Get ready for an all new online learning experience as we bring AFA University to you this fall. We are taking Sales Training School (STS) and Gate Automation Designer School (GADS) online so that you can both stay safe and boost your career from the comfort of your home.

A three-day program that builds on the fundamentals of the buying and selling process. Salespeople will learn how to identify sales opportunities, develop effective listening and communication skills, and how to close sales by using product features and benefits.
 
Dates:
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Thursday, November 5, 2020

LEARN MORE ABOUT STS

Formerly known as Automated Gate Systems Designer School (AGSD), this school is for individuals who design automated vehicular gate systems for either residential or commercial customers. It is also recommended for sales professionals in the automated gate industry.
 
Dates:
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Thursday, November 19, 2020

LEARN MORE ABOUT GADS

Be sure to check out the AFA website for more information regarding AFA University and upcoming online and in-person events that will be happening in 2021.

Register for AFA University Online Today!

www.AmericanFenceAssociation.com/AFA-University

A great fence is as good as its connections — from a secure straining post, to long lasting staples. The fencing industry is the same. One event focused on connecting is the Fall Fencing Forum, an agricultural trade show for the professional contractor.

Luke and Leslie Gibson, of Farm Fence Solutions in Indiana, founded the event after their local contractor group mulled over the mutual benefits of their face-to-face get togethers. They saw a genuine desire to connect.

Luke says that, even if you are in a team, there is very little socializing on a fence line.

“Last year we held a great competition," he recalls. "Everyone had a lot of fun, two days full of swapping stories, watching and learning from each other. We have already started seeing the quality of work on contracting jobs really begin to skyrocket as a result of people sharing their knowledge.

“Learning is not a huge ‘aha’ moment. The first time I fenced with a true fence builder was in the United Kingdom, a day’s fencing with Welsh fencers John Morgan and Si Gibb. I learnt I could get wire a whole lot tighter. It is those little pieces we pick up that makes our own style. If we are moving forward, the fences we build next year will be different from the ones we build today. To keep building momentum, we need to kick in together to do this as an industry.”

That’s where Stockade comes in. Luke says the select group of Fall Fencing Forum sponsors making this happen are “class acts.”

“At Farm Fence Solutions, we work with industry leaders and promote the best, the highest quality and the most efficient in the business," Luke explains. "In terms of Stockade, when it comes to putting a staple in a fence post, there’s not even a close second.”

Jim Todd, Stockade’s U.S. sales manager, is thrilled to be a premier sponsor. “Stockade has had a long association with Farm Fence Solutions, and Luke and Leslie’s vision to propel the industry forward by getting together and sharing know-how aligns with our focus of building the global fencing community.”  

The forum will be high energy: post driving, end brace assembly and styles, underground bracing, strength testing, First Aid and CPR certification and a crossover on chain link. Luke says, “Learning to build a fence is really the easy part. It is operating a successful business that challenges us the most.”

Tony Thornton, is the executive director of the American Fence Association, and a keen fencer. He will be running a full day’s Contractor’s Business School at the forum — “A condensed version of the AFA business training to help businesses on the way to becoming a Certified Fence Contractor,” he says.

Tony believes sharing and educating can only improve the industry as a whole, “especially from a professionalism standpoint."

"Bouncing ideas off each other about new techniques and new products helps us understand different ways of working; perhaps more practical, efficient ways that are more cost effective," Tony says. "Stockade, for example, is bringing new processes and product development to the table. It’s that dedication to the agricultural market that helps us raise standards to have a better result for the consumer.”

AFA members have proven time and again through the years that they are both resilient and generous, even in the toughest of times. One member company, Wood Defender, recently demonstrated these two traits admirably, as it adapted to the pandemic's restrictions and found ways to keep up the good work in its community.
 
Wood Defender owner and operator Roy Branch said that he and his team are grateful that sales have increased dramatically, not just for his company but for other AFA members, as well. For Wood Defender, this continued success is due in part to thinking outside the box.
 
Many adjustments had to be made at the company to keep everything rolling smoothly. For example, it was important to Roy that free Wood Defender classes remained available. So, classes are still being offered, even though they are restricted to 4 people per class. To counter this challenge, the company now offers multiple classes each month, rather than one.
 
Wood Defender also continues to stay involved with its community, especially when it comes to safety and health. At FENCETECH 2020 in Salt Lake City, UT, the company acknowledged the need for hand sanitizer; they struggled to find any, and knew others did as well. To overcome this challenge, they saved a small amount of their remaining hand sanitizer from the conference and asked their chemist to mock up the product from the raw materials needed. Thanks to these efforts, they were able to create over 1,500 bottles of "Hand Defender" which were then distributed to local law enforcement, fire departments and first responders. None were offered for sale or sold.
 
The Wood Defender team is one great example of our AFA members doing incredible things for their businesses and their communities, and we are proud to have them in the association family. We commend them for their hard work and dedication – and also want to thank and acknowledge all of our members for striving to continue the good work, despite the challenges!

Trex Commercial Products Celebrates 30 Years of Engineering Innovation

It’s been three decades since the company that started as Staging Concepts entered the market with a portfolio of platforms, risers and stairs, and a vision for growth. Today that company is Trex Commercial Products, a national provider of custom-engineered architectural railing and staging systems. This year, the Minneapolis-based company commemorates its 30th anniversary and looks back on a rich history of growth and innovation.

Staging Concepts started out working with theaters and live event spaces (including Madison Square Garden in New York City, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Taichung Metropolitan Opera House in Taiwan). Following the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Staging Concepts began working with venues across the country who sought to enhance the accessibility of their facilities, especially arenas and sports stadiums.

The company is now a supplier for a wide range of event spaces, and has provided custom staging and railing for venues such as Sundance Film Festival, American Country Music Awards, and the presidential inauguration. Currently, they are working with customers to engineer solutions to facilitate social distancing due to COVID-19.

“While a lot has changed over the past 30 years, our core philosophy remains the same,” said Laura Rygielski Preston, president of Trex Commercial Products. “We understand that our role is more than just a fabricator of a designer’s vision. It’s about being a meaningful partner with our customers, from the conceptual beginning to the successful completion.”

For more information, visit www.stagingconcepts.com and www.trexcommercial.com.

WEX 

Fuel Cards - Businesses turn to WEX to save money, reduce administrative hassles and eliminate fraudulent purchases. A WEX fuel card is free to use with no setup or monthly card fees and you can use the card at over 95% of stations nationwide. Plus, receive additional savings at select fuel brands

including:

- Phillips 66, Conoco & 76 - Save 15 cents off every gallon of gas for 60 days then save 5 cents per gallon. Apply by 12/31/2020.

- Exxon Mobil - Save 8 cents per gallon for 12 months, then save 5 cents per gallon. Apply by 12/31/2020.

Click here to register and start saving on fuel.

Batteries Plus Bulbs — Essential Gear (and Savings!) for Your Job Site

Insider tip: In addition to batteries, lighting and services, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers other tools to keep you running smoothly and safely. You’ll find a wide range of products from fuses to interior lighting to safety gear like flares, hi-vis vests and more. Remember to use your discount and save up to 73% off retail pricing.

Register your AFA exclusive MSP account today.

Business and Personal Savings

Ace Hardware

As a member, you get exclusive discounts on paint, cleaning supplies, hand and power tools, plumbing, electrical, and more with easy in-store pickup and delivery.

Sign up for your account here.

Hewlet Packard ( HP)

HP keeps your office and home moving forward with everyday discounts up to 35% and a range of commercial products, services, and solutions. HP is a trusted and experienced MSP business partner that can help you fill gaps in your business. Back to school specials now being offered, with laptops as low as $550.

Register and start saving today.