A Clear Grade of Respect
Exceptional Leadership Inspires Staff Loyalty at Good Neighbor Fence Co.
Sixteen years ago, what started out as a hobby for a college grad has transformed into a career filled with passion and purpose. Today, as the owner of Good Neighbor Fence Co., Jeffrey (Jeff) Bognolo strives to deliver high-level service to the customers of his full-service fencing installation and maintenance operation based in Tampa, Florida.
Formed in 2002, Good Neighbor Fence is a certified Small Business Enterprise that specializes in virtually all types of permanent fencing structures and gate systems as well as access control devices, such as gate operators, key pads and telephone entry systems. The company completes projects for customers primarily in the commercial, industrial and government markets. While most jobs take place in the Florida counties of Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Sarasota, Orange and Manatee, occasionally the team handles work for existing customers in other states, and even in Cuba.
As a business owner, Jeff describes himself as an “unstoppable force” when it comes to accomplishing his goals. He envisions growing his company to become the largest fence contractor in his home state of Florida, a place where his love for the outdoors keeps him busy when he’s not at the office. But compared to his exhilarating experiences aboard his Donzi 38 ZR speedboat, his voyage into the fencing industry was anything but smooth sailing.
An Unexpected Career Opportunity
Jeff, raised by a white-collar family in Tampa, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of South Florida in 2001. Interested in becoming a financial security analyst, the then 23-year-old had difficulty finding work in the finance sector thanks to the Y2K-induced recession. While job hunting, he stayed busy doing handyman work—including installing some fencing at his condo, a project he found very enjoyable. One of his father’s closest friends—Leslie Henson, a man who earlier in life had taught Jeff construction skills and valuable lessons about the importance of quality workmanship—advised him to launch his own fencing business. “I laughed at the idea,” remembers Jeff. Working in construction was never part of ‘the plan’ for the son whose parents held respected jobs in the medical and finance fields.
But after mulling over his mentor’s advice, Jeff decided to give entrepreneurship a try. In 2002, he formed JEB Management, Inc., doing business as Good Neighbor Fence Co., and ran his one-man operation out of his garage.
“It was tough in the beginning,” says Jeff, who struggled with the business on many occasions, at times on the verge of quitting altogether. “My father counseled me to stick with it, saying it would work out.”
And it did all work out for the best. Initially, he picked up mostly residential jobs, but within 18 months he landed a huge government contract that solidified his place in the fencing business. “I’m one of those people who, no matter how much you hit me emotionally, I have to keep pushing no matter the cost. It’s both a strength and a weakness, but this outlook has always gotten me through things,” he says.
“When Jeff has an idea, when he has a goal, there is little that can stand in his way. He’s an extremely competitive person who doesn’t believe in failure,” says Tami Newton, a sales and marketing coordinator by trade and Jeff’s devoted “partner in life” for the last eight years. She notes that the struggles he faced early in his career broadened his knowledge of all aspects of the company—including selling, purchasing and installing. “These experiences helped him evolve into an industry leader, giving him compassion for his team and an understanding of what it takes to get the job done,” she adds.
An Inspiring Staff Dynamic
Today, Good Neighbor Fence retains a staff of 20-25, including several independent contractors who have worked with the company for years. Jeff emphasizes that his team’s strength comes from great interpersonal dynamics.
“We have zero office drama,” he brags, making special note of the staff’s camaraderie and respect for each other. “Everyone works together really well, and they often tell me how positive our work culture is compared to other companies they’ve worked for.”
At Good Neighbor Fence, qualities like loyalty, dedication and ambition are traits that Jeff values most in his team members. “This isn’t a dead-end job. If you put your time in and dedicate yourself to this company, you’ll move up. I like people who are willing to work hard and learn because I can help them become something even greater,” he says.
Because his employees are usually the first and last ones to interact with customers, Jeff is very selective in choosing his crew leads and empowers them by offering guidance without micromanaging. “These individuals do a great job at representing the company and its standards,” says Project Manager Tim Betts, who notes his appreciation of Jeff’s open-door policy to discuss anything, at any time. “Jeff is all about getting things done quickly and the right way, and giving everybody what they need to accomplish their objectives. From training the staff to providing the tools of the trade that best support our work functions, Jeff is on top of all matters.” Prior to joining Good Neighbor Fence in 2013, Tim oversaw modular space rental services for another employer, where he first met Jeff as one of his vendors. “I was so impressed with Jeff’s business leadership, and the structure and service of his company,” he recalls. Jeff eventually asked him to come on board to lead a new temporary fence rental division, Rent-a-Fence. Tim affirms that this venture was successful because Jeff gave him the autonomy “to quickly develop trained crews and good processes, and execute projects using quality equipment and products.”
Jeff is quick to point out that Tim’s industry expertise was instrumental in jumpstarting Rent-a-Fence, adding that Tim’s positive outlook on life bolsters their working relationship.
I’m not the most important person on my staff. If it wasn’t for my team, my life wouldn’t be what it is, and this company would not be the pillar it is today.”
Jeff Bognolo, Owner, Good Neighbor Fence Co.
A Customer-First Mentality
When asked what brings him the greatest job satisfaction, Tim shares that the company’s service-oriented attitude is very motivating. “In the fencing industry, great sales and service provide our customers with peace of mind in knowing that we will do our part so they can focus on the construction of their projects,” he says. “Our staff’s ‘let’s get it done’ mentality pushes us to assist customers to our utmost ability.”
He points to a recent situation where the staff delivered an exceptional customer experience.
“In January this year, on a Friday, I was contacted by one of our repeat clients, Bandes Construction, which was working on the new C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library project in Tampa’s College Hill neighborhood. The company urgently needed 1,200 feet of six-foot pounded fence post installed to section off trees that would otherwise be damaged by the construction equipment at the site. They could not proceed with any work until this was accomplished, which would have impacted all the subcontractors scheduled to arrive the following week,” says Tim.
His sales team quickly put together a lease while operations personnel lined up workers for a next-day installation job. “It only took a few minutes to get two crews to step up and volunteer to continue their already long work week to perform installation on a Saturday,” says Tim. “Our nimbleness as a company allows us to make decisions that impact our customers very swiftly. Plus, our extremely hardworking and dedicated field staff are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure our customers’ needs are taken care of.”
“One thing I’m proud of is that we have the capabilities of a larger company and the customer references to prove it,” he adds, pointing to top companies like Cortland Partners, R.D. Michaels and Mancini Development Corp.
The Makings of a Successful Brand
The company works with product distributors and manufacturers such as DoorKing, Viking Access Systems, Access Distribution Centre, Stephens Pipe & Steel, Merchants Metals and US Wholesale Pipe & Tube. To support other local businesses, Jeff usually relies on Florida-based vendors for product needs. The firm even does some of its own fabrication work—a major perk when jobs need to be expedited.
To ensure a smooth, worry-free experience for customers, an in-house design team offers advice about different product styles, types and layouts. The seasoned professionals at Good Neighbor Fence also provide free estimation services and guidance on state and local regulations and specifications for projects.
Jeff takes a unique approach to marketing his business. While many other companies dedicate the bulk of their marketing budgets to internet, radio, television or print advertising, Good Neighbor Fence focuses on inscribing its contact details in as many public places as possible. The company’s brand is visible everywhere—from staff’s work clothing and company vehicles, to Jeff’s recreational ATVs and his personal boat, to embroidered bikinis displaying the business’ catchy “Got Fence?” slogan.
This publicity tactic is simple, yet effective. “It’s amazing to think of the number of contacts and professionals we have met while out on the boat for the weekend or playing in the mud at River Ranch in the middle of the state,” says Jeff.
While the Good Neighbor Fence brand will remain emblazoned in the public eye for years to come, it is the staff’s behind-the-scenes dynamics that will lead to lasting greatness.
Leadership & Loyalty
To keep everyone on the same page, Good Neighbor Fence holds weekly staff meetings to review all current, upcoming and potential projects. Jeff regularly takes crew members out to lunch just to catch up. And everyone looks forward to the company’s monthly “donut meetings,” where the staff enjoys delicious fried confections while discussing business operations and other tasks.
During his nearly two decades of business ownership, it is Jeff’s inherent consideration of others that has garnered unparalleled loyalty from his staff, explains Tami. “Whether it’s making time to listen to their needs, being receptive to new procedural ideas or collaborating on the appropriate time to purchase equipment, Jeff’s respect for his staff makes them feel valued,” she says.
“I think what makes for a good work environment is great teamwork, where everyone works together toward a common goal,” says Office Manager Cathy Mahuron, an eight-year employee whom Jeff describes as the “glue” that holds his office together. “Over the years, Jeff has been very good about showing how he considers me to be a valued employee, and has treated me almost like a family member,” she continues. “I truly care about the people I work with and look forward to coming to work each day.”
Jeff says, “Without people like Cathy, we’d be dead in the water. She’s the first person that most of our customers talk to and she follows up with them to make sure we’re paid in a timely manner. She’s a hard worker and a good person, and her personality jives well with the rest of the team.”
When reflecting on what makes his company special, Jeff is filled with humility. “I’m not the most important person on my staff,” he stresses. “If it wasn’t for my team, my life wouldn’t be what it is, and this company would not be the pillar it is today.” He adds, “Also, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship of my father’s friend, Leslie, who passed away last year. His conviction to do good work without taking shortcuts left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to employ the same practices at my company.”
To the people who know Jeff best, his example proves that exceptional leadership serves to inspire lasting loyalty within the ranks of Good Neighbor Fence.