Fence Guy Podcast

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, we're crossing the border into Canada to sit down with Ryan Leslie, the powerhouse behind Vinyl Guys Fence and Deck and Elite Fence Academy. Ryan has spent 20 years in the trenches, moving from a "technician" working 80 hours a week to a CEO running a highly profitable, tech-forward operation.

We dive deep into the Real Stories of job site chaos and the Real Expert advice you need to stop trading your sanity for a paycheck.

• The "Admin Before Crew" Rule: Why hiring an office admin is the key to scaling and why most contractors have it backwards.
• Dynamic Pricing: Why being "booked out 12 weeks" is actually a sign you need to raise your prices and stop working for break-even money.
• Selling Without Site Visits: How Ryan closed $50,000 in deals in a single day without leaving his office by building trust through a solid process.
• The Switch to Subcontractors: Why Ryan is moving away from the employee model to find better predictability and protect his labor budgets.
• The "Anchor" Strategy: Using rapid communication (the 5-minute lead response) to set the standard and dominate your local market.

• Favorite Material: Vinyl (The "No-Dig" way)
• Must-Read Book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• The Biggest Red Flag: Customers who say, "I could do this myself, I just don't have the time."

"Don't be Sarah—know your numbers." Whether you're doing $100k or $1M+, this episode is a masterclass in shifting your mindset from installer to owner.

• Instagram: @officialryanleslie

Check out our Sponsors:

🔥 Brand Builders - https://www.gobrandbuilders.com

🔥 Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF

🔥 FenceGPT - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF - www.fencegpt.com

🔥 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com

🔥 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY FRIDAY OVER THE PHONE 🔥 LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyPodcast

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com

#FenceGuyPodcast #RyanLeslie #FenceFam #Trades #SmallBusiness #BlueCollar #RealStoriesRealExperts

Ever get ghosted after sending a quote, only to find out the customer went with the "cheap guy"? It's not them—it's your anchor.

In this quick bonus episode, Craig dives into the psychology of Anchoring Bias. If you aren't the one setting the first price in the customer's head, you're letting a low-baller with a rusted truck define your worth.

What's inside:

• The Bracket Move: How to drop a price range on the first call to weed out bad leads.

• Stop Being a Commodity: Why showing the "friction" (like jackhammering through rock) builds actual authority.

• Revenue vs. Sanity: Why scaling is about better margins, not just more crews.

Stop burning gas just to be compared to the cheapest guy in town. Fix your anchor, fix your process, and go be a good human.

🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors:

🔥 Brand Builders - https://www.gobrandbuilders.com

🔥 Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF

🔥 FenceGPT - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF - www.fencegpt.com

🔥 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com

🔥 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY FRIDAY OVER THE PHONE

🔥 LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyP ...

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com

In this episode of Fence Guy Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Brummels, VP of Sales for Nice North America . With over 30 years in the industry—starting as an installer in a service van to managing gate, door, and radio technology—Jeremy shares the "pro sales culture" every fence company needs to move from surviving to thriving

We dive deep into why a good salesperson is a "better listener than a talker" and how to stop being an "order taker" who leaves money on the table . Jeremy also breaks down the "Speed to Lead" philosophy and why the first five minutes of a lead can dictate the entire direction of the sale .

In this episode, we discuss:

• The First 5 Minutes: Why those initial moments determine the direction of the sale and help you decide if a client needs a quick transaction or a long-term relationship.
• Solving Problems vs. Price: How to stop being afraid of the "big number" by focusing on value and solving the customer's true pain points
• Bringing Automation In-House: Why many contractors are missing out on revenue by subbing out gate operators and why the technical side isn't as "hard" as you think .
• The Reality of Gate Safety: A serious look at UL 325 and the legal and financial risks of bypassing safety devices with resistors .
• Scaling Your Business: How to step back from the day-to-day "have-to's" to focus on the investments and shifts needed to reach the $5M–$8M revenue range

If you're in the fence industry, this is one you don't want to miss.

🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors:

🔥 Brand Builders - https://www.gobrandbuilders.com

🔥 Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF

🔥 FenceGPT - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF - www.fencegpt.com

🔥 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com

🔥 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY FRIDAY OVER THE PHONE

🔥 LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyP ...

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com

Bonus Episode: Why You Feel "Stuck" (And How to Wake Up)

In this special bonus episode, we're slowing things down to talk about that quiet, "fine-but-off" feeling many of us hit but don't know how to explain. Have you ever felt like you're doing everything you're supposed to do—working, staying busy, handling responsibilities—yet you aren't actually moving forward?

The Challenge for This Week: Where in your life right now are you repeating instead of progressing?

#FenceGuyPodcast #BonusEpisode #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #BreakingRoutine #MentalHealth #Motivation2026

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, we sit down with Matt Chiaradonna as he brings serious value on what it really takes to grow and lead in the fence industry.

From running a successful fence company to building Elite Technique and helping shape the next generation through AFA Foreman Training, Matt shares real-world insights on leadership, scaling your business, and what's actually working right now.

We dive into:

• What separates good fence companies from great ones
• The mindset shift from installer to business owner
• Building strong crews and leadership from within
• Lessons from organizing major industry events
• The future of fencing, AI, and technology (including FenceGPT integration)
• Mistakes, growing pains, and what Matt would do differently

Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up your operation, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

If you're in the fence industry, this is one you don't want to miss.

👉 Learn more about Elite Technique: https://getelitetechnique.com

🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors:

🔥 Brand Builders - https://www.gobrandbuilders.com

🔥 Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF

🔥 FenceGPT - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF www.fencegpt.com

🔥 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com

🔥 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY FRIDAY OVER THE PHONE

🔥 LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyPodcast

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com

#FenceGuyPodcast #FenceIndustry #FencingBusiness #ContractorLife #SmallBusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #FenceContractor #BlueCollar #TradeLife #ConstructionLife #BusinessGrowth #AIinConstruction #FenceGPT #EliteTechnique #AFA #AmericanFenceAssociation #WorkSmarter #ScalingBusiness #HomeImprovement

In this episode of Fence Guy Friday, we sit down with Matt "Motivational" Munson — and this one goes DEEP.

Matt shares his journey from a rough upbringing and time in prison… to becoming a successful fence company owner building a thriving business from the ground up — with ZERO experience in the industry.

We talk about:

• How he accidentally got 50% ownership in a fence company
• Turning $68K into $380K in ONE year
• The mistakes that almost cost them everything
• Why most fence companies stay stuck competing on price
• How mindset, gratitude, and discipline changed his life
• The real difference between price vs value in this industry

This isn't just a fence podcast — this is a real conversation about life, business, and what it takes to change your future.

If you're in the trades, running a business, or just need some motivation… this episode is for you.

👇 Drop a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway!

🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors:

🏗️ Brand Builders - https://www.gobrandbuilders.com

🚀 Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF

🤖 FenceGPT - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF www.fencegpt.com

🧱 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com

🔩 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY FRIDAY OVER THE PHONE

📡 LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyPodcast

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com/

🚪 Orlando Hinge Company - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF

🚧 ZND Temporary Fence Solution

These companies are helping push the fencing industry forward. We appreciate their continued support of Fence Guy Podcast!

#FenceGuyPodcast #FenceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #ContractorLife #SmallBusiness #TradesLife #FenceIndustry

There's a conversation in your life right now that you already know you need to have… and you're avoiding it.

Not because you don't know what to say… but because you know exactly how it's going to feel.

In this solo episode, Craig breaks down something that shows up in every area of life — business, relationships, friendships, and even the conversations we avoid having with ourselves.

Why do we put things off that we know need to be addressed? Why does avoiding it feel easier in the moment… but create bigger problems later? And what actually happens when you finally decide to face it?

This isn't about motivation. This is about reality.

If you've ever felt tension in a situation, knew something needed to be said, and kept pushing it off… this episode is going to hit.

Huge thanks to the companies that support the Fence Guy Podcast and help move the industry forward.

FenceTrac https://www.fencetrac.com

Brand Builders https://www.gobrandbuilders.com/

Contractor Accelerator https://www.contractoraccelerator.com

Orlando Hinge Company https://swanhinge.com/

LiveSwitch https://www.liveswitch.com

ZND https://www.znd.com

J.C. Gury Company https://www.jcgury.com

FenceGPT https://www.fencegpt.com

mySalesman https://www.mysalesman.com

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, special guest Sean Behensky joins the conversation to talk about the upcoming Fence Games event and why it's creating so much excitement in the fencing industry.

Sean shares what Fence Games is, what attendees and competitors can expect, and how this event brings together fence contractors, installers, crews, and industry professionals from across the country. From competition and craftsmanship to networking and community, this episode gives an inside look at one of the most talked-about events in the fencing world.

If you're a fence contractor, part of a fence company, or simply interested in fencing industry events, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Learn more about the purpose behind Fence Games, how it supports the fencing community, and why events like this matter for the future of the trade.

Whether you're attending Fence Games 2026, competing, sponsoring, or just want to stay updated on the latest in the fencing business, this episode is for you

🎙️ Thank You to Our Sponsors:

🔥 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com/

🔥Brand Builders Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF

🔥 Orlando Hinge Company - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF

🔥LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyP...

🔥 ZND Temporary Fence Solutions - https://www.znd.com/

🔥 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY PODCAST OVER THE PHONE!

🔥 FenceGPT – 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF www.fencegpt.com

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com/

These companies are helping push the fencing industry forward. We appreciate their continued support of Fence Guy Podcast!

#FenceGames #FenceTech #FenceIndustry #LivePodcast #SeanBehensky

Most people outside the industry have no idea how big the fence business really is.

They see a couple guys digging holes and assume it's just another construction trade… but the truth is the fence industry supports thousands of companies, generates billions of dollars every year, and creates real opportunities for people who want to build something of their own.

In this solo episode, Craig takes a step back from the usual conversations about cash flow, hiring problems, and business stress to talk about something different — why the fence industry is actually one of the best opportunities in America to start and grow a business.

Craig breaks down the real size of the industry, why demand for fencing continues to grow, how many successful companies started with nothing more than a truck and a trailer, and why the trades are becoming more valuable again in today's economy.

From the first fence job you ever built to the moment you realize how big this industry really is, this episode is about perspective — and why contractors should be proud of the business they're in.

If you've ever been frustrated running a fence company, this episode might remind you why you started in the first place.

Huge thanks to the companies that support the Fence Guy Podcast and help move the fence industry forward.

FenceTrac https://www.fencetrac.com

Brand Builders https://www.brandbuildersllc.com

Contractor Accelerator https://www.contractoraccelerator.com

Orlando Hinge Company https://www.swanhinge.com

LiveSwitch https://www.liveswitch.com

ZND https://www.znd.com

J.C. Gury Company https://www.jcgury.com

FenceGPT https://www.fencegpt.com

mySalesman https://www.mysalesman.com

In this episode, Craig sits down with Billy Morrison of AAA Fence in Daytona, Florida for his first-ever podcast appearance. Billy shares the incredible story behind a family fence company that started in 1958 and how he stepped in to modernize and grow the business after returning from two tours in Afghanistan.

From installing fence as a kid to running multiple businesses including dumpster rentals and a vinyl manufacturing operation, Billy breaks down what it really takes to scale a fencing company while keeping customer service and team culture at the center of everything.

We dive into topics like:

• Growing a family fence business into a multi-company operation

• Lessons from the military that shaped his leadership style

• Why customer service and lifetime workmanship warranties set companies apart

• Running 12+ crews and handling thousands of repairs after hurricanes

• Starting a vinyl fence manufacturing business from scratch

• The importance of team loyalty, pride in workmanship, and company culture

Billy also talks about balancing business with family, supporting veterans and youth sports, and why taking care of your team ultimately drives long-term success.

If you're in the fencing industry—or any trade business—this conversation is packed with real-world insights about leadership, growth, and building a company that lasts decades.

👇 Drop your questions or takeaways in the comments!

🎙️ Thank You to Our Sponsors:

🔥 Fencetrac Fence System - https://www.fencetrac.com/

🔥Brand Builders Contractor Accelerator - 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH WITH CODE: FGF 🔥 Orlando Hinge Company - 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF

🔥LiveSwitch - https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyP...

🔥 ZND Temporary Fence Solutions - https://www.znd.com/

🔥 J.C. Gury - 5% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WHEN YOU MENTION FENCE GUY FRIDAY OVER THE PHONE!

🔥 FenceGPT – 10% OFF WITH CODE: FGF www.fencegpt.com

🔥 MySalesman - https://mysalesman.com/

These companies are helping push the fencing industry forward. We appreciate their continued support of the Fence Guy Podcast!

#FenceIndustry #FenceContractor #BusinessLeadership #FenceBusiness