Top of the Chain with John Eichenlaub

PRESIDENT OF FENCE AND MECHANICAL WITH WHEATLAND

With 20 years in the fencing industry, John Eichenlaub’s resume is filled with a variety of skills, from production manager and sales to former COO at Builders Fence Company, and now president of Fence and Mechanical with Wheatland Tube, a subsidiary of Zekelman Industries. His constant driver is a commitment to excellence within the fencing industry.

YOUR 20 YEARS IN THE FENCING INDUSTRY UNDERSCORES YOUR DEDICATION TO THE INDUSTRY. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE FENCING COMMUNITY?

Without question, “community” is the key word. I have had several mentors throughout my time in the industry helping me to grow. There are many others who had a direct impact on me without ever knowing.

In general, people in the fence community support the success of our industry. We have no shortage of folks volunteering with associations, committees and schools. They lift us all up. I am blessed to have been a part of this community.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A CAREER IN THE FENCING INDUSTRY?

I did not choose the industry, per se. I had an opportunity in manufacturing security products following the events of 9/11, driven heavily by applications in the military and homeland defense. With the support from some amazing people, we had great success over a period of a few years. As those situations calmed, I was approached to be a part of sales.

Here again, others recognized my potential and opened the door to the larger industry. I often joked that I was tricked into sales; while that may be true, the fact remains that friends and colleagues helped me maximize my potential.

THINKING BACK TO YOUR FIRST FEW YEARS IN YOUR CAREER, WHAT WERE A FEW THINGS THAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE FENCING INDUSTRY?

The scale of the industry surprised me when I was younger. Think about the average teenager contemplating life after high school. How many of those young people even recognize our industry?

Over the years, we have seen many accomplished professionals join our efforts from other industries. Many had trepidation when they began their new journey, but most stayed on and are contributing every day.

I am happy to witness the industry transition successfully to a new generation of leadership. I have often commented that my generation would be transitional. Many of our great organizations were built by strong individuals and families. Unfortunately, all organizations must face the future with new leaders. We are witnessing a transition to modern management methodologies, and I know the industry will continue to grow under these new leaders.

WHAT QUALITIES OR INITIATIVES HELP FENCING COMPANIES REMAIN VIABLE?

To produce products and get them in the hands of clients, teamwork is required to build success. Our industry doesn’t place much focus on disruptive products. We are very focused on solving problems. We attack problems and opportunities at the installation level and from the consumer’s point of view. This involves listening to the customer, something all of us work towards in fencing.

WHEATLAND TUBES IS A LEADING PRODUCER OF CHAIN LINK FRAMEWORK. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO STAY AT THE TOP?

Our position is the result of focusing on improvement. We placed a renewed focus on this industry five years ago and built a team that would bring results. Almost all our efforts are related to the best possible experience for our customers.

Many organizations focus on being competitive and this can lead to a reactive position. Wheatland does not focus on what our competition is doing daily. We want to make it easy for our customers to conduct their business.

We certainly have our challenges. Recent world events have impacted our plans due to supply chain delays. Several months of intense effort remain for us to achieve our promises to the community. Regardless, our focus is always to be a leader in customer service. Fortunately, our facility in Rochelle, Illinois is beginning to produce great results and we have broken ground on our new facility in Blytheville, Arkansas. We are excited to share the opportunities that these state-of-the-art facilities will bring to the industry.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Honestly, my team. They are the folks working directly with our customers every day. I want them all to be successful. I can’t set their future for them, but I am driven to facilitate their opportunities. I am thrilled to see teammates from prior organizations have successful growth and I hope the same for everyone I work with today.

Rarely does a career grow when the daily tasks are left unattended, or customers’ needs are not addressed. It is important I exhibit these traits and encourage them daily. Any pride I feel from my career is generated from the growth I see in my team.

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN EARLIER IN YOUR CAREER?

Your box of perception is your prison. I spent many years driven by metrics and ignoring opportunity. I certainly never envisioned working in sales or living in
many locations across the country.

Find and listen to mentors. Ensure you learn more than technical skills from the people supporting you.

ARE YOU IN THE PLACE YOU ENVISIONED YOURSELF TO BE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR CAREER?

Not at all. I never expected to expand beyond manufacturing in my hometown of Delaware, Ohio. My limited vision constrained my goals and potential. I never would have imagined the opportunities that were truly available to me.

I needed intervention from mentors to open my eyes and the support of my wife and family to grow. Most importantly, I needed to recognize and promote the
success of those around me. A rising tide lifts all ships.

WHO ARE A FEW BUSINESS LEADERS YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?

I specifically came to Wheatland Tube because I admire Barry Zekelman. 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 a part of his team and continue to believe in his vision.

Business leaders generally tend to disappointment nowadays. There are many traits I appreciate, but I think many compromise their vision to accommodate media or public perception.

I could talk for hours about people who have helped and inspired me in fencing. Two of the leaders I admire in our industry today are Andrea Hogan and Barry Marrs. Obviously, they continue to grow their organizations with determination, but they also have great passion for the success of others. They take the time to participate in industry committees and bring their insight to the benefit of everyone in our community.