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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 .

👑 ⚖️ THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Michael Reed, Executive Director of the American Fence Association (AFA), for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, family, and the power of community . Michael reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his approach to leadership—from playing college football to founding a software company, serving in the U.S. Army, and guiding local AFA chapters across the country . He opens up about the true cost of leadership, the crucial role of modeling the way over criticizing, and why trade associations exist to uplift the local "little guy" contractor .   Beyond business, Michael shares deeply personal stories about adopting a special needs child directly from the ICU, caregiving through his wife's multi-year cancer battle, and how lean-on support from the "fence family" makes all the difference when life gets tough .   CONNECT & RESOURCES 🌐 American Fence Association: https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/ 🎙️ Fence Guy Podcast: https://www.fenceguypodcast.com/

"Believe every third word." It's an unwritten rule in the trade industry when people start talking about their revenue, lead counts, and crew sizes . But while inflating stats might protect someone's ego, it creates a dangerous trap—leading other business owners to question themselves and waste money trying to hit numbers that were never real in the first place . In this bonus episode of Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig Eubanks calls out the industry's unspoken trust problem with honest, no-nonsense truth . Drawing on real-world statistics—like why 34% of small businesses make under $50k while only 9% top $1 million —Craig breaks down why fake numbers hold owners back and why true growth only starts from a real baseline .   What You'll Learn in This Episode: The "3rd Word" Phenomenon: Why contractors inflate revenue, leads, and size The 3 Drivers of Dishonesty: Insecurity, industry ego, and the dangerous belief that "saying it makes it true." The Fake Numbers Trap: How chasing someone else's inflated stats causes you to make bad decisions and waste capital . Real Business Realities: Why rising costs—not competition or lack of leads—are the #1 challenge facing owners today . How to Actually Grow: Why radical honesty with yourself and your trusted circle is the only way to get to the next level . Stop comparing your real business to someone else's highlight reel . Tune in, check your numbers, and learn how to escape the fake numbers trap . Have a real story or honest number to share? Drop a comment or send Craig a DM—no judgment, just respect .

In this episode, Jim Todd from Locinox returns to dive deep into gate hardware, fall protection, international trade show innovations, and the gap between how contractors think about gates versus how they actually operate . Jim breaks down the engineering behind Locinox's hydraulic closers, the launch of their all-in-one electric hinge operator, and what fence pros need to know about safety standards (including B-Safe / U-Safe cables) . Plus, he shares personal insights on working for European companies, life on the road with the Locinox Roadshow Van, and the tight-knit community of the fencing industry . ⚡ Short on time? Check out 5-minute video highlights on our YouTube Shorts Channel! 🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 🛠️ Titan Post Drivers — titanpostdrivers.com 🧬 Fencetrac Fence System — fencetrac.com 🚀 Brand Builders — gobrandbuilders.com 🤖 FenceGPT — fencegpt.ai 📊 MySalesman — my-salesman.com 🚧 ZND Temporary Fence Solutions — znd.com 📈 Contractor Accelerator — contractoraccelerator.com 🏷️ J.C. Gury — jcgury.com 🚪 Orlando Hinge Company — orlandohinge.com

Why do some of the biggest growth opportunities in business never come from your marketing budget? In this episode, Craig Eubanks breaks down a recent breakthrough in his own business that completely changed his perspective on networking, timing, and long-term industry involvement. Craig shares a personal story of reconnecting with a former supplier—a relationship that didn't work out the first time around, but turned into a game-changing partnership years later thanks to growth, right timing, and never burning a bridge. He backs up the story with compelling networking stats on face-to-face connections, vendor relationships, and why 80% of major business opportunities come from people you already know. Key Takeaways Why Face-to-Face Matters: Why 95% of professionals view in-person networking as essential for future deals over ads or cold outreach. The ROI of Showing Up: How attending AFA and NAFCA events, chapter meetings, and trade shows builds long-term industry trust. Never Burn Bridges: Why past failed vendor or client relationships can be revisited successfully when timing and growth align. Long-Term Connection over Short-Term ROI: Why showing up consistently leads to unexpected phone calls that transform your operations. Whether you're a fence contractor, trades professional, or small business owner, this quick episode is a powerful reminder that showing up and building real relationships is still the ultimate growth strategy. Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to drop a comment, leave a 5-star review, share this with a fellow contractor, and remember: go out there and be a good human!

In this episode of Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Amanda, co-founder of Contractor Accelerator, for a deeply candid, inspiring, and engaging conversation . The episode kicks off with a heartfelt tribute and moment of silence honoring the legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton . Amanda opens up about her personal battle with cancer, sharing how setting ambitious business goals and diving headfirst into major software updates helped power her through chemo . The two discuss Amanda's pivot from urban planning to software development, the evolution of Contractor Accelerator over its 11-year run, and how early industry support fueled mutual growth . They also dive into industry trends—including the debate over private equity's growing footprint in the fence and foundation industries, finding common ground on installation standards, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are speeding up modern development . Amanda showcases the newest updates inside Contractor Accelerator, highlighting the game-changing customer portal, real-time Google Weather integration on the schedule, and new dashboard metrics designed directly from user feedback . Key Topics Covered: Honoring a Legend: Celebrating Dolly Parton's life and living by the mantra: "Find out who you are and do it on purpose." Strength Through Adversity: How Amanda navigated cancer, chemo, and leading a software company while relying on her team and focusing on purpose-driven goals . Evolution of Contractor Accelerator: From a static foundation repair tool to a dynamic, boutique CRM built on real contractor feedback . Industry Perspectives: Debunking installation method debates (wet set vs. dry pack vs. no-dig) and analyzing the pros and cons of private equity acquisition . Product Breakdown: How the customer portal, My Salesman integration, and integrated weather features save contractors time and increase conversions . Leveraging AI: How modern software development teams use AI as a research partner and code reviewer . Links & Special Offer: Exclusive Discount: Get 10% off indefinitely and a free backpack cooler when you sign up for Contractor Accelerator before the end of August Book a Demo: Visit ContractorAccelerator.com/demo to schedule a walkthrough with the team .