Top of the Chain with Michael Reed

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN FENCE ASSOCIATION

WITH FENCETECH ’24 IN OUR REAR-VIEW MIRROR, WHAT WERE SOME OF THE HIGH POINTS?

There were so many high points. The opening party, Pickets and Picks, was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry colleagues. The education program had over 50 opportunities to learn something new, and the tradeshow was packed with innovative products and experts.

All that being said, the most significant high point was the spirit of connectivity shared by exhibitors and attendees and how that resulted in a welcoming and inspiring experience.

WHAT WERE SOME OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN BOOTHS, WORKSHOPS, AND EVENTS, THAT STOOD OUT FOR YOU?

Many exhibitors took advantage of the redesigned show floor to create an exhibit experience to showcase their products and services.

In the education sessions, the industry’s leading thinkers shared technical competencies, business growth strategies, and leadership development.

One special event especially captured my attention, the AFA Awards Ceremony. Past President Randy Ward with Radius Fence and Gates was recognized for his service and leadership, and Past President Randy Becnel with Triple B Construction and Fence was inducted into the AFA Hall of Fame. Recognizing the impact these two individuals have had on the organization and the industry was one of the things that made this FENCETECH so special.

WHAT ARE SOME BEHIND-THE-SCENES HAPPENINGS TO PULL OFF AN EVENT THIS SIZE THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN?

People would be surprised to learn how much volunteer engagement goes into FENCETECH. Industry leaders are passionate about AFA, which is demonstrated in the time they invest in event planning, preparing presentations, leading panel discussions, and connecting to new people through special interest groups.

Volunteers form the backbone of FENCETECH, and they work with AFA’s expert meeting planning team to balance tradition and innovation to make FENCETECH the premier event in the industry.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE FENCETECH EXPERIENCE?

I enjoy how every FENCETECH reflects the AFA experience. FENCETECH is where you belong if you are a professional in our industry. You can’t afford to miss the camaraderie, product innovations, and building a network that can improve your business.

It’s where you grow in terms of developing a deeper understanding of yourself, your business, and your customers. It’s where you lead by being involved with others working on an industry issue or concern you care deeply about, and ultimately, it’s about where you succeed by putting everything together, pushing yourself to improve each day, and creating a positive impact.

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PATH PRIOR TO AFA?

I’ve spent most of my 30-year career working with staff and volunteers who lead associations. For almost a decade, I worked on the credentialing and education programs for the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (now PHTA).

I’ve started two companies: a software company that worked with associations and, for seven years, I had a consulting company that only worked with associations. That’s how I became acquainted with AFA; I was an outside consultant who helped with planning and governance for several years.

SINCE TAKING THE HELM OF AFA IN JUNE 2022, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES?

AFA has a rich 62-year history of being a leading resource to the industry. My role as an executive director is to help our board of directors articulate a clear vision for the future and then implement winning strategies to make that vision a reality.

The AFA board has prioritized several focus areas that drive our strategic plan. First, we will elevate the fence, gate, and perimeter security community through outstanding events and networking opportunities like FENCETECH. Next, we will continue to provide world-class educational and certification experiences that elevate the professionals in our industry. We will also increase awareness and adherence to industry standards and best practices. And, perhaps most importantly, we want to help create the environment where the industry grows.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR AFA AS AN ORGANIZATION?

In 2024, AFA will create meaningful industry impact through several important initiatives, including advancing gate safety through standards development, community awareness, and education.

We’ll monitor government relations issues important to our industry and share information to help our members. And we’ll use online learning to promote career pathways to help our members recruit, train, and retain our industry’s best talent.

In each of these examples, we’ll find ways to partner with our members to help them reach their goals and be an indispensable resource to help them grow their businesses.

Back Row – Catherine Mills-Reynolds, Sara Surprenant, Michael Reed, Nick Rike, Alexa Churchwell Front Row – Causby Challacombe, Kelly Buchheit, Danielle Rhodes, Maggie Sutton

WHEN IT COMES TO THE CHAPTERS OF AFA, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEYS TO FOCUS ON?

The chapters are a critical component of the AFA experience. They provide members with grassroots education, networking, leadership development, and service-learning opportunities.

In 2023, successful AFA chapter service projects across the country supported youth baseball, disabled veterans, and parks and schools. In three states, chapter leaders addressed licensing and code issues important to AFA members.

In 2024, our chapters will produce the West Coast Fence Show and the Northeast Fence Show, both events connecting suppliers with contractors and delivering excellent education. The chapter experience allows members to connect with others and make a difference in their local communities.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRY TO CULTIVATE LEADERSHIP WITHIN THEIR COMPANY?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when company leaders think about creating a leadership development program. The best advice is to take a bold first step. Find a partner to help you identify your most pressing leadership needs, and then take one small step. That first step will lead to another and another. Think of your program as starting a movement, involving others, and letting them explore their passions and interests.

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR AND WHY?

Leading change is a passion for me. As an organization geek, I like to study and explore how companies work. I love how change initiatives include aspects of culture, strategy planning, teamwork, and leadership. I love helping leaders create and share a new vision, getting others involved in the change, and encouraging all of them to new heights while recognizing their efforts.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY AWAY FROM THE OFFICE?

Today, much of my time away from the office is spent writing my doctoral dissertation on leadership and trust. I promised my 22-year-old self that I would someday hold a doctoral degree. Getting to this final phase has taken many years and several detours. Once it is done, I’m returning to hiking, scuba diving, and other outdoor activities.

My family is my other joy. My wife and I are finding ways to connect with our 14-year-old daughter. We live in Maryland now, but we’re from Texas. My parents and siblings are still there, so we like to travel to Austin to spend time with family and friends.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I’m motivated by the power of associations, especially associations like AFA.

AFA is a community that builds leaders. It tackles complex problems and unites people to solve them. I am grateful to be surrounded by a talented staff and passionate volunteers. We all work together to lift the fence and gate industry to new heights. This sense of mission and purpose is why I’ve dedicated my life to this work. It is powerful to take a group of volunteers and help them change the world; that’s what makes AFA exciting!