A SMART APPROACH GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD BUSINESS - ALSO INSIDE - THE REPUBLIC
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SOUTH CENTRAL
A publication of THE REPUBLIC spring 2021
A smart
approach
Good fences make
good business
ALSO INSIDE
» Schneider
nursery
»
PERMIT NO 200
COLUMBUS, IN
shabby
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WE ARE YOUR
BUSINESS EXPERTS
Contact us for all your
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812.232.3642 Karl Kissinger
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Officer
Hayden Shuffet Lea Goins Brad Davis
Portfolio Manager Treasury Management Chief Credit Officer
Officer
IN-35064685
Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
SOUTH CENTRAL
A PUBLICATION OF THE REPUBLIC spring 2021
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26 ON THE COVER
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8 Around the Water Cooler
18
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4 The Business Connection | spring 2021
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY SNAPSHOT
Business indicators for Bartholomew County
Percent Change
dec. 2019/
sept. 2020 oct. 2020 nov. 2020 dec. 2020 dec. 2020
Labor Force 44,674 44,904 44,387 45,555 1.90
Employed 42,549 43,032 42,659 44,071 .74
Unemployed 2,125 1,872 1,728 1,484 55.07
Unemployment Rate (pct) 4.8 4.2 3.9 3.3 1.2
Note: All figures not seasonally adjusted
SOURCE: Ball State Center for Economic and Business Research
JACKSON COUNTY SNAPSHOT
Business indicators for Jackson County
Percent Change
dec. 2019/
sept. 2020 oct. 2020 nov. 2020 dec. 2020 dec. 2020
Labor Force 21,605 21,949 21,578 22,060 -3.75
Employed 20,519 20,933 20,696 21,296 -5.11
Unemployed 1,086 1,016 882 764 60.50
Unemployment Rate (pct) 5.0 4.6 4.1 3.5 1.4
Note: All figures not seasonally adjusted
SOURCE: Ball State Center for Economic and Business Research
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 5
ON THE MOVE
n Maureen Opalka ognition. The honor is presented to has five years of experience in the
has been named financial advisers who demonstrate investment industry, three with Kirr,
Employee of an extraordinary level of commit- Marbach. He was previously a credit
the Quarter at ment to clients through personal analyst and commercial lender with
IUPUC for the first service and professional activity. MainSource Bank.
quarter of this
n Indiana Philanthropy Alliance has n The Indiana Motor Truck Associ-
year. She began
announced the first cohort of the ation announced 2019 Driver of the
working part time
John M. Mutz Philanthropic Leader- Year Daryle Rohrig, of Grammer
at IUPUC in 2015
ship Institute. The institute aims to Logistics, has been named a top five
in the Office of
maureen opalka help professionals serving in board finalist for the American Trucking
Development and
and executive roles at foundations, Association’s National Driver of the
has since taken on
corporations and social impact or-
a full-time role supporting multi- Year. The winner will be announced
ganizations around Indiana.
ple organizations across campus, at ATA’s spring HR, Safety & Cyber
including development, alumni Local participants include Richard Security National Conference.
relations and administration and McCoy, executive director of Land-
finance. Prior to coming to IUPUC, Rohrig has been with Grammer Lo-
mark Columbus Foundation, and
she spent 10 years as a teacher’s as- gistics for 12 years and has accumu-
Kristin Munn, director of develop-
sistant at St. Bartholomew Catholic lated more than 4 million safe miles.
ment for Heritage Fund – The Com-
School and two years at Ivy Tech munity Foundation of Bartholomew He is a certified master truck driver,
Columbus. County. Classes meet once a month an IMTA Driver of the Month in 2018
until October; there are 24 partici- and 2019 and is accident-free since
n Marvin Purdy 2016. A truck driver for 45 years,
pants from 13 Indiana counties.
has joined JCB
he bought his first truck right out
as assistant vice n Eric M. Robbins, who has served of high school in 1975 and was an
president, busi- as an Edward Jones financial adviser owner/operator until 2004.
ness banking rela- in Columbus the past 10 years, has
tionship manager. been named a principal with the n Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has
He has worked in firm’s holding company, The Jones reappointed Dr. David Rau, a phy-
the banking indus- Financial Cos. He was one of 161 sician with Rau Family Medicine
try for more than individuals chosen this year from in Columbus, to the state’s Drug
marvin purdy
14 years, serving more than 50,000 associates across Utilization Review Board. The gover-
Johnson, Barthol- the United States and Canada to nor made seven reappointments to
omew, Brown and Marion counties. join the firm’s principals. In addi- the board; members will serve until
Purdy attended Franklin College and tion to serving local investors, he 2023.
currently resides in Johnson County. serves as an Edward Jones regional
leader, promoting the health, growth n Diane Boh-
n Galen D.
and leadership development of 56 man, senior vice
Krumme, a
branch teams. president of
Raymond James
financial adviser MSP Solutions of
n Kirr, Marbach
at JCB Invest- Elwood Staffing,
& Co. announced
ment Services in was selected by
that Zach Greiner,
Seymour, has been associate director Staffing Industry
named a mem- of client service, Analysts for its
ber of the 2020 was recently Global Power 150
Raymond James awarded a cer- diane bohman – Women in Staff-
galen d. krumme
Financial Services tified financial ing List for 2020.
2020 Leaders planner certifica- Bohman joined Elwood Staffing in
Council. This is the 16th consecutive tion by the CFP 2019, bringing more than 20 years
zach greiner
year he has qualified for this rec- Board. Greiner of leadership experience to her role.
6 The Business Connection | spring 2021
In its sixth year, this annual list from the Associ- nomic Development builds relation-
recognizes women for their excel- ation for Talent ships with corporations and organi-
lence as leaders and influencers and Development Cer- zations in Columbus and throughout
increases visibility for the important tification Institute. southeastern Indiana by providing
contributions women have made Those who earn a portfolio of business services and
across the staffing industry. The the credential are leveraging university faculty, staff
2020 list spotlights these women for recognized for and regional subject matter experts.
their roles in advancing digital/tech having an overall Business services include executive
agendas, initiatives and processes understanding education and management devel-
that enhance and strengthen their of the 23 capa- opment seminars and certification
melissa fairbanks
businesses as well as ecosystem. bilities necessary programs, management consulting
for success in and coaching, supporting entre-
n Melissa Fairbanks, director of
talent development and the ability preneurship, innovation, business
the Center for Business and Eco-
to apply this knowledge in the start-ups and professional network-
nomic Development at IUPUC, has
workplace. ing events.
earned the Certified Professional
in Talent Development credential The Center for Business and Eco- — Staff Reports
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning
Kitchen Exhaust Hood Repair &
Service
Fire Protection including:
Fire Suppression
Fire Extinguishers
Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning, Fire Suppression and Fire Safety Emergency and Exit Lighting
Fire safety is always our number one priority. That’s why we are always driven to do
thorough, meticulous work for you. As a fully NFPA certified company, you can rest
assured that we will clean your kitchen exhaust hood to the specific NFPA standards,
ensuring your kitchen is safe and compliant.
Our company guarantees all technicians are: www.innovativehoodpro.com
Licensed Pre-engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems Technicians or
Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technicians
Justin 812-374-4403
Fully licensed and insured
We are a family-owned company formed in 2017 and we are dedicated
to providing you with the most professional, safe and thorough kitchen exhaust hood
cleaning. Our owner expects nothing less than excellence so he comes out and
inspects every job to ensure you are receiving the most thorough, efficient service. IN-35067703
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 7
around the
water cooler
Company renames wealth Foundation donates to growth and diversification of smart
management practice state forest upgrades manufacturing and related engineer-
ing operations in and around Colum-
Northwestern Mutual wealth man- The Duke Energy Foundation has
bus, Indiana, now and for decades to
agement adviser Matthew Carothers awarded a $150,000 grant to the
come.”
has announced the rebranding of his Indiana Natural Resources Founda-
Columbus-based wealth manage- tion for new features and upgrades In addition to Greater Columbus
ment practice, now known as Greater at the Ravinia State Forest in Morgan EDC, other award recipients with
County near Paragon. The state Indiana operations included Rolls-
Horizon Financial Group.
forest encompasses 1,500 acres of Royce Defense, Saab Aerospace and
The new name, logo and website rolling hills and valleys. Greater Lafayette Commerce.
have been developed through a
Projects include improvements to
collaborative process to reflect the
three parking lots, two new shelter
company’s mission. The firm has
houses featuring electric service and
Byrider receives Franchise
served the Columbus, Seymour,
running water, signage and drainage
of the Year honor
Greensburg and North Vernon areas
improvements to the trail system, Byrider has presented the Franchise
for more than 30 years. and the addition of picnic tables and of the Year Award to Roy Wagner,
grills, among other features. The new Terry Gerhart and team during a
projects are scheduled to begin in virtual convention. The award recog-
CenterPoint Energy earns the spring with completion in 2022. nizes the best overall performance
awards following hurricanes based on internal store rankings and
CenterPoint Energy has received a measure of how the business has
six Edison Electric Institute Emer- Greater Columbus EDC contributed to the Byrider franchise
gency Response Awards for its work honored for strategies community.
following hurricanes Delta, Hannah, Greater Columbus Economic Devel- Two of the franchise group’s stores,
Isaias, Laura, Sally and Zeta. The opment Corp. was recently recog- Byrider Evansville and Byrider An-
awards recognize recovery and nized for outstanding investment derson, also received the President’s
assistance efforts of companies fol- attraction strategies focused on Award for ranking in the top 10% of
lowing service disruptions caused by support of intelligent manufacturing. stores as defined by the company.
extreme weather and other natural Fourteen companies and economic Wagner owns and operates four
events. development organizations from other Byrider stores in Indiana —
around the nation were honored. Bloomington, Columbus, Muncie and
Richmond.
“For four decades, we have been
Southern Indiana Surgery proud to lead initiatives that support
opens vascular center existing manufacturers while also
recruiting new domestic and interna- Toyota Material Handling
Southern Indiana Surgery is observes anniversary
tional companies to Columbus and
bridging the gap between patient
Bartholomew County, Indiana,” said North America’s No. 1 forklift manu-
evaluation and treatment with its
Jason Hester, president of Greater facturer, Toyota Material Handling is
new vascular center. It provides
Columbus EDC. commemorating its 30th anniversary
the full care package — from initial
of manufacturing its industry-leading
consultation to outpatient ser- “Today, our community has the high-
equipment in the United States this
vices —in one location. The center est concentration of industrial and
year.
provides a clinic staffed by SIS mechanical engineering occupations
vascular surgeons, a vascular ultra- in the nation, while our manufactur- Toyota Forklifts began its domes-
sound laboratory for exams and an ing workforce ranks in the top 2%. As tic manufacturing operations at its
interventional suite for minimally such, we are keenly focused on sup- Columbus-based plant in 1990. Since
invasive procedures. porting with our partners continued then, more than 700,000 forklifts
8 The Business Connection | spring 2021
have been produced at the 1.5 packaging system, BAB contains Columbus and Seymour offices
million-square-foot facility. Today, two chambers inside the same can, of Evansville-based Kemper CPA
more than 1,500 Toyota associates providing the capacity to package Group. As a result, the Columbus
contribute to the brand’s market- and dispense two incompatible office of Agresta, Storms & O’Leary
place superiority. formulations in the same pack. will move from its current location
to the Kemper offices on Washing-
“For 30 years, Toyota Forklifts have
ton Street. It is anticipated that
been assembled in America’s heart-
land. This anniversary would never
AEI receives veterans all employees of the two Kemper
have been possible without the tire- award again offices will join the staff of Agresta,
Storms & O’Leary.
less efforts and dedication of our AEI has won the Gold Hire Veterans
associates, dealers and suppliers,” Medallion Award. AEI is one of only Founded in 2009, Agresta, Storms
said Jeff Rufener, TMH president 58 employers in the country to win & O’Leary PC is a full-service
and CEO. “This year, as we reflect the award three times in a row. It is accounting firm with offices in
on where we’ve come from, we are the only veteran award at the fed- Indianapolis, Martinsville, Bates-
filled with optimism and look for- eral level that honors companies for ville, Greensburg, Columbus and
ward to the next 30 years.” their efforts in recruiting, employing Seymour offering assurance, tax
and retaining U.S. military veterans. and business consulting services,
including bank and finance con-
Lindal Group honored for sulting, mergers and acquisitions
bag-and-bag design Agresta, Storms & O’Leary assistance, cost management and
merges with Kemper budgeting consulting, and HUD
Lindal Group has received a
consulting.
packaging element design award Agresta, Storms & O’Leary recently
for its bag-and-bag technology. A announced it has merged with the — Staff Reports
INSURANCE, LLC
• Business Jonathan M. Isaacs, PLS
Tim M. Allen, PLS
• Medicare Chad Leinart, PE
• Group
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911 25th St. • Columbus, IN 812.372.0996
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IN-35064281
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www.zellerinsurance.com to the Columbus and surrounding areas.
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 9
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS
November 2020 611 Washington St. 109 Doctors Park Drive 6875 S. Inwood Drive
10150 E. 25th St. Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Addition 02
New Commercial Building $100,000 $19,000 $1,200,000
$200,000 Camm Properties LLC Southern Indiana Surgery MCAA Inc.
Taylor Brothers Com Remodel Driftwood Builders Dunlap General Contractor
Construction Southern Indiana Surgery Com Remodel Nma
New Accessory Bldg 745 Sycamore St. Ramp Furnace Addn 7626 SF
12,800 SF Demolition
$0 3051 Columbus Center January 2021
10150 E. 25th St. St. Bartholomew Commercial Remodel 123 Washington St.
New Commercial Building Apartments $50,000 Commercial Remodel
$200,000 Rubicon Construction Xfinity $137,000
Taylor Brothers Demo St. Bartholomew Kort Builders Inc. City of Columbus
Construction Church/School 300 SF Comm Rem Dunlap General Contractor
New Accessory Bldg Facade Com Rem 95 SF
14,400 SF 845 Eighth St.
Demolition 2415 N. National Road 2400 17th St.
5559 S. Inwood Drive $0 Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel
New Commercial Building St. Bartholomew $191,367 $944,142
$500,000 Apartments Columbus Retail LLC Columbus Regional
Toyota Material Handling Rubicon Construction Versatile Construction Hospital
Force Construction Co. Demo St. Bartholomew Group LLC Repp & Mundt Inc.
Inc. Church/School Col Retail Remodel 4161 1395 SF Cols Reg Rem
Toyota Test Track 8,400 SF
SF Foundation 3102 Middle Road 2010 Doctors Park Drive
New Commercial Building 501 Washington St Commercial Remodel
867 Second St. $1,000,000 Commercial Remodel $75,000
Demolition Cornerstone Development $650,000 Heritage Baptist Church
$0 Goecker Construction Centra Credit Union Owner
City of Columbus New Com Bldg Force Construction Co. Com Remod Heritage
Redevelopment Cornerstone 10,960 SF Inc. Baptist Church 6457 SF
Demolition Com Remodel Centra
2415 N. National Road Credit Union 5625 SF 588 S. Country Club Road
501 Washington St. Demolition New Commercial Building
Demolition $0 11622 NE Executive Drive $40,000
$0 Ellettsville Retail Partners Commercial Remodel Harrison Lake Country
Centra Credit Union Versatile Construction $45,647 Club
Force Construction Co. Group LLC Simon Property Group Dn Dezigns
Inc. Partial Demo/ On Interior Metro Tech New Storage Bldg 800 SF
Interior Demo 27,418 SF Simon Prop/HVAC 3 Units
11622 NE Executive Drive 3221 17th St.
10150 E. 25th St. Commercial Remodel 1900 Mckinley Ave. Commercial Remodel
New Commercial Building $461,550 $118,000 $50,000
$150,000 American Eagle Cummins Inc. Homes By Keeno
Bartholomew County Burns Retail Construction Taylor Brothers Owner
Commissioners LLC Construction Com Remodel 2630 SF
Midwest Maintenance & American Eagle Remodel Fuel Storage Canopy
Construction Co. 3221 17th St.
Storage Tanks and December 2020 11761 NE Executive Drive Commercial Remodel
Canopy 3051 Columbus Center Commercial Remodel $20,000
Commercial Remodel $4,000 Homes By Keeno
4465 Ray Boll Blvd. $150,000 Premium Outlet Partners Com Remodel 1100 SF
New Commercial Building Xfinity Brines Refrigeration
$425,000 Owner Heating & Cooling 745 Sycamore St.
M Four Properties Com Remodel Xfinity Repl HVAC New Commercial Building
Kelso Builders $2,500,000
New Columbus Air Park St. Bartholomew
Office Bldg 6,500 SF Apartments
Rubicon Construction
New Res Apts 16,844 SF
10 The Business Connection | spring 2021BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS
725 Sycamore St. 2361 Henry Lakes Blvd. 90 Johnson Blvd. 2314 State St.
New Commercial Building Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel
$4,500,000 $5,000 $20,000 $41,594
St Bartolomew Ruben, Leal Meyer Foods Management Cork Liquors Beechtree
Apartments LLC Owner Co. Plaza
Rubicon Construction Commercial/Cooler McCon Building Corp. Royalty Companies of
New Res Apts 40,588 SF Refrigeration Culver’s Remodel 3800 Indiana Inc.
SF Cork Re-roof
432 Fourth St. 2423 N. National Road
Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel 5165 N. Indianapolis Road 2715 Merchants Mile
$30,000 $250,000 Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel
R & S Landmarks CVS $15,000 Open $43,000
Driftwood Builders Taylor Brothers Shelby Materials Sam’s Real Estate Bus
Office Remodel Construction Dunlap General Contractor Trust
Comm Int Remodel Com Remodel Shelby Owner
454 Fourth St. Materials Sam’s Club Remodel
Commercial Remodel 11793 N. State Road 9
$80,000 Commercial Addition 02 110 Carr Hill Road
City Of Columbus/Bar $40,000 Commercial Remodel
Prntres Estes Material Sales Inc. $50,000
R & S Landmarks Owner Super 8
Driftwood Builders Estes Material Addition Owner
Office Remodel Remodel Super 8
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spring 2021 | The Business Connection 11The first class of 16 students in Peterman Heating, Cooling and Plumbing’s new training program graduated Jan. 29, and all have
started working in the field for the company.
Service firm builds
its own workforce
Explosive growth led Greenwood-based Peterman to
develop Top Tech Academy for technician training
By Susan Orr | Indianapolis Business Journal
12 The Business Connection | spring 2021»
Peterman_factbox
Sarah
FEBRUARY 5, 2021 | INDIANAPOLIS BUSINES
Numerous fac-
PETERMAN
It’s a good problem to have, but
tors aare
problem just the
fueling the Peterman KINETIC
Continued same.
from page When 5A your company is experiencing
industry’s and theexplo- Continued from p
sive growth, how do you hire enough
company’s people
rapid to keep Heating, Cooling
adding in company-specific training
such as how up?to deal with a frustrated expansion, Chad and Plumbing Inc. “Altamont has a
ing best-in-class o
Peterman said. For
homeowner orGreenwood-based
a rambunctious dog. Peterman Founded: 1986, by Pete Peterman
oneHeating, Cooling
thing, homes services to address
These soft skills are important,
and Plumbing Inc. is tacklingbuilt said the challenge through Owners: Pete Peterman and sons is the case with Kin
during the
President Chad Peterman, because, Chad Peterman, president, and McFarland said
an innovative
when technicians are out new in-house training program that is
on service
housing boom that Tyler Peterman, vice president of unique is its willing
led to the Great Tyler Peterman operations
generating
calls, they are the face of interest from both potential students and
the company. tory from wherever
Recession of 2008- Employees: about 200, two-thirds of
“Really, ourpeer companies
technicians are the nationwide.
conduit 2009 are now at “Historically, f
to customers The knowing who we are and whom are service technicians
four-month program, called
the age PetermanwhereTop Tech have grown up ar
trusting what we do.” Locations tions because that
Top TechAcademy, equips students
work- formight
careers in either plumb-
their infrastructure ◗ Headquarters, 677 Commerce
students also attend need repair- their cars,” McFarl
shops on aing rangeor heating and air-conditioning
of life-skills topics, repair. Students
ing or replacing.
Parkway West Drive, Greenwood. pletely agnostic to
Moved here last May.
from healthy drawcooking
a paycheck while enrolled,
and personal and thethough
And, curriculum ◗ Peterman Top Tech Academy, a trade
that provides a ph
finance to includes
handling both automotive
technical emer-
training and life skills
investment firms like school launched last fall, at former for us. We wanted t
gencies like a flat tire or a dead battery. have been snap- headquarters, 5240 Commerce Circle, pendent dealer whe
“We justbudgeting and cooking.
kind of thought, in order ping up service Indianapolis business, without b
to be a fully Students
engaged employeesign a two-year
and to employment contract,
companies of late, Chad Peterman ◗ satellite offices in Columbus and Kinetic has also
give 100% which
during helps
your work the company
day, you ensure that itsisnewly
the industry still Lafayette ogy platform that
also need to be 100%
trained at home,”
employees willsaid
stick composed
around once of manythey’ve
smaller firms and says streamlines t
Dani Wernert, an executive administra- Peterman has been able to pick up mar- customer experien
finished
tive assistant their schooling.
at Peterman who helped heating and and provides tran
ket share from some of its competitors.
The first
develop the school class launched
and oversees its day- in October, and those
Perhaps most important, Chad Peter-
Service air-conditioning parency around fee
type
16 students (nine in heatingman
to-day operations. andsaidair and
he and seven in
his brother have made plumbing
Craig Caldwell, associate dean of Diversification
plumbing) graduated Jan. 29.growth All began working as a priority.
and experimentation
graduate and professional programs When their father, Pete, founded the Faruk Ansa
Peterman Lacey
at Butler University’s serviceSchooltechnicians
of recently. owner and preside
company in 1986, he never envisioned
Business, saidAPeterman’s
new session of classes
approach is began immediately,
its growing as large with
as it has. When of Velocity Motor
a third scheduled
a “very sophisticated, to launch in
very forward- ChadAugust.
Peterman joined in 2011, he was individual ports Inc. at 31 3
thinking” solution to the shortage of residents St. SW in Carmel,
skilled workers.
“Every three to four months, we’re
the 21st going
employee. to have Customers
When the sons took the reins in ic’s first clients.
Over thenew, fresh team members
emphasis rolling out in the field,” said commercial
years, society’s 2016, they decided to get aggressive (mostly
Velocity had ab
on college Vice Presidenttraining
over vocational of Operations
has Tyler Peterman, who
about expansion. multifamily when a Kinetic rep
ownsinthe
devalued careers thecompany
trades, Caldwellalong with“The his brother,
one thingChad,
I love about our orga- residential) the door. Ansari a
said. “Right andnow, father, trades
Pete. generally
“I think where it could take us is
nization is, we move fast,” Chad Peter- through NextGear
speaking are still not popular career Annual revenue Global’s Automotiv
endless. ”
paths,” he said. “What Peterman is up
man said. “We’re always looking for a
million Los Angeles-based
better way to do something.”
to here is, theyStaffing
are goingistoan beongoing
their ownchallenge for the industry $40.0
The company revamped a long-run- $40 Services. But he sa
and especially
solution to talent acquisition.” for Peterman,ning which has experienced
membership program in 2018, $29.0 credit from Kinetic
$30
In-house atraining
seriousisgrowth“the new spurt
stan-in recent
shiftingyearsto and
an landed
auto-pay model and and diversify his o
$20.8
dard” in theon service
IBJ’sindustry,
Fast 25 said list Julian
in 2019 and adding 2020.
perksTheforcompa-
customers who pay a $20 $15.7 BMWs, Mercedes
Scadden, Nexstar’s president and CEO. $10.4 with more econom
ny’s revenue, which stood atmonthly
And the approach $10.4 million in 2017,
membership fee. Enrollment $10 Now, Velocity
swelled in the program has more than doubled
is generating a lot to $29 million in 2020 and is projected to
as a result. lot, and Ansari vie
of interest.reachPeter- $40 million this year. Last year, the company established 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021* mary lender.
man receivedPeterman600 has just more than 200 employees, about
an in-house leadership program. Any
*projected He said he like
applicants two-thirds
for the of whom are service technicians;
employee the
who’s interested can enroll
Source: Peterman Heating, Cooling and Plumbing free monthly audit
16 slots in its inau- and advance through the program by track and reconcile
gural class, Wer- reading books from Peterman’s collec- A focus on leadership should help financed. And he sa
nert said, and the tion or completing selected activities. SIMPLY petitive interest rate
company has also
the companyTHE CHOICE
build FOR
the infrastructure
needed to handle its “explosive” growth,
YOUR transparency about
The goal of the leadership program, PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING SERVICES “It’s their approa
fielded queries Chad Peterman said, is to develop a Butler’s Caldwell said.
from many service Scadden pipeline for employees interested ALTA/NSPS inSurveys“It is extraordinary,
Boundary Surveys even in a grow- ism, their willingn
Property Subdivisions
companies around the United States advancement. “What we want Elevation Surveysing industry,
to provide to have growth
Topographic Surveys like this,” he said.
House Stake-Outs
who are interested in launching their is a really crystal-clear career Construction
path.” he said. “You
Engineering Poolhave to have a leadership
Stake-outs Elevation Certificates
own training programs. team that’s
Classified capable
Forest of scaling.”•
& Wildlands Applications S
www.meekscompany.com
LILLY brain cells as twisted, tangled fibers.
After a careful measurement of all
Lilly could be onto
something big, even
close to the right
exactly spot on.”
Continued tyler
from previous
petermanpage chad peterman
patients, Lilly was able to enroll 272 peo- if it is not totally on Lilly said it has o
“It does one thing, but it does it really, ple with just the right amount of tau and the mark. line, including one
really well,” said Mintun, Lilly’s execu- amyloid to conduct what it thought would Dr. Eric Siemers, a protein, trying to s
tive overseeing the drug’s development. be a meaningful trial. former Lilly medical from one neuron to
That one thing, he said, is to go after During the 76-week trial, Lilly put executive who over- The drugmaker s
a very specific, modified form of the
protein beta amyloid that is thought to
patients through multiple mental drills
and brain scans to see how they were pro-
IN-35066623
(812) 592-4145
saw the semagaces-
tat trials before that
trial of about 500 p
might skip the nex
be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, gressing. At the end, it was pleased with drug failed in 2010, Phase 3 trial, wh
Siemers
called N3pG. Lilly tested it in an early what it found: The trial met the primary said thespring
new trial thousands13of patie
2021 | The Business Connection
trial of a few hundred patients, and found end point, slowing mental decline and showed some success but also raised millions of dollars
it to be highly effective. clearing the brain of plaque. some questions. federal regulators fcompany estimates it will need to
hire 80 to 100 people this year.
“We do quite a bit of market-
ing. We’re trying to be out there in
front of as many customers as pos-
Every three to four months, we’re
sible,” Tyler Peterman said. “Some-
times, we have to shut the marketing
going to have new, fresh team
down because we don’t have enough
people to do the calls that we have.”
members rolling out in the field.
Peterman based its curriculum on I think where it could take us is
one developed by Nexstar Network,
a St. Paul, Minnesota-based profes- endless.”
sional organization for residential
Tyler Peterman, Peterman Heating,
service companies. Nexstar’s curric-
Cooling and Plumbing Inc. co-owner
ulum was designed as a self-guided and vice president of operations
study program for technicians
looking to upgrade their skills.
Peterman adapted the program,
adding in company-specific training
such as how to deal with a frustrated In-house training is “the new stan- large as it has. When Chad Peter-
homeowner or a rambunctious dog. dard” in the service industry, said man joined in 2011, he was the 21st
These soft skills are important, Julian Scadden, employee.
said President Chad Peterman, Nexstar’s presi- When the sons took the reins in
because, when technicians are out dent and CEO. 2016, they decided to get aggressive
on service calls, they are the face of And the about expansion. “The one thing I
the company. “Really, our techni- approach is love about our organization is, we
cians are the conduit to customers generating a lot of move fast,” Chad Peterman said.
knowing who we are and trusting interest. Peter- “We’re always looking for a better
what we do.” man received 600 way to do something.”
Top Tech students also attend applicants for The company revamped a
workshops on a range of life-skills julian scadden
the 16 slots in its long-running membership program
topics, from healthy cooking and inaugural class, in 2018, shifting to an auto-pay
personal finance to handling auto- Wernert said, and the company has model and adding perks for custom-
motive emergencies like a flat tire or also fielded queries from many ser- ers who pay a monthly membership
a dead battery. vice companies around the United fee. Enrollment in the program has
“We just kind of thought, in order States who are interested in launch- more than doubled as a result.
to be a fully engaged employee and ing their own training programs. Last year, the company estab-
to give 100% during your work day, Numerous factors are fueling lished an in-house leadership pro-
you also need to be 100% at home,” the industry’s and the company’s gram. Any employee who’s interested
said Dani Wernert, an executive rapid expansion, Chad Peterman can enroll and advance through the
administrative assistant at Peterman said. For one thing, homes built program by reading books from
who helped develop the school and during the housing boom that led Peterman’s collection or completing
oversees its day-to-day operations. to the Great Recession of 2008- selected activities.
Craig Caldwell, associate dean 2009 are now at the age where their
The goal of the leadership pro-
of graduate and professional pro- infrastructure might need repairing
gram, Chad Peterman said, is to
grams at Butler University’s Lacey or replacing.
develop a pipeline for employees
School of Business, said Peterman’s And, though investment firms
interested in advancement. “What
approach is a “very sophisticated, have been snapping up service
we want to provide is a really crystal-
very forwardthinking” solution to companies of late, the industry is
clear career path.”
the shortage of skilled workers. still composed of many smaller firms
A focus on leadership should help
Over the years, society’s emphasis and Peterman has been able to pick
the company build the infrastruc-
on college over vocational training up market share from some of its
competitors. ture needed to handle its “explosive”
has devalued careers in the trades,
Perhaps most important, Chad growth, Butler’s Caldwell said.
Caldwell said. “Right now, trades
Peterman said he and his brother “It is extraordinary, even in a
generally speaking are still not
have made growth and experimen- growing industry, to have growth
popular career paths,” he said. “What
Peterman is up to here is, they are tation a priority. When their father, like this,” he said. “You have to have
going to be their own solution to Pete, founded the company in 1986, a leadership team that’s capable of
talent acquisition.” he never envisioned its growing as scaling.”
14 The Business Connection | spring 2021»
Indiana Small Farms Conference
goes virtual in March
Staff Reports
WEST LAFAYETTE — The Indiana and what’s next in small farming, ture / Small Farms
Small Farm Conference — an an- and network with fellow farmers
Pre-recorded content in some
nual event for the state’s small and to cultivate Indiana’s small-farm
topic tracks will supplement the
diversified farming community — is community.
live content.
moving online for 2021, combining
This year’s conference will offer
live and on-demand content in a The agenda also includes a bonus
seven tracks, from which attendees
variety of topic areas. topic track in mental health, with
can choose sessions that best align
pre-recorded videos and resources
The ninth annual conference and with their farming operations and
that will be available on demand
trade show will take place March goals:
and provided free, regardless of
4-6. Registration is now open. The
n Advanced Livestock conference registration.
fee to attend all three days of the
conference is $35. n Advanced Vegetable Production Virtual tours of some Indiana farms
and testimonials from farmers
Since 2013, the conference has n Beginning Farmer
about how they have persevered
allowed both novice and experi-
n Farm Business & Marketing Plans through the COVID-19 pandemic
enced small-scale farmers to gain
also will be available on demand.
practical guidance from leaders n Regenerative Agriculture
and experts in workshops and For more information or to register,
breakouts, join discussions and n Urban Agriculture visit the Indiana Small Farm Con-
demonstrations of what’s new n Youth Track: Careers in Agricul- ference website at purdue.ag/sfc.
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 15»
Josh Phillips, the co-owner of Espita, a stylish Mexican restaurant, displays a Ghostburger at his restaurant in downtown
Washington. The Associated Press
Delivery-only restaurant brands
see pandemic-fueled growth
By Dee-Ann Durbin | The Associated Press
Do you know which restaurant win new customers as traffic in their chicken sandwiches.
cooked the meal you just had deliv- dining rooms dwindles. Celebrities are even getting in
ered? Increasingly, it can be hard to Applebee’s is launching Cosmic on the trend. Tyga Bites, a chicken
tell. Wings, a delivery-only brand that nugget brand from rapper Tyga,
Delivery-only brands — cooked specializes in chicken wings and and Mariah’s Cookies, backed by
in another brand’s kitchen and often Cheetos-flavored dipping sauce. singer Mariah Carey, are among the
delivered by third parties like Uber Uber Eats will deliver the brand from brands offered by Virtual Dining
Eats — were proliferating even 1,300 Applebee’s kitchens. Concepts, a new company that sets
before the pandemic. They’re an It’s joining a crowded market. up delivery-only brands in restau-
inexpensive way for restaurants to Denny’s is rolling out two virtual rant kitchens. Coming soon: Mario’s
try a new concept or fill a need in the brands — The Burger Den and The Tortas Lopez and Pauly D’s Italian
community; a burger place might try Meltdown — in the first half of this Subs.
making tacos under a different name, year. Chuck E. Cheese started deliv- Uber Eats says it has more than
for example. ery-only Pasqually’s Pizza and Wings 10,000 delivery-only restaurants on
But over the last year, delivery-only last March. In the last few months, its platform, up from 3,000 in 2019.
brands have seen explosive growth as Chili’s launched It’s Just Wings, More than half of that growth has
the pandemic made delivery a more TGI Fridays cooked up Conviction come from national chains, the com-
popular option. Big restaurant chains Chicken and Carrabba’s Italian pany said. Grubhub and DoorDash
are now joining the fray, hoping to Grill began delivering Tender Shack won’t say how many delivery-only
16 The Business Connection | spring 2021brands are on their platforms. only grow. More restaurants
Scott Gladstone, Applebee’s now offer it, packaging has got-
vice president of strategy and ten better and delivery compa-
development, said making Cos- nies are getting faster, he said.
mic Wings its own brand lets “Our habits have changed,
Applebee’s target customers it
might not reach with its regular
menu, where wings are one of
and I don’t think they are going
back very easily or quickly,” he
said.
A NEW HORIZON FOR
nearly a dozen appetizers.
“This gives it the best chance
to stand out on its own,” Glad-
Still, he said, restaurants
should put some thought into
their delivery-only brands. A
OUR TEAM IN 2021
stone said. pizza restaurant can’t necessar- The new year brings an exciting new change for
With dining rooms shuttered ily make good burgers, he said. our practice! We have officially re-branded our
in the pandemic, Applebee’s and And without a storefront, mar- name to Greater Horizon Financial Group. We
other sit-down restaurants had keting can also be a challenge. may have a new name, but you can expect the
to quickly shift their empha- “The ones that don’t do it well same team of experts, our continued partnership
sis to carryout and delivery. will ultimately fail,” he said. with Northwestern Mutual and excellent service
NPD Group, which tracks U.S. There has also been some that you’ve come to expect when working with
restaurant sales, says delivery blowback on social media when us. Horizons often remind us of hope and new
now makes up 11% of restau- customers find out that the beginnings — which is why clients often come
rant sales, up 86% since the place they thought was a new to us. Our goal is to always help reduce any
pandemic began. local restaurant was actually
In some cases, delivery-only anxieties or uncertainty around our clients’
a big chain. DoorDash says it financial situation by creating plans that give
brands have become big busi- encourages restaurant chains to
nesses of their own. Brinker them a road map to financial security.
disclose their virtual brands, but
International, which owns it’s not always clear where meals
Chili’s, says It’s Just Wings is on
are being cooked.
track to bring in $150 million in
John Dillon, Denny’s chief
annual sales.
brand officer, said his company
Josh Phillips, the co-owner
tries to be transparent, partly
of Espita, a stylish Mexican
restaurant in Washington because its delivery-only brands
D.C., opened a delivery-only showcase the variety of food
brand called Ghostburger in Denny’s offers. But he also
August to keep Espita’s kitchen points out that 96% of Denny’s
running through the winter. stores are run by franchisees,
He chose burgers because he so patronizing them helps local
wanted to reach new customers communities.
at a lower price point than Es- Mikelya Fournier, a small
pita. They also travel well and business owner in Leesburg,
don’t take much kitchen space Georgia, was excited to see a
to make. new restaurant — It’s Just Wings
It’s been so successful that — on DoorDash one night. She
Phillips is now scouting for dug around and discovered it
locations for stand-alone Ghost- was made by Chili’s. But she
burger restaurants. Ghost- thinks the food is delicious and
burger, which cost Phillips she’s happy to have another
only $2,000 to launch, is now delivery option.
bringing in nearly $40,000 per “Food deserts are rampant
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
week, or 60% of what Espita in my area, so having a bigger
could make in a good week. chain come in and fill a need is GreaterHorizon.nm.com | 812.372.2858
“I don’t see a world where we amazing,” Fournier said.
can stop. We’re more profitable Fournier said delivery com-
today than we ever have been,” panies could simply require Matthew Robert Carothers uses Greater Horizon Financial Group as a marketing name for
Phillips said. restaurants to disclose their doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Greater Horizon Financial Group is
Rick Camac, the dean of virtual brands. But either way, not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank.
restaurant and hospitality man- she’ll keep ordering from It’s Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
(NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and
agement at the Institute of Cu- Just Wings. its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term
linary Education in New York, “I don’t care who owns it,” she care insurance), Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage
thinks demand for delivery will said. services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust
services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI.
IN-35068851
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 17GENERATIONS IN BUSINESS
FAMILY FOCUSES
ON THE
18 The Business Connection | spring 2021Schneider Nursery
helps seed the
gardens of
Jackson County
STORY BY BARNEY QUICK
PHOTOS BY CARLA CLARK
» Since 1949, Schneider Nursery has amply demonstrated
the traits required for success in its type of business: a
sense of stewardship over the majestic rolling land on
which it put down roots, loyalty within a family, a strong
faith that binds that family together, and a commitment
to staying abreast of industry trends. A trip there leaves
people feeling as if they have visited an oasis of good
cheer in an uncertain world.
When visitors turn off U.S. 50 and wind their way
up the drive, the first thing they see is the stately brick
home, which is now a guest house. It started out as
a small, white cottage where George and Mae Ellen
Schneider raised Jeff, Grant, Annie and Margie.
The view in any direction into the valley below is a
panorama of plots of neatly lined trees of a seemingly
infinite number of varieties. A stroll around the left
Pictured: Drew Glover plays with dogs Jo Jo, Rosie and Lucy on the
hill overlooking the fields at Schneider Nursery. spring 2021 | The Business Connection 19side of the house takes one to the
garden center. More plots are off to
the west. If one wanders through
them, a lagoon stretches through
a meadow, imparting a serenity to
the environment. There’s even a
gazebo where customers can take a
contemplative break from shop-
ping.
The family came from Penn-
sylvania two generations ago.
George’s father had a produce and
dairy farm, and his mother had
a chicken hatchery. As a youth,
George used some of their ground
to grow trees and shrubs.
In 1949, after marrying Mae tree or shrub. My father read about years. Her husband had a career with
Ellen, George purchased 24 acres some of the early nurseries getting rail-based freight carrier CSX, which
from them and went into business started around the Midwest.” took her away from western Jackson
in earnest. Henry Gilbert of Purdue Univer- County for some time. In the 1970s,
“You didn’t have many nurseries sity was a big influence. George at- she returned to Schneider Nursery.
in those days,” explains Margie tended his seminars on the natural Two of the other siblings, Jeff and
Strange, one of George’s daughters landscape style. Grant, were involved in management
and the current board chair of the “My father was a visionary,” says of the business. Jeff retired 10 years ago,
business. “You just went to your Strange. and Grant is currently president. Annie
grandmother’s place and dug up a She was a teacher for several has pursued a career in the other preva-
lent field in their family, teaching.
The wholesale side of the operation
has particular challenges.
“It’s very important to determine
what can be sold per year,” says
Strange, “as well as what should be
introduced to the field.”
A parasite or fungus has to be
detected early. Strange recalls a visit
some years ago from an Indiana De-
partment of Natural Resources official
who beckoned her and Grant into an
office for a private conversation.
He warned that ash trees would be
taken off the market within three to four
years due to encroachment of the em-
erald ash borer, a beetle native to Asia.
Blue spruce is susceptible to a fungus
that has to be monitored. Dogwoods
had to be quarantined for a while.
Strange sets great store by the
nursery’s membership in the Indiana
Nursery and Landscape Association.
Not only has it been helpful regarding
From left, Jill Glover, Grant Schneider, Margie Strange, and Drew Glover, in front, at
Schneider Nursery in Seymour.
these types of issues, but proved in-
20 The Business Connection | spring 2021Steve Hawn gets trees ready for customers at Schneider Nursery. At left: Padre Villatoro and Jamie Ruvira tie trees.
valuable in the spring when a microbe
affecting humans, the coronavirus, Schneider Nursery
had a swift and major impact on the
location: 3066 E. U.S. 50, Seymour
business world.
“We had four semi truckloads services:Wholesale and retail nursery that supplies trees,
coming in when the lockdown was
announced,” says Strange. “Seed com-
shrubs, perennials and annuals. Garden center offers outdoor
panies were sending in trays. Roses decor and pottery.
were potted and ready to go. Sea-
sonal help was coming in. The INLA phone: 812-522-4068
stepped up to the plate. They talked to
website: www.schneidernursery.com
Governor Holcomb and his adminis-
tration, convincing them that we were
an essential business.”
The nursery is currently composed in seeing that cultivation is done the People have been staying home, and
of 600 acres. The parcels devoted to right way. They’re family.” gardening and landscaping have been
various plants are named for family Grant’s daughter, Jill Glover, had something available for them to do.”
members, employees and people who been involved with the business but The garden center sells annuals,
sold the plots to the family. One plot is took a few years to pursue teaching. perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs
named Sugar, for Grant’s dog. She came back on board about five and fruit trees, along with pottery. It
The term “seasonal help” should not years ago as the sales manager. also hosts holiday workshops.
be construed to minimize their role. “Before she returned, we were proba- Strange says that faith is what brings
“Our employees are loyal,” says bly 75 percent concentrated on whole- it all together.
Strange. “We have one man who is sale,” says Strange. “Now that’s shifted. “There’s a Christian foundation to
now in his 70s and started with us This year, particularly because of the everything we do,” she says. “We trust,
in high school. They take ownership pandemic, retail has been dominant. and he sees us through.”
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 21SHE’s IN
CHARGE
Fence Boss brings professional attitude and
quality products to each installation
story by barney quick | photos by ali kiel
22 The Business Connection | spring 2021Jami Graham,
left, and Hannah
Graham
a culture where learning is encouraged, and I
wanted employees who are sharp. Some com-
panies just get the fence in the ground, which
gives the public the impression that installers
are low-wage hole-diggers. We pay our people
well. When you work here, you have the op-
portunity to acquire skills such as welding and
electricity. If you put people where they enjoy
what they’re doing, they’ll produce for you.”
The 3-year-old firm is situated on an access
road that runs parallel to U.S. 31 just north of
the Interstate 65 interchange. It consists of a
staff of 10 people, most of whom are on crews
that daily venture out
to various job sites.
Esprit de corps is “When you work
a prominent aspect
of the atmosphere at here, you have the
Fence Boss. opportunity to
“We get the funniest
bunch of nicknames acquire skills such
around here,” says
as welding and
Jami. “These guys love
to give each other a electricity. If you
hard time.”
She started out in
put people where
the field providing they enjoy what
one service to a com-
pany, which quickly
they’re doing,
led to her basically they’ll produce for
running it. “It needed
someone to do data you.”
entry,” she says. She jami graham
learned how to quote
jobs, and before long,
she grown that com-
I
pany exponentially.
But she wanted to fully implement the ideas
that were formulating in her mind, ideas that
took into account advances in technology, or as
she puts it, “working with a lot of smart tools
Is personality one of the first traits that comes and cool equipment.” Hence Fence Boss.
to mind when you’re describing a fence com- Her daughter, Hannah Graham, is the office
pany? Perhaps high standards regarding work- manager. Much of what Hannah does is mar-
manship, materials and service, but it’s unlikely keting, giving her the opportunity to impart
personality would occur to you next. that sense of fun to the business of installing
Fence Boss has the other traits in abundance, fences. She manages the Fence Boss social me-
but you’re never going to mistake Fence Boss dia accounts and has seen that the company has
for any other installer of outdoor partitions. a strong search engine optimization presence.
How many other fence company founder/ This is what Jami meant by “smarter and
CEOs speak of wanting to make fencing sexier.”
“smarter and sexier”? “Fence systems are not an impulse purchase
Founder Jami Graham had developed distinct and businesses and homeowners often get
ideas about how to operate such a business numerous quotes before choosing a company.
during her previous years in the industry. That means our advertising needs to be sharp
“I had a different idea about how to do with great images and targeted at the right
training and marketing,” she says. “I wanted demographic. In short, make it sexy! Smarter is
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 23Fence Boss
location: 3700 W. County
Road 700N, Columbus
owner: Jami Graham
services:Commercial and
residential fencing solutions
and fence installations.
phone: 812-343-6712
website: fencebossllc.com
at play when employees are properly
trained according to product speci-
fications and the cool tools available
in the industry are being used to
install the system.”
At Christmas time, Hannah
runs a Facebook promotion called
Fencemas. Each day for five days she
conducts a drawing for prizes, such
as stress-reliever kits from Bath &
Body Works or handbags. She also
posts a video of herself spinning
a charmingly makeshift spinning
wheel with entrants’ names in its
sections, the winner getting a free
Starbucks coffee. She punctuates her
presentations with remarks such as
“I hope everyone is having a great
day,” giving it the feel of a show.
An elf puppet named Spence On
A Fence is a ubiquitous element of
the Fencemas promotions.
Hannah also does fall and back-
to-school giveaways as video series
on the Facebook page.
Jami’s husband, Jim, had run a
construction company, but the plan
was to bring him on board at Fence
Boss within five years of its found-
ing. COVID-19 sped that time frame
up a bit, and Jim joined the team in
late 2020.
Pictured: Examples of fencing and
fence installations provided by Fence
Boss.
24 The Business Connection | spring 2021“We know our lanes and do really struction and hotel firms and various Women’s Business Enterprise certifi-
well together,” says Jami. doctors parks. Upcoming projects cation. This will allow the company
Typical of fence companies, Fence include a rehab center in Bloomington the opportunity to bid for government
Boss maintains a small vendor base. and a new tennis court at IUPUI in projects.
Of Digger Specialties, Jami says, Indianapolis. Crew members will also Community involvement takes such
“Their powder-coat process is two be going out of state to install barrier forms as toy donations for the annual
steps superior to most other products gates for a major shopping mall Firemen’s Cheer Fund and working
in the industry.” developer. with Columbus Signature Academy
She found the Bufftech brand, which “Once contractors find out you do and Toyota to transform a space near
is made by the Certainteed Corp., good work, they don’t want to let you CSA for use for students’ outdoor
about 10 years ago. Bufftech offers go,” notes Jami. activities.
its vinyl fencing in a variety of styles Dylan Everett is the crew manager. Fence Boss has found that sweet
that look convincingly like such other He’s recently focused on training for spot, where an emphasis on superior
materials as cedar and stone. commercial and residential estimating. business practices and bringing the
“I’m kind of a vinyl snob,” says Jami. Along with fences, the company sparkle of humanity to what it does
“Their specs are top-notch. I don’t installs turnstiles, guardrails, bollards, come together in just the right pro-
want an average fence.” dumpster enclosures, gate operators portions.
Other suppliers include Master and cantilever gates. In the winter, it The result is that anyone who has
Halco and Ameristar. offers snowplowing services. any form of contact with the company
Commercial customers include con- In 2020 Fence Boss achieved is not likely to forget it.
spring 2021 | The Business Connection 25You can also read
