It's Been Awhile Since I Blogged

 So if you haven't noticed it's been a while since I have blogged here. I have been working in the business and the blog site had gotten away from me. But here it is again, the time of the year when things slow down. So I have more time to blog.

I have been working on different things lately, AI Videos and Affiliate Marketing. 

Anyway, just wanted to share an update. Hope to get back blogging here regularly.

Keep smiling and have a great day!

Affiliate Marketing The Secret to Passive Income

This is an AI generated video. I love this platform.

Growing Pains Are A Good Thing

 So,..that's what has been going on,..growing. Going through pains at times too. It's all good though,..have been blessed with some good employees and that's really what makes it or breaks it for any company to stay in business. Employee's. 

Here is a photo of the two crews,..one of the guys is a floater. He goes between trucks depending on the demand of the work projects. 

We need to be just as cautious as everyone else during these times,..so I wrote them each a letter stating that they have a right to be traveling from home to work or traveling back home from work as we are in a grey area of the Executive Order 20-12 here in Oregon

Where we provide a service that maintains the security and safety of residences.

This keeps food on their tables

Speaking of food on the table,..we started reading from the book of Mark every Monday morning before they head out on the work assignments,..they appreciate the involvement with the small five to ten minute discussion after reading the passage. Great way to start the week from what I have been told.

Like I said growing pains are a good thing

Keep smiling!

Growth During A Pandemic

 Well it certainly has been crazy during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic,..from toilet paper shortage to material for the home owners fence line,..

It has taken this little fence company called Fix-A-Fence LLC,..here is the link to the web site  https://fixafencellc.com/ from myself and one other employee to two trucks, four employees and I have taken myself out of the field to concentrate on the phones calls to set up the estimates,..still approx. 80 days out from scheduling work and the phone continues to ring,..

It's been a bit overwhelming to say the least,..but I praise God that He continues to provide. 

Anyway,..just thought I would spread some hope during these harsh times we are going through,..remember that faith is evidence of things unseen and that faith without work is dead. So I guess what I am saying is,..continue to work the faith that you have and you will see the hope that is in which to come,..it is a hope that only comes through the One and only Son of God Jesus Christ,..I know it's tough to believe,..but it's really not that hard,..read the New Testament and check it out for yourself,..the bible really is transforming,..especially once you have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit after reading it,..things do and will change,..I can't explain it but I have seen it happen and am one to experience this transforming change in my own life,..

There is hope,..keep smiling!

Pandemic Marketing - Doing More For Others

Sure has been a lot of changes ever since the beginning of this Covid-19 crap,..it sucks that soo many people have lost there life over this shit and the same with their job's,..crazy stuff that's for sure.

Being business for myself sure has taught me a whole lot of things,..being grateful is a huge one,..humility is another rather large one,..listening and finding strength in my patience are a couple of values that I have acquired over time.

Values like this are what has helped me grow this business to what it is today,..celebrated 10 years in business last year. Having a web site has been huge for the growth,..and then having my company name in the domain really helps even more,..all the reviews from customers on the many different social web sites, and then of course the biggest of all in advertising is the word of mouth.

Here in Oregon as we have been on lock down,..there was an Executive Order put out which puts the fence company in a gray area of performance. So Fix-A-Fence LLC provides an essential service for the safety and security of residences,..so that right there allows this fence company to go until they say no

It's been a challenge limiting exposure,..have had to resort to doing more purchases on line for stocking material, it's been a challenge maintaining a safe six foot distance,..not everyone knows how far six feet really is,..and then as fast as people move it is also a challenge not getting in the way of the cross breeze that is created when walking by within that six foot range,..you know if that little evil virus has found a way to jump it will take a free ride,..I believe that is why social distancing is a huge player in killing this little evil virus. If it has nothing to jump on and mutate with,..then it may just die,..and it can die as far as I am concerned.

I have found myself doing more for others,..not just in a monetary way but by being myself and making people laugh, encouraging them with words of victory and confidence. Kindness can not be canceled and love tramples evil,..the words in the Bible are real and there really is nothing pretty within the pages but the salvation Christ offers to all who believe. During this time,..the Bible has given me comfort and confidence,..it has transformed me into who I am today,..can't say what it will do for you,..you need to find that out on your own,..the word is living and a revelation He died for you and for me

Anyway,...I am not a preacher,..all though my mother before she died did prophesy over me and told me that I was going to be one,..I told her that I am not going to be spending all that money on a school that teaches what I have been reading for all these years,..you know what's weird about this is that whenever I am out on the fence line whether it be in the field or on an estimate,..opportunities arise to where I am sharing the gospel,..some are just as versed as I, others are wide open to listening and ready for harvest,..others are like thorns in someone's side,..one thing for sure is that we are all in this together,..either on this earth, in heaven or hell.

So the last monetary thing the fence company did was donate $200.00 to a food fund raiser on the radio station KGON 92.3 FM here in Oregon where one dollar feeds three people. What was cool about this was that just as we were pulling up to the job site the radio hosts mentioned the fence companies kind donation, name and the challenge for other fence companies to step up and help out. Here was my pandemic marketing moment,..as I was out on an estimate the day of the food drive,..sitting in a parking lot waiting for the guy to show for the estimate I decided to call the radio station and ask if there were any other fence companies that stepped up to my challenge. They used the conversation over the air,..so that makes two plugs for the fence company on the radio in one day.

Sure it took two hundred dollars for that to happen but happen it did,..a first for the fence company,..doing a good thing for others allows good things to happen for the fence company,..reaping what's been sowed.

So,..as always,...KEEP SMILING!

Top Rated Fence Contractor

So for the last two years Fix-A-Fence LLC has won the Top Rated Award for best Fence Contractor in Portland, Oregon. What a huge pat on the back,..and it's because of all the reviews left on the social media sites from customers. I can't thank everyone enough who has had a hand in on this for an honor like this to occur.

Pretty cool looking award,..

All this really wouldn't have happened if I hadn't taken any courses to achieve my contractor's license,..

So with that I would like to put a shout out to a counselor of mine Rob Campbell,..he was a huge inspiration to gain joy and wealth within the fence industry

He works with North Clackamas Small Business Development Center

Good people there and would like nothing more than to see anyone they see succeed in business,..they always have a smile to greet me

Here is something else that is huge,..the publisher of the Portland Trailblazer 50th anniversary yearbook got a hold of me and asked if I would like to have an ad published in the yearbook,..got a great deal because someone backed out which gave me the opportunity of a quarter page ad instead of the business card size 

Simple and stands out

Just wanted to share the latest news with Fix-A-Fence LLC

Thanks to all who read this blog and remember

KEEP SMILING!

One More Video At A Time

Well one thing for certain is that I have come a log way since the first time I started with the video thing and putting them up for public view on YouTube,..seems like the ones that have any folly at all is what people feed on,..can't even have fun anymore with out someone criticizing what you do or what you say,..honesty really means nothing anymore,..

Fortunately hard work and aspiration has led me to and kept me in business for ten tears now,..so even with the mistakes I have made along the way,..they have been there for me to learn and grow from,..if your reading this,..thanks for being a part of the growth with Fix-A-Fence LLC

Wanted so share a recent video since purchasing the new video camera,..yeah I still have a lot to learn,..so let me have it,..I can take it!

How To Remove A Concrete Set

Like I said it is a new camera,..I have some getting use to it,..like keeping my mouth closer to the microphone,..I didn't think you wanted to hear me anyway so maybe it's for the better,..

Oh yeah,..Fix-A-Fence LLC,..is the only fence company in Oregon that owns a Bull Pull,..and now the only fence company in Oregon to own two Bull Pulls

The Bull Pull has made life at this little fence company sooo much easier,..faster and more profitable. What used to take 3/4 of an hour to pull out a concrete set to basically ten or fifteen minutes makes the job go by so much faster and leaves the customers saying WOW you guys sure are fast!

Like I said even with all my mistakes I have made here with Fix-A-Fence LLC I have learned something,..maybe that's why the phone continues to ring,..

Anyway,..as I like to say 😃,..keep smiling!

Fix-A-Fence LLC A Top Rated Fence Contractor In Oregon

So last year Fix-A-Fence LLC was awarded The Top Rated Fence Contractor in Oregon,..all because of the comments and reviews that customers have left on sites like Angie's List, Yelp, Next Door and Google. Top Rated takes all the reviews and comments from all the different review sites and uses some kind of algarythmn to comes up with their results.

I don't mind,..kind of a huge pat on the back if you ask me,..I do my best to take care of my customer's fencing needs,..I even hand out advice in person and over the phone for free. I tell the guys to take their wife out to very nice dinner since I just saved them on a labor fee.

Here are a couple photos of the award

Anyway I thought I would share some of the reviews Fix-A-Fence LLC has received from some of the customers over the past few years.

Not going to put up any names,... so you can do a search on Angie's List, Yelp and Google to read them for yourself and then put the review to the name,..or name to the review however you want to look at it.

Here we go,..

John was fantastic! Easy to work with, gave out good suggestion and always kept me up-to-date. Finished product looks great. I would recommend his company for anyone interested in a fencing project.

******

Repaired part of cedar fence that was leaning. Replaced several posts. Built and installed new cedar gate. Everything went really smoothly. John returned my initial call promptly. Came out quickly for a no cost estimate. He showed up on time when he said he would and the job got done quickly as well. The new gate looks nice. We had a good experience with this company.

******

John was great to work with and gave me an honest answer on how to fix my fence within budget. I called around and John gave me the best price. Also, he didn't push me to replace my fence that would have cost thousands of dollars. The only down side is that John is booked a few weeks out, but there is a reason why he is in high demand. John will be the first person I call when I have other fencing needs

******

Here is the last one I will share with you as it is a rather long one,..

Notorious winds on the east side finally brought a wood fence down in my back yard. Snapped 7 of the posts. I got a hold of Fix-A-Fence and I'm sure glad I did. John came out ti survey the damage, gave us an estimate and a time frame for completion and was friendly and professional in doing so. After the estimate, another wind storm tossed the fence around a bit and broke a rail and a couple of the slats. John showed up to do the work as promised and had us fixed up in no time. He replaced the other wood that was broken but did not change the price! He and his crew members were friendly and fast. They cleaned up everything and I wouldn't even had known they were there except for the fence is now standing taller and stronger than I've ever seen it in the 12 years I lived in this residence. Thanks for the great job John!

******

Like I said it was a rather long one,..but a glowing one at that. when my wife read it she said that this one held some weight,..

So,..here is where I say thank you to all who have left these glowing reviews about Fix-A-Fence LLC,..it is because of you that this little fence company is the Top Rated Fence Contractor in Oregon. and has grown to be the success that it is today.

The award even came with a window decal for the truck

There you have it

So,..here is where I say,..Keep Smiling!

Free Merchandise

One thing I have implemented into the business is giving away little freebies,..it all starts by not leaving with the pen when leaving the estimate. I get soo many different kind of looks,..they say,."Hey this is you pen",..I tell them it's in your hand now and possession is nine tenths of the law,..and then I go on about what I was taught in business school,..the business cards seem to go in the wallet or rolodex where it is out of sight and out of mind where as the pen is in the hand being used or at least in reach of being used.

After landing a work order I have started giving away a coffee mug,..now I have been putting a handy pocket knife in with the mug. People love getting a gift,..I know I love getting gifts,..don't you?

Here is just some of the merchandise I hand out,..every customer gets a calendar at the end of the year for Christmas,..what I love about these calender's is that the advertising is huge compared to the calendar it self,..

I get most of all the merchandise from National Pen,..I go to VistaPrint for the business cards,..National Pen really does do a great job at servicing the customer,..I get soo many email promos,..but I love the free samples they send what seems to be twice a month,..I just toss the pen in the box of other pens I give away at the estimate,..

Hey,..it may cost a bit to give away free merchandise but it is well worth it,..word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertisement,..the mug could be sitting out while a friend came over to a previous customers house and ask about the pen, calendar or mug and then here comes the plug for Fix-A-Fence LLC

Just wanted to share a photo of the freebies I give out,..got to be a bit more than just sharing a photo,..anyway,..as I say,..Keep Smiling!

Miracle Worker

Well,..today I was referred to as a Miracle Worker,..well God did make only one of me.

Anyway a customer was telling me that her daughter told her that there was nothing that could be done to the existing gate,..she was right. The existing gate was built with those 90* angle gate in a box with hinges,..they seem to never work correctly,..good idea for simplicity but for functionality they always seem to sag,..so I built her a simple wood Z frame gate system with a latching mechanism that can be opened from both sides,..

She loved it and even gave me a hug,..talk about feeling special, or reaffirming that fact.

I have come across a  monstrosity of gate systems,..some huge and cumbersome, some aren't built with any support or the support there doesn't have any screws in the boards so the support doesn't do any good,..I have seen gates that have been hinges to the side of the house that have torn away the siding,..I have seen large gates that have been hung from a 4 x 4 PT wood post and customers wonder why the gate is sagging,..

In my 25 plus years in fencing I have found out that for gates,..the lighter the better, and then of course as the saying goes,..keep it simple,..I am not an artist that's God's job,..

Anyway I just wanted to share of the reference made today that I was a miracle worker because of the skills I have building wood Z frame gate systems here at Fix-A-Fence LLC

It's Been A While

Wow,..it's been awhile since I have posted a blog,..have been so busy growing the business,..then changing computers I lost a lot of stuff I had bookmarked,..anyway it's good to be back,..

So,..since the last one,..Fix-A-Fence LLC has grown a bit,..two trucks, a foreman and a driver for one of the trucks,..I get to take the second truck on small repairs I can handle on my own,..I have had a part time employee but he was called to a higher paying job for a few weeks,..I will keep him on the books as I will need him back soon

Fix-A-Fence LLC has been selected as a Top Rated Oregon Fence Contractor for the year of 2018,..so I would like to say thanks to all who have helped me achieve this status,..this year I get to celebrate ten years of being in business. I certainly am grateful to be licensed and insured to extract a living from this great land of America,..

Also grateful to be able to be part of another business,..I have become an Enagic Distributor,..I have been drinking Kangen water since 2007 and to be honest it's been the best switch I have ever made with drinking water,..Kangen water if you haven't researched by now has different levels of pH water that comes out of the Level-Luk SD-501,..I keep my machine on 9.5 pH alkaline,..it balances my body out from all of the other acidic things I seem to keep putting in it,..

So if you would like a bit more info check out my other web site here at Clear Kangen,..sign up for the free newsletter,..my site is secure,..I paid extra for that,..

Anyway,..hey thanks for reading this,..It's Been A While post,..Keep Smiling!

Fix-A-Fence LLC Fleet Vehicle Logo

All but three hours of continuing education to complete for next years re-licensing process. Some really great knowledge shared and learned through this process. What was cool about it is that I was able to take the education courses right in the comfort of my living room. Drinking coffee, kicking back in the chair sitting in front of the computer is something that seems to happen everyday anymore so this just came really easy for me.

Today there was a 50' tear out scheduled,...after cutting away the top cap and panels from the posts I put the Bullpull to use. Within twenty minutes all nine posts with the 120# concrete fence sets were outta the ground and laying down. This has had to be one of the quickest tear out I have ever done. The Bullpull has made my life with the fence repair business sooo much easier and quicker.

So here are the pictures of the newest addition to the Fix-A-Fence LLC fleet

And here is the logo 

I liked the logo so much on this truck I had to splurge and get it put on the other truck too.

Added a few feature to the headache rack too

Looking like the big boys in fencing.

So until the next blog update remember to always 

Attaining Goals - Going Places

Another three hours checked of the continuing education for my CCB license renewal process. It certainly takes some dedication to set aside some time to listen to the course seminar while being in a comfortable environment,...like my own home. Anyway there are still 8 hrs. left to check off of that list.

Speaking about lists,...here is a picture of what has been recently checked off of the list in the ever so breathing business plan of Fix-A-Fence LLC.

Just pulled into the driveway in this picture. Great deal on this Ford F-350. 1988 with only 163,000 miles for under $3,000.00. This has been on the list for only two years. Will have pictures later after all the decals have been applied. Gotta love it when a goal is attained!

This little fence company is going places

Until the next post - Keep Smiling

Bull Pull Video's

Just finished another 2 hrs. out of 16 hrs. for online continuing education. The law requires contractors to take a certain amount of hours of continuing education for code changes and updates with the amendments to the laws that govern building our great country.

Oregon Contractor Education is an online academy for the construction worker here in Oregon. The courses are informative and the videos are formatted well, just click the continue button to receive the certificate.

Anyway on to the next bit of info,...here are some videos on The Bull Pull. This tool has proven itself already at pulling out fence posts and concrete sets. Just click on the underlined and the videos should pop up.

This has made this little fence company's life a lot easier and faster at pulling out concrete fence sets.

The First Bull Pull In Oregon Is Here At Fix-A-Fence LLC

First blog of the year,...the recent storm activity has pushed this little fence company out by a month. It's gotten to the point where it is necessary to invest in more equipment. One recent piece of equipment invested in is what is called the Bull Pull. This unit weighs around forty pounds and will pull out fence posts.

Have to pull out the existing fence post and concrete set in order to replace the post. Lately the technique is digging next to the concrete set and then prying the set out with a couple of rock bars. It isn't an easy process.

The Bull Pull will be put into action for the next work order removing and replacing two 4 x 4 pressure treated wood fence posts. Plan on producing an consumer report video for the first use after coming out of the package. If this piece of equipment pulls concrete sets out of the ground with the post rotted off it will make the job go that much easier and faster.

As soon as the video is produced a link will be embedded to view the report.

From what I was told over the phone Fix-A-Fence LLC is the first to own a Bull Pull in Oregon.

This will be fun,...until the next one - Keep smiling!

A Text Leads To A Work Order

This work order was a first for Fix-A-Fence LLC. I received a text from a lady that needed her fence fixed so she sent me a photo via text on my mobile phone.

 I responded with a quote and it was agreed upon. So the work order was put on the schedule to get fixed.
Here are some before and after photos of the first ever text work order for Fix-A-Fence LLC

Missing rail end

Rear wheel needs to be straightened

Needs to have a Puppy Save installed

Here are the photos of what took place for the repair

Cut post down and rail to fit fence panel, added rail end, removed excess chain link and re-stretched fence panel taunt.

Added rail end at the other end of chain link fence panel

Straightened and tightened rear wheels for slide gate

Installed a Puppy Saver that works, adjusted gate for proper functionality.

The invoice was put in the mail and the owner paid the bill. 

This is something to 

about. A successful transaction via text. What would we do without technology today? 

Until the next 

Happy Holidays 

and

Remember 

City Blessing

This was certainly a blessing for Fix-A-Fence LLC. Landed the contract to remove and haul away the existing chain link fence and install new. Here are some photos of before and after.

8' high chain link with three strands of barbed wire

Someone put a gate frame in the fence line to fill a gap

Fence line is clear and new holes lined out ready for jack hammer

Busting out asphalt

Wow,..that was quick. Okay,...I forgot to take pictures before getting started

Gate is installed and the customer is happy

Sure cleaned up the area by taking out the existing fence and installing new

The reason this blog is titled City Blessing is because the work was performed for a church named City Blessing. Well,...like I mentioned in the beginning it certainly was a blessing for Fix-A-Fence LLC.

Lately the work just keeps piling up, still about 10-12 days out from scheduling, I have slowed down on posting ads and the phone continues to ring. The latest estimate has been through texting, gotta love technology. The potential customer even sent a picture of the damage to the fence. Estimating has gotten easier especially when you can get the potential customer to do the foot work. This kind of estimating will never replace the on-site inspection and relationship established to meeting the potential customer in person. Eye to eye contact, show of character and industry knowledge. The list goes on.

Until the next fence blog update remember to always

I have been told that laughter is the best medicine.

Great Benefits

            Thought I would post the photos from the finished look for the bartered advertising space.

Nice clean look

6' high solid wood fence dog ear cut top

Nice way to advertise the fence company for a few hours of labor

The Foster-Powell PDX blog averages anywhere from 1,200 - 1,500 hits a week,... so a few hours of labor to enjoy 6 months of advertising is a great benefit for Fix-A-Fence LLC 

Until the next update

because we all are made for so much more.

Bartered Labor For Advertisement Real Estate

I like estimates that turn into a win win for the customer and the business. Went on an estimate and during the estimate through all the chit chat I found out that the customer has a blog site and he asked if he were to use Fix-A-Fence LLC would I be inclined to barter some advertising space for some labor.

As you are well aware in this internet world the more links and backlinks the better for ranking's on the search engines. Here is the blog site that has the Fix-A-Fence LLC advertisement listed.

Not a bad deal for a few hours worth of work, the stats for this blog are not huge but considering the area it covers the fosterpowellpdx.com blog site has a number of followers that may just need a fence repair or install. Winter is coming up and there may be a few items left on the honey-do list too.

Here are a couple photos of the barter

The customer has taken out all the exiting 5' high white slatted chain link fence and had it disposed of and in place of that is having a 6' high solid wood fence built by Fix-A-Fence LLC

Remember if you're in the Portland, OR area and you are in need of a fence repair or complete wood or chain link fence install Fix-A-Fence LLC can do it all.

Whoops,...that almost started to sound like a commercial. Well that what seems is always on when I go to turn on the TV,...commercials. Change the channel more commercials. Why couldn't we embed some sort of encrypted message into a commercial that whenever someone watches it they wind up committing a random act of kindness? Imagine how this could change the way we run our daily lives? Imagine how many acts of kindness would be committed everyday? Why not go out and just create the app so that everyone can get it on their Iphones and Androids? 

Well that is just an idea. 

Anyway until the next post remember to always

The Motor Is In And The Truck Runs Like New

The motor is in and I am

smiling!

The truck runs like new, what a saving's. It sure is nice to have family that helps out. 

One thing for sure when it comes to business it is nice to have clients that trust you and will call you for other work besides the profession you are in. For instance the last time I worked for a client of mine he asked me not only to build him a fence but to remove and install the boards on the front porch of the rental property.

He also had me remove the existing black falling apart rot iron hand railing and install new galv. fencing material as handrails. Big change and only a few stains. My client plans on painting the next year, is like me in a way because it is always one step at a time. I have had my share of running and it is getting harder to get back up from falling so I have learned to slow down in running this race called life. 

Just after finishing this project my client has asked me to bid a 6 unit complex for backyard dividing fence partitions and gates. Just put the bid out before I starting writing this blog so that will be the next bit of fresh content, whether I get the work order or not.

So until the next bit of content

Remember to