Fence Guy Podcast

Most contractors think their biggest problem is labor.

Employees versus subcontractors. Payroll versus flexibility. Control versus speed.

But changing your crew rarely fixes what's actually broken.

In this episode, we dig into the real reason the same problems keep showing up no matter how you staff jobs. We talk about leadership, systems, stress, responsibility, and why labor models don't solve problems — they expose them.

This isn't a W-2 vs 1099 argument. It's a hard look at why effort, hiring, and switching models don't create clarity unless leadership does.

If you've ever felt like you tried everything and still ended up in the same spot, this one will hit close to home.

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, Craig sits down with industry OG and podcast host Nathan Downs for a deep, no-BS conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable fence business.

Nathan opens up about navigating a brutal market slowdown, rebuilding an entire team mid-season, and still managing to hit record-breaking revenue. From pricing strategy and SEO dominance to leadership, hiring, systems, and mindset, this episode is packed with real-world lessons fence contractors can actually use.

You'll hear honest insights on:

• Surviving massive revenue swings and market volatility

• Why most contractors stay reactive instead of building systems

• The true cost of hiring, pricing, and scaling a fence company

• SEO, referrals, and marketing that actually works

• Leadership mistakes, personality dynamics, and DISC assessments

• Where the fence industry is headed over the next 5–10 years

• Why fencing deserves more respect as a professional trade

Plus, stick around for rapid-fire questions, wild customer stories, and Nathan's unfiltered take on what most contractors still get wrong.

Whether you're a one-truck operation or running multiple crews, this episode will challenge how you think about business, growth, and your value in the industry.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, Craig Eubanks sits down with Van Morris—retired U.S. Navy officer, national keynote speaker, and the unforgettable voice behind Old Glory—for a conversation that goes far beyond fencing, business, or the military.

From growing up as one of 16 children in a Louisiana sharecropping family, to serving aboard U.S. Navy submarines, to speaking to over 100,000 students a year, Van shares the life experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy, patriotism, and mission to help heal America.

This episode dives into:

• What real leadership and integrity look like under pressure

• Why veterans struggle with transition—and how belonging saves lives

• The hidden realities behind veteran and youth suicide

• How trades and skilled labor provide purpose, structure, and camaraderie

• Why approachability matters more than authority

• What it truly means to be a patriot and a good steward of the land

Van also reflects on the emotional impact of his Fence Tech keynote, the responsibility leaders carry for other people's livelihoods, and why reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha is critical to America's future.

This is not just a podcast episode—it's a call to self-assess, to lead with integrity, and to be the kind of person others can approach when it matters most.

🎧 If you care about leadership, service, veterans, faith, trades, or the future of this country—this is an episode you don't want to miss

Owning a business doesn't just change your schedule — it changes you.

In this solo episode, Craig breaks down the parts of business ownership that rarely get talked about out loud. Not the tactics. Not the installs. Not the growth hacks.

The mental weight. The constant responsibility. The pressure to always be "on." The loneliness most owners don't admit they feel.

This isn't a motivational talk and it's not a how-to episode. It's an honest conversation for business owners who feel the weight of leadership, decision-making, and responsibility — even when things look "successful" from the outside.

If you've ever wondered why owning a business feels heavier than you expected, this episode puts words to that feeling.

In this LIVE Taco Tuesday episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, Craig Eubanks sits down with Shane Catton for a real conversation about Human Resources in the fence industry—hiring, keeping good people, building culture, and handling the tough stuff that comes with running a team.

From recruiting the right candidates to setting expectations, accountability, communication, and avoiding common HR mistakes that cost contractors time and money—this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply whether you've got a crew of 2 or a team of 20.

In this episode, we cover:

• Hiring strategies that actually work for trades businesses

• How to keep good employees (and stop the revolving door)

• Company culture, leadership, and setting standards

• Handling conflict, performance issues, and "that one employee"

• HR systems and policies that protect your business

If you're a fence contractor or trades business owner trying to grow without chaos, this one's for you.

Heading to FENCETECH 2026? Before you pack your boots and book your flights, listen to this episode.

Craig sits down with Dan Wheeler and Joe Everest to break down the real do's and don'ts of FENCETECH — the stuff nobody puts in the brochure. From how to choose the right education sessions, to avoiding burnout on the show floor, to making networking actually worth your time… this episode is the survival guide every fence pro needs.

We cover: • The #1 mistake first-timers make at FENCETECH • How to build real relationships (not awkward business card drops) • What to look for on the show floor — and what to ignore • How SIG events can completely change your experience • Why planning your days matters more than people realize • And yes… the things you absolutely should NOT do

If you want to get the MOST out of your trip to Indianapolis — this is the episode.

Hit play, take notes, and we'll see you at FENCETECH.

The fence industry is facing a divide nobody wants to admit — until now. In this brutally honest solo episode, Craig exposes the real reasons fence companies clash: ego, pride, jealousy, money, social media toxicity, and old-school vs. new-school battles.

Whether you're a fence installer, business owner, supplier, or industry leader, this episode will challenge how you see the trade — and maybe how you see yourself.

• Why competition turns into conflict

• How ego damages the industry

• The rise of "experts" and social media critics

• Why contractors struggle to support each other

• The psychology behind jealousy & insecurity

• How professionalism—not unity—is the real answer

• What YOU can do to improve your corner of the industry

If you care about growth, craftsmanship, and elevating the trade, this episode is a must-listen.

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: What divides the fence industry the most—ego, money, or social media?

🔥 Best Year Ever… and Nobody Saw It Coming What happens when you stop chasing chaos and start building with clarity?

In this episode, Cannon Johnson breaks down how stepping back, simplifying, and changing his mindset led to his best year ever — with less stress and more control.

This conversation is about: 🧠 Smarter leadership ⚖️ Balance over burnout 🛠️ Sustainable growth in the fence business

If you're a contractor or business owner stuck in grind mode, this one will hit home.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe

🤝 Check out one of our sponsors, LiveSwitch: 👉 https://join.liveswitch.com/FenceGuyPodcast

🤖 ChatGPT — but for fencers: www.fencegpt.com

In this episode, Craig sits down with John and Johnny—two Ohio fence company owners who started together, went separate ways, and built successful businesses side by side. They talk real numbers, real mistakes, and real growth: backlog vs. pricing, in-house crews vs. subs, surviving wet Midwest seasons, and how local fence companies can compete with national franchises without losing quality or culture.

From community involvement and leadership to sustainability, team building, and the future of the fence industry, this is an honest, no-fluff conversation every fence contractor should hear.

🎙️ Fence Guy Friday Podcast — with Veronica Wallace

Craig sits down with Veronica Wallace to talk about the momentum in the fencing industry — from trade shows and education to building real community among contractors and suppliers.

In this episode we get into: 🔹 Veronica's journey in the fence industry and what she's working on now 🔹 Her leadership with the World Fence Federation and connecting contractors worldwide 🔹 The mission behind Women of FWA and building stronger support systems in the trade 🔹 Why events like FWA Fun Show / Demo Days, and the South Point Las Vegas venue matter 🔹 How contractors can get more out of trade shows (training, vendor demos, networking) 🔹 What's trending in products and installs — including vinyl fence, gate operators, and evolving materials 🔹 The importance of education, safety, and raising the bar across the industry 🔹 Why staying involved in associations helps your company grow and stay ahead

Whether you've been building fence for 20 years or you're brand new to the trade, this one is packed with real talk and practical perspective.

👇 Drop a comment: what's the biggest thing you've learned from a trade show or industry event? 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss the next episode!

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