor living space experience.”
Promoting a culture of excellence throughout the company is a priority. “We aim to nurture a service mindset to remain the preferred partner with our stakeholders,” he says.
To learn more, visit masterhalco.com.
JUNE | Kyle Guillot, chief operating officer | Fencing Supply Group
Kyle began his career in the fencing industry at Merchants Metals, right out of college. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of branch manager in California.
“Of all the roles I’ve had in my career, this one was the most impactful,” he says. “For us, our branches are where all the action happens and where we make the most difference for our customers. The lessons I learned in this role stick with me even today.”
Today, as chief operating officer with Fencing Supply Group, his primary role is to support their 72 locations and 1,200 employees.
“This industry and this company are filled with some of the best people I’ve ever been around. As we grow, I find myself surrounded by even more talented and genuinely nice people every day, it keeps me energized,” he says.
For more information, visit fencingsupplygroup.com.
“Of all the roles I’ve had in my career, this one was the most impactful,” he says. “For us, our branches are where all the action happens and where we make the most difference for our customers. The lessons I learned in this role stick with me even today.”
Today, as chief operating officer with Fencing Supply Group, his primary role is to support their 72 locations and 1,200 employees.
“This industry and this company are filled with some of the best people I’ve ever been around. As we grow, I find myself surrounded by even more talented and genuinely nice people every day, it keeps me energized,” he says.
For more information, visit fencingsupplygroup.com.
JULY | Mary Cobb, president and CEO | J.C.Gury
Mary Cobb, CEO of J.C. Gury, began working there part-time while in college. Fast forward a few years, and now she’s CEO of the company her father bought in 1971.
A custom screen-printing sign manufacturer, J.C. Gury focuses mainly on outdoor signs and decals, doing business nationwide as well as Canada and Mexico.
“We still do things the old-fashioned way; when you call our customer service department, you talk with a real person who can give you answers and assist with your order,” Mary says. “Every customer is important no matter how small or large the order.”
“My focus is to keep J.C. Gury running like a well-oiled machine, as my father did. I’m proud to carry on his legacy,” Mary says.
For details, visit jcgury.com.
A custom screen-printing sign manufacturer, J.C. Gury focuses mainly on outdoor signs and decals, doing business nationwide as well as Canada and Mexico.
“We still do things the old-fashioned way; when you call our customer service department, you talk with a real person who can give you answers and assist with your order,” Mary says. “Every customer is important no matter how small or large the order.”
“My focus is to keep J.C. Gury running like a well-oiled machine, as my father did. I’m proud to carry on his legacy,” Mary says.
For details, visit jcgury.com.
AUGUST | Ron DeMedio, co-owner | International Gate Devices
A born entrepreneur, Ron DeMedio has a passion for business. “I knew I wanted to control my own destiny,” he says.
International Gate Devices, located in Folsom, Pennsylvania, is a single source supplier for bolt on and weld on track systems for cantilever slide gates.
One of the business lessons he’s learned is that perfection is the greatest obstacle to productivity. “Perfection has no place in the world of entrepreneurship,” Ron says. “You must weigh the opportunity cost of letting perfectionism slow you down.”
He enjoys the independence of working at his own company. “I love Monday mornings,” Ron says. “That’s when things start to happen.”
To learn more, visit slidegate.net.
International Gate Devices, located in Folsom, Pennsylvania, is a single source supplier for bolt on and weld on track systems for cantilever slide gates.
One of the business lessons he’s learned is that perfection is the greatest obstacle to productivity. “Perfection has no place in the world of entrepreneurship,” Ron says. “You must weigh the opportunity cost of letting perfectionism slow you down.”
He enjoys the independence of working at his own company. “I love Monday mornings,” Ron says. “That’s when things start to happen.”
To learn more, visit slidegate.net.
SEPTEMBER | Loren “Digger” Graber, president and chief visionary officer | Digger Specialties
Digger Specialties manufactures, produces and sells vinyl and aluminum fencing and gates; they also manufacture railing and columns under the Westbury and PolyRail brands. They have six plants in five states: Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.
The company began as a custom bending process for vinyl frames for various furniture applications. In 1984, Digger Specialties was established for the sole purpose of manufacturing and selling vinyl fencing and related maintenance-free products.
“Where there is no vision, there is no future,” Digger says. “I believe that by using the title of chief visionary officer, it constantly reminds me to use the gifts God gave me. Visionaries create, that is what large organizations tend to overlook.”
For more information, visit diggerspecialties.com.
The company began as a custom bending process for vinyl frames for various furniture applications. In 1984, Digger Specialties was established for the sole purpose of manufacturing and selling vinyl fencing and related maintenance-free products.
“Where there is no vision, there is no future,” Digger says. “I believe that by using the title of chief visionary officer, it constantly reminds me to use the gifts God gave me. Visionaries create, that is what large organizations tend to overlook.”
For more information, visit diggerspecialties.com.
October | Ted Eysenbach, general manager | Stephens Pipe and Steel
With 34 years as general manager of Stephens Pipe and Steel, Ted Eysenbach brings experience, wisdom and a healthy dose of good humor to the table.
“People would be surprised to know how much fun it is. At SPS, we have laughed for decades, all the while growing the business to where it is today,” Ted says.
Everything at SPS is geared toward making sure the customer has what they need, when they need it. As a result, they have grown to 18 well-stocked locations.
“I hope that as we grow older, we realize the difference between what is important and what is just noise. Turns out, it’s mostly noise,” Ted says. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
To learn more, visit spsfence.com.
“People would be surprised to know how much fun it is. At SPS, we have laughed for decades, all the while growing the business to where it is today,” Ted says.
Everything at SPS is geared toward making sure the customer has what they need, when they need it. As a result, they have grown to 18 well-stocked locations.
“I hope that as we grow older, we realize the difference between what is important and what is just noise. Turns out, it’s mostly noise,” Ted says. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
To learn more, visit spsfence.com.
NOVEMBER | John Eichenlaub, president | Fence and Mechanical with Wheatland
With 20 years in the fencing industry, John Eichenlaub’s resume is filled with a variety of skills. Today, he’s president of Fence and Mechanical with Wheatland, a subsidiary of Zekelman Industries. His constant driver is a commitment to excellence within the fencing industry.
“I had the opportunity of manufacturing security products following the events of 9/11, driven heavily by applications in the military and homeland defense,” John explains.
“I specifically came to Wheatland because I admire Barry Zekelman,” he says. “I had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with him as a customer. He listened intently to my concerns and expressed a proactive response. I knew I wanted to be part of his team and continue to believe in his vision.”
“Teamwork is required to build success,” he says. “Our industry is focused on solving problems. We attack problems and opportunities at the installation level and from the customer’s point of view. This involves listening to the customer, something all of us work toward in fencing.”
To learn more, visit wheatland.com.
“I had the opportunity of manufacturing security products following the events of 9/11, driven heavily by applications in the military and homeland defense,” John explains.
“I specifically came to Wheatland because I admire Barry Zekelman,” he says. “I had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with him as a customer. He listened intently to my concerns and expressed a proactive response. I knew I wanted to be part of his team and continue to believe in his vision.”
“Teamwork is required to build success,” he says. “Our industry is focused on solving problems. We attack problems and opportunities at the installation level and from the customer’s point of view. This involves listening to the customer, something all of us work toward in fencing.”
To learn more, visit wheatland.com.
