A Fencers Life- Lessons from the Trenches

Simon Davis
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Small bite size lessons from Simon Davis - Fencing Business owner , installer, contractor- Business builder, entrepreneur. Simon shares lessons from the trenches on how he built a fencing business - endured the pain & suffering of loss & built a new fencing business model better than ever, all whilst on the tools , on the ground & in the office . Some are life lessons- some are practical , logical steps every fencer needs to know about , both on the front end of business and in the installation phase and the back end of business.

  1. 12/17/2025

    2025: A Year of Lessons and Growth

    In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the tumultuous year of 2025, sharing both the challenges and lessons learned in his fencing business. He discusses the tight cash flow, compliance issues, and personal health struggles that impacted his ability to create content and manage his business effectively. Simon emphasizes the importance of mental health, the dangers of desperation in business decisions, and the value of building a trustworthy team. He also highlights the significance of accurate financial tracking and the power of connection through check-ins. Looking ahead, Simon shares his goals for 2026 and encourages listeners to plan for the future. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year in Review 02:48 Challenges Faced: Cash Flow and Compliance Issues 05:21 Health Struggles and Mental Load 07:29 Desperation in Business Decisions 10:13 Learning from Mistakes: A Personal Story 12:38 Shifting Focus: From Tools to Business Management 15:08 The Importance of Accurate Financial Tracking 17:45 Building a Trustworthy Team 20:24 The Power of Connection and Check-Ins 22:40 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026

    33 min

  2. 06/24/2025

    Episode 49: Back From The Brink - A year of Challenges

    In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the challenges faced over the past year, including significant drops in turnover due to severe weather conditions in Australia. He discusses the strategies he implemented to adapt to these challenges, such as increasing prices, diversifying services, and focusing on quality over speed. Simon emphasizes the importance of resilience and the cyclical nature of business, sharing insights on how to navigate tough times and prepare for future opportunities.takeaways The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for many businesses.Weather patterns have drastically affected productivity and turnover.Increasing prices can be a viable strategy during tough times.Diversifying services can help sustain a business.Maintaining quality is crucial for customer satisfaction.Taking a wage cut can be necessary to protect staff.Investing in equipment can improve operational efficiency.Chasing tenders and following up on quotes can generate more work.Resilience is key in navigating economic cycles.Understanding your numbers is essential for business sustainability.Chapters 00:00Back From The Brink: A Year of Challenges 03:28Weathering the Storm: Impact of Severe Weather 06:50Adapting Strategies: Increasing Prices and Tendering 10:22Emerging Opportunities: New Jobs and Future Outlook 13:20Resilience and Diversification: Lessons Learned

    16 min

  3. 06/24/2025

    Episode 48: Relaunching After Burnout

    In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the challenges of overcoming burnout and rebuilding momentum in both personal and professional life. He shares his experiences with managing stress, financial pressures, and the importance of creating effective systems and routines to alleviate the burden of leadership. Simon emphasizes the need for self-care, resetting priorities, and the value of a supportive team in navigating these challenges. Takeaways Burnout is a common issue that many face.Taking a break and resetting is essential for mental health.Managing finances can add to stress and burnout.Creating systems can help alleviate pressure.Letting go of control can lead to better outcomes.Rebuilding routines is crucial for productivity.It's important to prioritize self-care and downtime.A supportive team can make a significant difference.Leadership requires a shift in mindset.Profitability is a key focus in business.Chapters 00:00Relaunching After Burnout 04:25Managing Pressure and Finances 07:13Building Effective Systems and Routines 08:49New Chapter

    10 min

  4. 04/17/2025

    Fence Benchmarking Ad On

    The importance of benchmarks in trades like fencing – and how to use them to measure, manage, and grow your business.In this episode, Simon Davis breaks down why benchmarking is one of the most underutilized but powerful tools for trade businesses. From spotting red flags in your numbers to improving your quoting accuracy, benchmarks offer clarity, consistency, and confidence in decision-making.Whether you’re running a small crew or scaling up, if you’re not using benchmarks – you’re flying blind.Key TakeawaysSpot Strengths & WeaknessesBenchmarks show you where you’re excelling and where you need improvement (e.g., your gross profit margin vs. industry standard).Set Realistic GoalsUse industry data, not gut feelings, to set achievable and informed business goals.Make Better DecisionsWhether it’s labour costs or material use, benchmarks take out the guesswork.Track Progress Over TimeRevisit benchmarks annually to see if you’re improving or just staying busy.Build CredibilityFacts and figures give you confidence with lenders, clients, and new hires.Improve Job Costing & QuotingUse benchmarks to dial in your man-hours, waste rates, and job profitability.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Why benchmarks matter00:31 – #1: Identifying strengths & weaknesses01:00 – #2: Setting realistic, industry-aligned goals01:27 – #3: Making informed business decisions01:57 – #4: Tracking long-term progress and Kaizen02:24 – #5: Backing up your business with facts02:51 – #6: More accurate quoting & job costing03:10 – Final thoughts: Benchmarking is your dashboard🎧 Subscribe & Learn More at: www.theprofitablefencer.com📲 Follow The Profitable Fencer Podcast for more insights on growing a profitable fencing business.

    5 min

  5. 04/15/2025

    Episode 47 : The Importance of benchmarking for businesses

    In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the importance of benchmarking for businesses, particularly in the fencing industry. He explains how industry benchmarks can help business owners assess their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Simon shares insights on financial ratios, labor costs, and operating expenses, emphasizing the need to understand where a business stands in comparison to industry standards. He also highlights the role of the ATO in using benchmarks to identify discrepancies in business reporting. The conversation encourages business owners to take a proactive approach to analyzing their financial health and making necessary adjustments. Takeaways Benchmarking is crucial for business success.Understanding industry benchmarks helps assess business performance.Comparing financial ratios reveals areas for improvement.Labor costs should be monitored closely to avoid overspending.The ATO uses benchmarks to identify potential tax issues.Business owners should regularly analyze their financial health.Using benchmarks can prevent costly mistakes in business decisions.It's important to stay updated with industry standards.Benchmarking can provide insights into pricing strategies.Invest time in understanding your business numbers. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Benchmarking in Business 04:31Understanding Industry Benchmarks 07:20Importance of Benchmarking for Business Decisions 10:30Key Financial Ratios and Their Implications 13:22Analyzing Labor Costs and Operational Efficiency 16:28Navigating ATO Regulations and Compliance 19:21Conclusion and Encouragement for Business Owners

    21 min

  6. 03/27/2025

    Episode 46: Fencing Industry Australia 2024 Catch-up and Recap

    In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the recent fencing conference and awards held in Australia, highlighting the importance of industry recognition, innovation, and the future of fencing. He discusses the achievements of his team, the significance of networking, and the need for sustainability in the industry. Simon encourages listeners to participate in future awards and emphasizes the value of community within the fencing profession. Takeaways The fencing conference was a significant event for the industry.Networking with peers is crucial for growth and innovation.Recognition in the industry boosts morale and encourages excellence.Sustainability is becoming a key focus in fencing practices.Youth involvement is essential for the future of the industry.The awards celebrate not just winners but all participants.There is a growing need for training and apprenticeships in fencing.Collaboration among industry professionals leads to better practices.The gate industry is evolving with new standards and safety measures.Participation in industry events can lead to valuable insights and connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Fencing Conference 06:03 The Importance of Industry Recognition 12:02 The Future of Fencing: Youth and Sustainability 18:03 The Evolution of the Gate Industry 23:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

    24 min

  7. 03/18/2025

    Episode 45: Importance of Refelection

    n this episode, Simon Davis reflects on his nearly 30-year journey in the fencing industry, emphasizing the importance of reflection for personal growth and mental health. He shares his early experiences as a subcontractor, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Simon also discusses the significance of networking within the fencing community and the industry's growth potential, highlighting upcoming events and the importance of trade recognition. He encourages newcomers to embrace their learning curves and not to be too hard on themselves as they navigate their careers in fencing.takeaways Reflection is crucial for personal growth and mental health.Newcomers should not be too hard on themselves.The fencing industry is growing and evolving.Networking is vital for success in the fencing business.Quality may not be perfect in the beginning, and that's okay.Embrace the learning curve; it gets easier with experience.Trade recognition can elevate the profession.Sustainability and new materials are emerging in fencing.The importance of community and support among fencers.Challenges in the industry can lead to resilience and innovation.

    21 min

  8. 02/13/2025

    Episode 44: Busted! Myths About Running a Fence Business

    In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the common myths surrounding the fencing business, emphasizing that fencing is a skilled trade that requires more than just physical labor. He highlights the importance of business acumen, proper pricing strategies, and the need for good workers. Simon also addresses the evolving standards in the industry and encourages listeners to share their experiences and seek help if needed. Takeaways Fencing is a skilled trade, not just hammering posts.Running the business takes more than just good workmanship.Price isn't everything. Value matters.Good workers are out there if you build the right culture.The industry is evolving and pros do stand out.You need skills in quoting, marketing, and financial management.Quality, reputation, and service matter in pricing.Finding good workers is possible with the right processes.Educating clients on pricing reflects quality and value.The cheapest price always wins is a myth.

    24 min
See All (56)

About

Small bite size lessons from Simon Davis - Fencing Business owner , installer, contractor- Business builder, entrepreneur. Simon shares lessons from the trenches on how he built a fencing business - endured the pain & suffering of loss & built a new fencing business model better than ever, all whilst on the tools , on the ground & in the office . Some are life lessons- some are practical , logical steps every fencer needs to know about , both on the front end of business and in the installation phase and the back end of business.

Information