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In this powerful episode of  Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Ryan Miller of Premier Fencing in Ashland, Indiana . Following the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Courtney, Ryan shares raw, essential truths every business owner, contractor, and parent needs to hear . From navigating sudden grief while raising two young boys (Chance and Wiley) to running an ag fencing business, Ryan opens up about why work can never come before the people you love . We discuss: The Trap of the "Hustle": Why building a business often causes us to miss out on the very people we're building it for . The Reality of Loss: Facing the grief of losing a spouse at 34 and learning to navigate the "new normal" as a solo dad . Fatherhood First: Shifting priorities, dropping the tools at 4:00 PM, and showing up for what counts Faith & Community: How faith in Jesus Christ, the local community, and fellow fence contractors rallied together in the hardest hour . Life Beyond Work: Why memories, horse trail rides, and time with family matter infinitely more than business accolades . "Business is supposed to be part of your life. It's not supposed to be your life." — Ryan Miller If this episode impacted you, please leave a 5-star rating and share it with a contractor or friend who needs this reminder today.

Anyone can call themselves a fence contractor. But who decides what makes a good one? In this solo episode of Fence Guy Podcast, Craig Eubanks tackles one of the biggest challenges facing the fencing industry: the lack of consistent standards. From inexperienced contractors undercutting prices to homeowners struggling to recognize quality workmanship, the industry has a problem that affects everyone. Craig breaks down why competing on price alone is hurting the trade, how poor workmanship impacts customer trust, and why contractors need to stop waiting for someone else to set the standard. In this episode, Craig discusses: Why the fencing industry is often compared to the Wild West How lowball pricing affects professional contractors The true cost of poor workmanship Why industry standards matter How documenting processes and training crews can set your company apart Why attracting the right customers matters more than winning every job The bottom line? You can't control the entire industry, but you can control the standards you set for your own business. The question is: Are you raising the bar or lowering it? Tune in and join the conversation! 🎙️ Fence Guy Podcast with Craig Eubanks Go Be a Good Human.

What does it take to stand out in a competitive industry, build a recognizable brand, and turn your expertise into a thriving business? In this episode of Fence Guy Podcast, Craig sits down with Jonathan Portukalian of Wetscapes Fiberglass Pools to talk about building a successful family-run business, using social media to grow your brand, and creating opportunities beyond the job site. Jonathan shares his journey in the pool industry, from working alongside his brothers to building high-end custom pools and growing an online presence through educational content. They dive into the challenges of running a business in the trades, the power of marketing, the importance of customer relationships, and how technology and AI are changing the way contractors operate. In this episode, we cover: Building and managing a family-owned business Standing out in a competitive market Growing your business through YouTube and social media Turning industry knowledge into valuable content Using AI and technology to streamline operations Building lasting customer relationships through exceptional service Expanding your brand through coaching and mentorship Whether you're a fence contractor, pool builder, or business owner in the trades, this conversation is packed with insights on growing your business, strengthening your brand, and thinking beyond your next project. 🎧 Tune in for another great conversation on the Fence Guy Podcast! Follow  Fence Guy Podcast for more conversations with industry professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs who are making an impact in the trades. And remember, be a good human!

What matters more: a bigger paycheck, a better work environment, or the freedom to build something of your own? In this bonus episode of Fence Guy Podcast, Craig Eubanks sits down with returning guest Dan Wheeler for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of the fencing industry. From employee pay and company culture to the importance of training your crew, Craig and Dan share their experiences running fencing businesses, building strong teams, and knowing when money isn't worth the stress. They also dive into vendor relationships, the value of networking, upcoming industry events like NAFCA, AFAU, and FENCETECH, and why showing up and building genuine connections can make all the difference. Of course, it wouldn't be Craig and Dan without a few hilarious rabbit holes along the way! Whether you're a fence contractor, business owner, or someone looking to grow in the industry, this episode is packed with real conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs. 🎧 Tune in, enjoy the conversation, and remember — Be a Good Human! #FenceGuyPodcast #FenceIndustry #FenceContractor #BusinessGrowth #DanWheeler

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, we are joined by our very first guest outside the fence industry: Cassie Egli!  Cassie is an AI Visibility Strategist and owner of Straightforward Consulting and Marketing. She breaks down how small business owners and local trade contractors can stop burning money on fragmented marketing and start becoming the top recommendation online—for both human searchers and AI tools. Key Takeaways in This Episode: - SEO vs. AEO: What Answer Engine Optimization is and why AI search referral traffic converts higher than traditional browsers. - The "Money Pit": Why uncoordinated marketing fails and how to establish a strong foundational online presence. - Google Business Profile: Why GBP acts as your most valuable social media channel for local lead generation. - The Visibility Stack Framework: The 4 P's (Positioning, Proof, Path, Pulse) to rank at "Position Zero" across ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. - Reality Check on Budgets: What to expect when investing in long-term marketing and SEO. Free AI Visibility Check: 👉 https://links.s4.marketing/widget/form/yttNG1pnTG3YLHbMZSiL (or visit https://s4.marketing) Find out if AI tools actually understand and recommend your business to buyers—or if they skip right over you. Includes 5 quick prompts to test your brand visibility in 5 minutes. Position Zero Challenge (25% Off): 👉 https://s4.marketing/position-zero-challenge/?am_id=CraigE Get 25% OFF Cassie's hands-on AI Marketing Workshop! Use promo code CRAIGE at checkout. Guest: Cassie – Straight4Ward Consulting & Marketing 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Straight4Ward

Not all business advice is created for YOUR business. In this episode of Fence Guy Podcast, Craig Eubanks breaks down why strategies that work for one business owner might completely fail for another. From business coaching and hiring to pricing, marketing, and scaling, Craig explains why your current stage, market, and resources matter more than following someone else's playbook. In this episode, Craig covers: Why successful business owners see opportunities differently. The hidden advantages behind popular business advice. Why business coaching isn't always a one-size-fits-all solution. How to find mentors who understand your current stage of business. Why copying someone else's strategy might not deliver the same results. How to build a business strategy that actually works for YOU. The takeaway? Don't just follow someone else's roadmap. Build one that fits where you are and where you want to go. Whether you're running a small fencing crew or growing an established company, this episode will challenge how you approach business advice. 🎧 Tune in, share this episode with another business owner, and remember to go out there and be a good human! Hosted by Craig Eubanks | Fence Guy Podcast

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, Craig Eubanks sits down with Brad Jones of OK Vinyl, a Canadian fence manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. From building a successful fencing business to navigating the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets, Brad shares his experiences, lessons learned, and perspective on how the industry has evolved. They dive into vinyl fence manufacturing, material quality, the rise of no-dig installation methods, the importance of hands-on education, and why building strong relationships still matters in today's industry. With plenty of laughs, honest opinions, and real industry talk, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! 🎧 Tune in for another episode of Fence Guy Podcast, where we talk business, life, and everything in between. Connect with Brad Jones: 📧 [email protected] Hosted by: Craig Eubanks | Fence Guy Podcast

What does it really take to run a successful fence business? Is the skilled trades shortage real? And is starting a business today easier or harder than it was 20 years ago? In this BONUS episode of Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig Eubanks switches things up! No guest this time, just Craig answering 10 questions about the fence industry, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities of running a business. From hiring dependable employees to knowing when experience turns into stubbornness, Craig shares his perspective on the challenges business owners face and the lessons he's learned along the way. In this episode, Craig discusses: Is there really a shortage of skilled tradespeople? What does it take to build and run a successful business? The challenges of hiring and firing employees When experience becomes resistance to change Is starting a business easier today than 20 years ago? Finding balance between business and personal life Plus, Craig shares an update on his nomination for the Top Host competition and how the Fence Fam can show their support! Support Craig in the Top Host competition: https://tophost.org/2026/craig-eubanks Whether you're a seasoned fence contractor, a new business owner, or someone looking to grow in the trades, this episode brings a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Have a question you'd like Craig to answer in a future episode? Let us know! And remember, go out there and be a good human!

🇺🇸 This one is bigger than fencing. Jon Klaczik, Clint Iams, and Dan Wheeler join Craig Eubanks for a conversation about service, veterans, community, and the impact the fence industry can make when we come together. The guys dive into the 14th NAFCA Arlington National Cemetery Service Project and what fence professionals can expect when they come together to serve at Arlington. Jon also shares the vision behind AFA Veterans in Fence, including the importance of rebuilding the camaraderie and sense of purpose many veterans miss when transitioning back into civilian life. The conversation also touches on SkillBridge and the opportunities our industry can provide veterans looking for their next chapter. Clint shares the story behind Log Cabin Cares, a 501(c)(3) created to give back to the Southwestern Pennsylvania community that has supported Log Cabin Fence for decades. Plus, you'll hear how Jon unexpectedly found his way into the fence industry, stories from past service projects, what's planned for Arlington, and why giving back has become such an important part of the Fence Fam. In this episode: 🇺🇸 NAFCA Arlington National Cemetery Service Project 🎖️ AFA Veterans in Fence ❤️ Log Cabin Cares 🤝 Giving back through the fence industry 🪖 Helping veterans transition into civilian careers 💪 Building community and camaraderie 😂 And, of course, plenty of Fence Guy Podcast stories along the way GET INVOLVED: 🇺🇸 NAFCA Arlington National Cemetery Service Project https://4nafca.com/arlington-national-cemetery-service-project/ 🎖️ AFA Veterans in Fence https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/membership/veterans_in_fence/ ❤️ Log Cabin Cares https://logcabinfence.com/log-cabin-cares/ 🏆 HELP CRAIG BECOME TOP HOST! Cast your vote for Craig Eubanks: https://tophost.org/2026/craig-eubanks This episode is a reminder that what we build as an industry goes far beyond the fence line. Listen, share the episode with your Fence Fam, and most importantly—find a way to get involved. 🎙️ The Fence Guy Podcast Go out there and be a good human.

The average adult spends over two hours a day—or 37 full days a year—scrolling social media . Over 200 million people suffer from clinical-level social media addiction , and two out of three adults agree that excessive use fuels anxiety and depression . Yet, even those of us who run social media companies for a living find ourselves opening apps out of pure reflex . In this episode, Craig Eubanks breaks down the psychological traps behind the infinite scroll, how constant notifications drain your cognitive power even when your phone is face down , and why you don't need to delete your accounts to reclaim your mental clarity . Tune in to discover practical ways to shift from being used by social media to using it intentionally as a tool .

Join host Craig on Taco Tuesday as he welcomes Mike DeLorenzo back to the show for an insightful conversation on the evolving fence industry . In this episode, Mike shares updates on integrating FenceGPT into operations and staff training, navigating supply chain hurdles, handling seasonal shifts, and the impact of tariffs and material availability . They also discuss creative networking events, industry leadership, and upcoming events like the NAFCA project and AFA University Tune in for practical insights on technology, business adaptability, and industry growth !

How are real-world fence contractors navigating skyrocketing material costs, unpredictable freight, and changing economic trends? In this round-table panel discussion, Justin Nary (Taylor Fencing), Matthew Ciaradonna (JC Fence Company & Elite Technique), and Jordan Hunt break down what's happening across regional markets — from Midwest AG to Northeast residential and Northern Michigan high-end contracts   💡 Key Topics Covered: Regional Market Conditions: How steel, aluminum, and freight prices are impacting different territories . Protecting Profit Margins: Strategies for adjusting quotes, holding 30-day bidding timelines, and landing materials early . Sales & Close Rates: Managing close-rate metrics versus top-line dollar goals and why knowing your numbers is everything . Private Equity in Fencing: Is PE set up to help or hurt long-term industry quality ? Business Operations: Shifting from "owning a job" to building systems, trusting project managers, and letting go of daily field control . 🌐 Connect & Resources Mentioned: American Fence Association (AFA): americanfenceassociation.com Elite Technique CRM: elitetechnique.com NAFCA Arlington National Cemetery Event: October 22 & 23

If you could start over tomorrow — knowing everything you know right now — what would you actually do differently? In this episode Craig Eubanks gets real about the five things he would change from day one if he had to build Eubanks Fencing from scratch. No fluff. No theory. Just the honest lessons that took years to learn and could save you from learning them the hard way. Topics covered: Why locking in supplier relationships before anything else changes everything The fixed cost versus variable cost decision that keeps contractors alive through slow seasons Why starting social media on day one is not optional — it is a competitive advantage How networking and showing up at industry events like FenceTech pays off in ways you cannot predict Why getting trained fast through AFA University or local programs builds the confidence that closes more jobs The real reason 48% of small businesses fail — and how to avoid it Whether you are just starting out or have been building for years — this one is going to make you think about what you would do differently and what you can still change right now. A huge thank you to our sponsors who make the Fence Guy Podcast possible: 🔩 FenceTrac — The smarter way to build fence 🏗️ Brand Builders — gobrandbuilders.com/fenceguypodcast 📋 Contractor Accelerator — Tools to grow your contracting business 🔩 Orlando Hinge Company — Quality hardware for the fence industry ⚡ ZND — Temporary fence solutions done right 🌟 J.C. Gury — Industry leader in fence products 🤖 FenceGPT — AI built specifically for fence contractors 📱 mySalesman — Smarter sales tools for contractors 🔨 Titan Post Drivers — The gold standard in post pounding

Join host Craig on this inspiring episode of the Fence Guy Podcast as he sits down with first-time guest Melanie Goodwin—Certified Operations Manager, New York Long Island Chapter President of the AFA, and owner of Enchante Experiences . In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Melanie opens up about her remarkable personal and professional journey . She shares how she overcame immense personal hardship—from facing a major life crisis as a single mother to starting over at $12 an hour answering phones—and transformed those challenges into a thriving career in the fencing industry . In this episode, we cover: Overcoming Adversity & Building Resilience: How Melanie navigated severe life trials, moved her family to New York, and built a successful new career from the ground up . Leadership & Growth in the Fence Industry: Her path from answering phones to earning her Certified Operations Manager credentials, leading an AFA chapter, and advocating for women in the industry . Bridging Fences & Fairy Tales: How she combined her passions by launching Enchante Experiences and its "From Fences to Fairy Tales" VIP program to help fence industry families plan magical Disney vacations . The Next Chapter: Melanie's major announcement about stepping into her new role with Imperial Fence Supply and relocating back South . Whether you're looking for professional motivation, insights into operational leadership, or an inspiring story of strength and perseverance, this episode delivers .

Twenty-five years after September 11, host Craig Eubanks reflects on the shift from national unity to modern division . Moving past political noise, this unedited audio-only bonus episode honors those who served, remembers the lives lost, and breaks down the core lessons of crisis leadership . Discover how we can reclaim the spirit of September 12th through intentional choices, everyday decency, and choosing unity without needing a disaster to remind us .