New Ornamental Steel Product Used for Perimeter Security
November 30, 2022
Chain Link Fence Installation Standards
November 30, 2022
Top of the Chain - Annual Recap 2022
One of the highlights of each issue of Fence News is Top of the Chain, where we feature leaders within the fencing industry. We look at their highs and lows, their achievements and lessons learned, essentially pulling back the curtain of the business to get to know the leader at the helm. The individuals who were featured this year are a wide mix of talents and personalities. It’s our pleasure to share a recap of Top of the Chain for 2022.
JANUARY | Sharon Felcher, president of NASCO
As president of NASCO, Sharon Felcher has almost 40 years of experience in the fencing industry. She handles the importing
and distribution of fence products, working with a variety of suppliers from across the world and wearing many hats ranging
from sales to sourcing products and supplies to execution.
After being in the field of education for a few years, intuition led her to the business world. Felcher began working at an international trading company in Manhattan as an assistant to the commodities trader. Shortly after, they formed a joint venture with another company involved in the fence industry. In 1982, she was asked to join the sales force and she attended her first fence show in Orlando, Florida. Today, she owns the company.
The best advice she received over the years is, “Cherish your customers or someone else will.”
After being in the field of education for a few years, intuition led her to the business world. Felcher began working at an international trading company in Manhattan as an assistant to the commodities trader. Shortly after, they formed a joint venture with another company involved in the fence industry. In 1982, she was asked to join the sales force and she attended her first fence show in Orlando, Florida. Today, she owns the company.
The best advice she received over the years is, “Cherish your customers or someone else will.”
FEBRUARY | Mark Levin, executive vice president, Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute
Mark Levin has been at the helm of the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute for 38 years, seeing massive changes in
virtually every part of the business. Some of the highlights at CLFMI include helping the Consumer Product Safety Commission
write the guidelines for fencing around home swimming pools, standardizing the bar-coding system in the industry, and
helping to design perimeter security systems to protect the North American Energy Grid.
An author of several books about leadership, Levin’s book, The Gift of Leadership, focuses on the opportunities of leadership, to bring the skills and experiences gained and apply them to business, community service work, church work, and anything else you’re involved in.
CLFMI is prospering under Levin’s leadership, retaining more members than ever before in its 62-year history.
For more information, visit www.chainlinkinfo.org.
An author of several books about leadership, Levin’s book, The Gift of Leadership, focuses on the opportunities of leadership, to bring the skills and experiences gained and apply them to business, community service work, church work, and anything else you’re involved in.
CLFMI is prospering under Levin’s leadership, retaining more members than ever before in its 62-year history.
For more information, visit www.chainlinkinfo.org.
MARCH | Coley Scott, Jr., owner, Keener Dupont Wire
Coley Scott, Jr., has been part of Keener Dupont Wire since 1975 and became owner in 2004.
He says a critical aspect of his success is understanding that he and his team are problem solvers. His customers know that the team will help them find the product they need, even if they don’t sell it. Personal service is essential, whether it’s to customers, employees, and suppliers. When you treat people well, they remember it, and they are glad to recommend you to other businesses.
His son Thomas is the general manager and Coley’s daughter DeeDee is a machine operator in the company; he says it’s wonderful when family is part of the business.
They anticipate expanding their storage and manufacturing capacity to accommodate the growth of the company.
For more information, visit www.keenerdupontwire.com.
He says a critical aspect of his success is understanding that he and his team are problem solvers. His customers know that the team will help them find the product they need, even if they don’t sell it. Personal service is essential, whether it’s to customers, employees, and suppliers. When you treat people well, they remember it, and they are glad to recommend you to other businesses.
His son Thomas is the general manager and Coley’s daughter DeeDee is a machine operator in the company; he says it’s wonderful when family is part of the business.
They anticipate expanding their storage and manufacturing capacity to accommodate the growth of the company.
For more information, visit www.keenerdupontwire.com.
APRIL Keith Armour, president, business segment perimeter security with Ameristar Perimeter Security
Clay Hamann, vice president of sales and marketing with Ameristar Perimeter Security
Honesty, commitment, and hard work. That’s how President Keith Armour and Vice President Clay Hamann sum up their approach. Keith began his career at Ameristar Perimeter Security in 2008 in supply chain before taking over as president in 2019. Clay is relatively new to the fencing industry, but brings 33 years of sales and marketing experience to the table.
For Keith, his career philosophy centers around being direct, honest, hardworking, knowledgeable and caring. People work for a person, not a company; and customers want to buy from a person who is honest and fair. For Clay, his business approach involves sharing accurate information and being transparent.
The advice Keith would offer to someone starting out in the fencing industry is this: take time to listen and learn. It’s an inviting industry if you are willing to listen. Clay says the industry is very accepting of new people, and he has found experts in the industry who have countless decades of knowledge and experience are typically happy to share their knowledge.
For more information, visit www.ameristarperimeter.com.
For Keith, his career philosophy centers around being direct, honest, hardworking, knowledgeable and caring. People work for a person, not a company; and customers want to buy from a person who is honest and fair. For Clay, his business approach involves sharing accurate information and being transparent.
The advice Keith would offer to someone starting out in the fencing industry is this: take time to listen and learn. It’s an inviting industry if you are willing to listen. Clay says the industry is very accepting of new people, and he has found experts in the industry who have countless decades of knowledge and experience are typically happy to share their knowledge.
For more information, visit www.ameristarperimeter.com.
MAY | Charlie Larsen, founder and president, Larsen Innovations
A problem solver by nature, Charlie Larsen with Larsen Innovations has found a way to incorporate his knowledge of the
fencing industry with his creativity of developing new products.
He was with Master Halco for 30 years and had the privilege to work with some of the best industries’ best people. As he considered his next chapter, he wanted to create new opportunities and products.
Larsen views problems as opportunities, so he likes to probe into the challenges when a customer mentioned a problem. Rather than glossing over the complaint, he values peeling the onion to come up with a solution.
With several patents in his name, he continuously looks for ways to improve things.
For more information, visit www.larseninnovations.com.
He was with Master Halco for 30 years and had the privilege to work with some of the best industries’ best people. As he considered his next chapter, he wanted to create new opportunities and products.
Larsen views problems as opportunities, so he likes to probe into the challenges when a customer mentioned a problem. Rather than glossing over the complaint, he values peeling the onion to come up with a solution.
With several patents in his name, he continuously looks for ways to improve things.
For more information, visit www.larseninnovations.com.
JUNE | Caleb Roth, CEO and founder of Stain & Seal Experts
Caleb Roth and his wife, Ashley, started Stain & Seal Experts in 2012. He was working in his family’s fencing business at the time
and wanted to earn extra money by staining fences on the side. His volume of business increased so much, they started Stain &
Seal Experts to focus solely on staining fences.
Frustrated by the stain products available off the shelf, they decided to make their own stain formula. Soon, dozens of contractors started calling to buy the new stain and their manufacturing business was born.
They host Staining University, an annual convention for wood restoration and staining contractors across the country. It gives them an opportunity to train and share ideas about the wood restoration industry.
Growing up in the fencing business gave Caleb a bird’s eye view of the challenges in owning a company. He continuously studies sales, marketing, business, and finance to navigate through the potential pitfalls. Every problem brings the opportunity to learn and share.
For more information, visit www.stainandsealexperts.com.
Frustrated by the stain products available off the shelf, they decided to make their own stain formula. Soon, dozens of contractors started calling to buy the new stain and their manufacturing business was born.
They host Staining University, an annual convention for wood restoration and staining contractors across the country. It gives them an opportunity to train and share ideas about the wood restoration industry.
Growing up in the fencing business gave Caleb a bird’s eye view of the challenges in owning a company. He continuously studies sales, marketing, business, and finance to navigate through the potential pitfalls. Every problem brings the opportunity to learn and share.
For more information, visit www.stainandsealexperts.com.
JULY | Jessica Burton, president of Poly Vinyl Creations
Jessica’s parents owned Burton Fence and were one of the pioneers in the industry who began offering vinyl fence. In 1996,
Poly Vinyl Creations was formed to offer the ability of custom fabrication to end users through working with licensed trade
contractors. Jessica became president in 2018 after working in various roles within the business.
She is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and handles a variety of aspects of the business, mostly marketing, accounting and technology. As a hands-on owner, she also works in the warehouse, assists with machine maintenance, inventory and special projects.
A male contractor asked if she was a Women Minority Owned Supplier Manufacturer, as it would help him in his bid if they were certified. She checked into it and went through the nine-month process of submissions and interviews to become certified.
Burton enjoys developing leadership within her organization and she’s excited to see employees spread their wings and develop their leadership skills.
For more information, visit www.polyvinylc.com.
She is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and handles a variety of aspects of the business, mostly marketing, accounting and technology. As a hands-on owner, she also works in the warehouse, assists with machine maintenance, inventory and special projects.
A male contractor asked if she was a Women Minority Owned Supplier Manufacturer, as it would help him in his bid if they were certified. She checked into it and went through the nine-month process of submissions and interviews to become certified.
Burton enjoys developing leadership within her organization and she’s excited to see employees spread their wings and develop their leadership skills.
For more information, visit www.polyvinylc.com.
AUGUST | Matt Warner, president and chief visionary officer with Empire Netting and Fence
Motivated is the best word to describe Matt Warner. As president and chief visionary officer for Empire Netting and Fence, he
is motivated for success.
Empire Netting and Fence is the umbrella company providing residential and commercial netting and fence for local, national, and international companies. Under the umbrella are also:
• mySalesman: fence qualifying and estimating software
• ESC: Fabrication, sandblasting and painting
• The Wave Athletics: full-service, multi-sport and fitness facility
• Woodstock Holdings: commercial property development
• Unlimited Sports Solutions: retail sales for sports construction
His goal is to inspire his 85 team members, as the team is his most valuable asset. Warner’s goal is to create a culture of people in progress working together to achieve something bigger than any one person.
Warner’s view is that taking care of people is the “why” for owning a business, and going through the challenges it brings. The business is the tool he uses to change lives.
For more information, visit www.empire-fence.com.
Empire Netting and Fence is the umbrella company providing residential and commercial netting and fence for local, national, and international companies. Under the umbrella are also:
• mySalesman: fence qualifying and estimating software
• ESC: Fabrication, sandblasting and painting
• The Wave Athletics: full-service, multi-sport and fitness facility
• Woodstock Holdings: commercial property development
• Unlimited Sports Solutions: retail sales for sports construction
His goal is to inspire his 85 team members, as the team is his most valuable asset. Warner’s goal is to create a culture of people in progress working together to achieve something bigger than any one person.
Warner’s view is that taking care of people is the “why” for owning a business, and going through the challenges it brings. The business is the tool he uses to change lives.
For more information, visit www.empire-fence.com.
SEPTEMBER | Alex Parsadayan, CEO of Maximum Controls
At the helm of Maximum Controls for 13 years, Alex Parsadayan has been in the field of gate operator and access control designer and marketing for over 40 years.
With the rapid pace of change within the technology sector, Parsadayan and his team research extensively to stay ahead of the curve. When faced with challenges, he says you have to find a way to overcome it to move ahead and always look for ways to improve the products and provide the best quality.
For more information, visit www.max.us.com.
With the rapid pace of change within the technology sector, Parsadayan and his team research extensively to stay ahead of the curve. When faced with challenges, he says you have to find a way to overcome it to move ahead and always look for ways to improve the products and provide the best quality.
For more information, visit www.max.us.com.
OCTOBER | Bill Peterson, president with Richard’s Fence
Bill Peterson’s father, Richard, founded Richard’s Fence in1968, installing fence for Montgomery Ward and Sears. Bill grew up in
the industry, working for his father and learning the intangible qualities of dependability, honesty, integrity, and the value of a
good reputation.
An active member of the local and national American Fence Association, he has been president of the local chapter, director for two terms of the national AFA and he served on the AFA Show Committee for three shows in the 90’s. He is also active in the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, becoming the company representative about 12 years ago. He was appointed to be the chairman of the technical support team committee for several years. Peterson is the secretary/treasurer of the CLFMI and continues to serve on the technical support team.
Although officially retired, Peterson’s father continues to give great advice, stressing that a manager needs to be present and involved with what is happening within the company, and to keep an eye on the margins. Sales do not mean a thing without profits to keep everything running.
Peterson’s brother, Eric, is the vice president and runs the manufacturing operations. Bill’s son, Drew, and daughter, Jacqui, are active in the business. As the third generation become active, they feel the business is on solid ground.
For more information, visit www.richardsfence.com.
An active member of the local and national American Fence Association, he has been president of the local chapter, director for two terms of the national AFA and he served on the AFA Show Committee for three shows in the 90’s. He is also active in the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, becoming the company representative about 12 years ago. He was appointed to be the chairman of the technical support team committee for several years. Peterson is the secretary/treasurer of the CLFMI and continues to serve on the technical support team.
Although officially retired, Peterson’s father continues to give great advice, stressing that a manager needs to be present and involved with what is happening within the company, and to keep an eye on the margins. Sales do not mean a thing without profits to keep everything running.
Peterson’s brother, Eric, is the vice president and runs the manufacturing operations. Bill’s son, Drew, and daughter, Jacqui, are active in the business. As the third generation become active, they feel the business is on solid ground.
For more information, visit www.richardsfence.com.
NOVEMBER | Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and chief executive officer, Zekelman Industries
The companies of Zekelman Industries manufacture distinct tube, pipe and modular building innovations to help designers, developers and builders work with greater efficiency. Within the family of companies are Atlas Tube, Sharon Tube, Picoma, Western Tube, Z Modular and Hayes Modular.
Barry Zekelman leads the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America with sales in excess of $5 billion. His father owned a mobile home manufacturing business in the 60’s and solid it to Beatrice foods in the early 70’s. He used tubing for the base frames and axles. He liked the product and had always wanted to manufacture it, thus Atlas Tube was born.
Barry started in 1966 at 19 years old, shortly after his father passed away. The business had five employees and everyone did whatever it took to survive. At the time, they had $2 million in sales and were losing $60,000 a month, the business was about to go bankrupt.
By concentrating on productivity and engaging teammates, they turned the company around. Barry learned early on the most valuable asset are the people; empowering them, they are unstoppable.
He says it’s rewarding to see the team members achieve their goals, and welcoming second and third generations of families to the team, as well as seeing the communities prosper from the success of the business.
A few of their recent projects include Facebook data centers, Vanderbilt One in New York City, JP Morgan Chase Headquarters in New York City, Atlanta Hartsfield airport and departure terminal and the Space X launch tower.
The business advice Barry received that resonates with him is to always do the right thing, never be arrogant and remember where you started from.
For more information, visit www.zekelman.com.
Barry Zekelman leads the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America with sales in excess of $5 billion. His father owned a mobile home manufacturing business in the 60’s and solid it to Beatrice foods in the early 70’s. He used tubing for the base frames and axles. He liked the product and had always wanted to manufacture it, thus Atlas Tube was born.
Barry started in 1966 at 19 years old, shortly after his father passed away. The business had five employees and everyone did whatever it took to survive. At the time, they had $2 million in sales and were losing $60,000 a month, the business was about to go bankrupt.
By concentrating on productivity and engaging teammates, they turned the company around. Barry learned early on the most valuable asset are the people; empowering them, they are unstoppable.
He says it’s rewarding to see the team members achieve their goals, and welcoming second and third generations of families to the team, as well as seeing the communities prosper from the success of the business.
A few of their recent projects include Facebook data centers, Vanderbilt One in New York City, JP Morgan Chase Headquarters in New York City, Atlanta Hartsfield airport and departure terminal and the Space X launch tower.
The business advice Barry received that resonates with him is to always do the right thing, never be arrogant and remember where you started from.
For more information, visit www.zekelman.com.
