PowerHouse Fence Show
Welcome to PowerHouse, your go-to podcast for all things fence. We’re here to enlighten you with insights, trends, and innovations from the fence industry.
Sold a Job! - What now??

This week Dan goes over the beginning stages of what happens when you sell a job to a general contractor. What will happen next? What are red flags to look out for? What are some tips and tricks to make the process a bit easier? Tune in this week as Dan shares some experience.
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
Thornton Skool: https://www.skool.com/fencelinetosuccess/about
FenceNews...
Look the Part, Lead the Way – Presentation is HUGE!

This week Dan talks about the importance of presentation, branding and professionalism. What lessons can we learn from history about the importance of presentation? What lessons can we learn today? How do you present yourself? What does it matter anyway?
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
Thornton Skool: https://www.skool.com/fencelinetosuccess/about
FenceNews: https://fencenews.com
EZG Manufacturing: https://ezgmfg.com
Now let’s Bid Some Jobs!

This week Dan dives into the art of bidding fence projects. This will take a few past episodes and tie it all together into a price we are going to submit. He will answer questions like what you need to know, what you should be thinking about, what questions do you ask, when do you submit it, when do you follow up? Dan will share his methods for the process.
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting...
You Are Enough to Make a Difference

In today’s episode, Dan shares three powerful stories — a fundraiser that few supported, a roadside hazard everyone drove past, and an elderly woman left bleeding in her driveway. Each moment tells a deeper story about where we are as a society: distracted, overwhelmed, or maybe just too busy to notice the people who need us. Are we really too self-absorbed to care, or have we just forgotten how to stop and see each other? Dan unpacks the reactions he witnessed — some disappointing, some deeply human — and reminds us why stepping in, even in the smallest way, still matters.
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Reading Plans – The Basics

This week Dan gets into the very basics of reading a set of plans (blueprints) live on the air. If you are new to plans or just want to hear a different perspective stop by and check it out. Dan will show several sample plan sets during the show to give you pointers on understanding a plan set, finding fence, understanding the symbols, how the plans are named, etc. Look forward to seeing you all soon.
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
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PARTNERS: <...
Did I Mess This Up??

This week Dan talks about a situation that has unfolded over the past few weeks with a job we have been bidding. We were put in a tricky situation and may or may not have handled it the right way. Did this cost us a job and relationship or will it result in us being professionals who handled it properly?
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Memphis Tri-State’s Golf To...
Job Numbers and Purchase Orders

This week Dan talks about Job Numbers and Purchase Orders. What are they, what they do, how they can help you and why you should be using them. Tune in and drop your questions in the comments and we will do our best to answer them!
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/.../Wish.../Make-A-WishMid-South...
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Memphis Tri-State’s Golf Tournament: https://internationalgoatdayschampionshipbbq.wufoo.com/...
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
Fe...
Make-A-Wish with Amanda Wiig

This week Dan sits down with Amanda Wiig, Director of Marketing and Communication, from Make-A-Wish Mid-South to talk about all things Make-A-Wish!
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Memphis Tri-State’s Golf Tournament: https://internationalgoatdayschampionshipbbq.wufoo.com/forms/mtsfa-39th-annual-golf-tournament/
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews.com
EZG Manufacturing: https://ezgmfg.com
Dopamine-on-Demand – Destroying Society?

This week Dan dives into the world of “Dopamine-on-Demand” and Instant Gratification. Have we created a society that will not work by making everything instant? Have we seen the end of the great minds of humanity? Do we need Ai to continue to progress and innovate because we can no longer do it?
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Memphis Tri-State’s Golf Tournament: https://internationalgoatdayschampionshipbbq.wufoo.com/forms/mtsfa-39th-ann...
What do you do with Your Numbers?

This week we are going to bring everything together from the past few weeks of talking about financials. Now that we understand basic financials what do we do with that knowledge? How can we apply that to bidding projects and ensuring we are profitable? Are you still bidding jobs by hand??
This week’s soapbox rant… Their Customer Service Sucks and theirs is Amazing!
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Make-A-Wish: https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WishYourWay/Make-A-WishMid-South?px=11162554&pg=personal&fr_id=6676
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
REPOST: Not Every Job's a Good Job: How to Pick the Right Ones

This week, we’re sharing how we find the jobs we decide to bid on. From spotting the right opportunities to picking the general contractors we want to work with, we’ll walk you through our process and what really goes into making those choices.
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Young Fence Professionals Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tLKMSjnQU/
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews.com
EZG Manufacturing: http...
Live with Craig Eubanks

This week Dan sits down with Craig Eubanks to talk about all Craig’s fence business, creating content, how to make donations and whatever else we get into. Stop by and drop a comment if you have any questions or anything!
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EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Young Fence Professionals Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tLKMSjnQU/
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews.com
EZG Manufacturing: https://ezgmfg.com
Financial Basics Pt. 2

Dan digs a little deeper into the world of finances with a few more concepts (continuation of last week). This time we will recap with a sample Profit and Loss statement, talk cash vs. accrual-based accounting, assets and talk about what to do with this new information. Where do you start if you have nothing? How do you maintain it moving forward?
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EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Young Fence Professionals Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tLKMSjnQU/
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PARTNERS:
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How to start Knowing and Understand Your Numbers

Dan goes into the very basics of understanding financial terms and documents. He will get into basic ideas and methods of tracking cost, using Purchase Order Numbers, using Job Numbers and give you the beginning of the basics on how to understand what you are missing and start collecting data.
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EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Young Fence Professionals Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tLKMSjnQU/
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews...
From the Ground Up: Claiborne’s First Year in Fence

This week Dan sits down with an estimator/project manager from the Memphis Fence team to talk about the time they have spent in the fence industry, tricks they have learned and what it was like walking in the first day.
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Young Fence Professionals Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14tLKMSjnQU/
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews.com
EZG Manufacturing: https://ezgmfg.com
Who Stole my Identity?

In today’s episode, Dan gives a quick recap of our Fencetech experience, the power of networking that can skyrocket your business, and a must-know topic—identity theft. Call in or comment if you’ve got questions!
EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews.com
Why go to Trade Shows?

Dan gives an unbiased, unsponsored and maybe unsolicited opinion about attending or exhibiting at the fence industry trade shows. Should you go to them? How often should you go? How much does it cost to exhibit? Call in/comment if you have any questions.
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EVENTS:
FenceTech 2025: https://americanfenceassociation.com/fencetech/2025/
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenews.co...
Integrity is Key

In this week’s episode Dan dives into Integrity… This will tie into last week’s episode on excellence. What is integrity and how do you maintain yours? What can you do to show your integrity to a customer? Will this help you sell jobs?
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EVENTS:
FenceTech 2025: https://americanfenceassociation.com/fencetech/2025/
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
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PARTNERS:
Thornton Fence/Business Consulting: https://fenceconsultinggroup.com
FenceNews: https://fencenew...
Strive for Excellence

In this week’s episode Dan dives into Excellence… What is it? How do we strive for it? Where does it matter? Why do I even care about it? These are all things we hope to address this week.
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EVENTS:
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
Fresh Take on Marketing with Brad Williams

In this week’s episode we sit down with Brad Williams and get another perspective into the marketing world. We will hear about his background, how he was introduced into the fence industry and what he is currently doing for fence companies.
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Brad’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clients-Content-Community-Refocus-Marketing/dp/B0DMDNVTYX
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EVENTS:
Garden State AFA Chapter’s Jackpot Trade Show: https://gsafa.org
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
GC Bidding Process

In this episode Dan takes a high-level look at the current process we are using to bid jobs to General Contractors. It’s been a while, so we wanted to take a fresh look at how we are doing it.
Where do the jobs come from? How do we qualify them? What next? How do we calculate the price?
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Events:
Garden State AFA Chapter’s Jackpot Trade Show: https://gsafa.org
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
FenceTech 2025: https://americanfenceassociation.com/fencetech/2025/
Efficiency

Welcome back to Season 3! This is the third episode of a series talking about what all software we use. We are going to talk about the fence specific software we use and the non-industry specific software. This is a popular question, so we decided to go through the major ones we use for our business.
Garden State AFA Chapter’s Jackpot Trade Show: https://gsafa.org
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
When Is it Time for Change?

In this episode Dan is taking a deep dive into change. Is it something to look out for, be afraid of, or embrace? When have we made changes and what changes are we looking to make in the future?
Garden State AFA Chapter’s Jackpot Trade Show: https://gsafa.org
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
What Software we Use Part 3

This is the third episode of a series talking about what all software we use. We are going to talk about the fence specific software we use and the non-industry specific software. This is a popular question, so we decided to go through the major ones we use for our business.
Garden State AFA Chapter’s Jackpot Trade Show: https://gsafa.org
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
The Show Must Go On

Change is here, and today we’re celebrating the moments that made this journey unforgettable. Grab a seat—it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
What Software We Use Pt. 2

This is the second episode of a series talking about what all software we use. We are going to talk about the fence specific software we use and the non-industry specific software. This is a popular question, so we decided to go through the major ones we use for our business.
Garden State AFA Chapter’s Jackpot Trade Show: https://gsafa.org
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
What Software we Use - Part 1

This will be the first episode of a series talking about what all software we use. We are going to talk about the fence specific software we use and the non-industry specific software. This is a popular question, so we decided to go through the major ones we use for our business.
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Events: https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
AFA’s Tech Summit: https://www.pathlms.com/afa/courses/61586
Plans, Specs and Addenda – Details are Everything pt. 2

In this week's episode we keep talking about the importance of reviewing all the plans, specs and addenda as well as picking up all the little details. We will talk about how this can drastically affect the success or failure of a project.
Plans, Specs and Addenda - Details are Everything

This week we talk about the importance of reviewing all the plans, specs and addenda as well as picking up all the little details. We will talk about how this can drastically affect the success or failure of a project.
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Information is Missing!!

What do you do when you are trying to bid a job that does not have all the information? How many assumptions can you make? How much “extra money” do you add to cover unknowns?
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
REPOST: Good Vendors and How to Keep Them Happy

Due to a scheduling conflict, we’re bringing back one of the most loved episodes from season 1. In this episode, we talk about the importance of having a good relationship with your vendors. Joining us is our esteemed guest, Brad Rude from SPS, who will share his insights as a seasoned sales representative
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
REPOST: Cash is King!

Due to a scheduling conflict, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes "Cash is King"! It’s the perfect chance for new listeners to catch up and for our loyal fans to revisit a favorite! In this episode we explore the importance of cashflow in the commercial fence industry.
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Stories From the Week

Join us as we dive into some intriguing situations from the past week that we just had to share with you!
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/events/
Reno, Rain and Insurance Requirements

In this episode we give a brief recap on the West Coast Fence Show, talk about our rain day and a situation we have been seeing more and more from customers (Owners and Contractors). Stop by, say hello and you might pick up a little something along the way.
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Event Schedule:
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/calendar/
Our Process Pt. 5

This is the fifth episode in a series that will reveal our entire process for handling customers or jobs. In this episode we reveal the next part of our process for our General Contractor Commercial jobs. We roll back the curtain and reveal (nearly) all to listeners. Join us on this journey as we look at our own processes and try to make improvements to what we are doing. Feel free to give us any suggestions you might have!!
Our Process - Pt. 4

This is the fourth episode in a series that reveals our entire process for handling customers or jobs. In this episode we reveal our process for our General Contractor Commercial jobs. We roll back the curtain and reveal (nearly) all to listeners. Join us on this journey as we look at our own processes and try to make improvements to what we are doing. Feel free to give us any suggestions you might have!!
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Event Schedule:
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/calendar/
Our Process - Pt.3

This is the third episode in a series that will reveal our entire process for handling customers or jobs. In this episode we reveal our process for our B2B Commercial jobs. We roll back the curtain and reveal (nearly) all to listeners. Join us on this journey as we look at our own processes and try to make improvements to what we are doing. Feel free to give us any suggestions you might have!!
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Event Schedule:
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/calendar/
Our Process - Pt.2

In this episode we reveal our process for Ornamental and B2B Commercial jobs. Join us on today as we take a look at our own processes and try to make improvements to what we are doing. Feel free to give us any suggestions you might have!!
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Event Schedule:
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/calendar/
Our Process pt.1

This is the first episode in a series that will reveal our entire process for handling customers or jobs. We roll back the curtain and reveal (nearly) all to listeners. Join us on this journey as we take a look at our own processes and try to make improvements to what we are doing. Feel free to give us any suggestions you might have!
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Event Schedule:
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/calendar/
Strong-armed by a General Contractor

In this episode we tell a few stories of general contractors who tried to strongarm us into doing things and how we handled the situation. It might not be what you think…
Thornton Fence Consulting Group Event Schedule:
https://www.fenceconsultinggroup.com/calendar/