A Fencers Life- Lessons from the Trenches

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 challen...

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 o...

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 industr...

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 pr...

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 ...

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

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In this episode, Simon Davis emphasizes the critical importance of building an email list for small business owners, particularly in the fencing industry. He discusses the risks associated with neglecting list building, including missed opportunities and reliance on unstable platforms. Simon provides actionable steps for building an email list from scratch, including identifying the target audience, creating lead magnets, and engag...

In this episode of A Fencer's Life, Simon Davis reflects on the past year and sets the stage for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of growth, resilience, and discipline in both fencing and life. The podcast aims to share real stories from industry professionals, explore practical lessons, and build a community of like-minded individuals. Simon invites listeners to join him on this journey of motivation and collaboration, focusing ...

In this podcast episode, Simon Davis discusses the challenges of raising prices in the fencing industry, emphasizing the detrimental effects of competing solely on price. He advocates for collaboration over competition, the importance of creating value, and the need for a mindset shift to overcome psychological barriers. Simon shares practical strategies for implementing price increases and highlights the significance of niche spec...

In this conversation, Simon shares his 10-step guide to mastering the hiring process. He emphasizes the importance of defining your needs, crafting a compelling job ad, choosing the right platforms to advertise on, screening resumes, conducting interviews, checking references, and making a comprehensive offer. Simon also highlights the significance of onboarding and training new hires to ensure their success and retention. By follo...

In todays episode ( better late than never) I want to highlight what's been happening in my world & what ive been focusing on.

Some people focus on customer satisfaction & some on safety & some on leads & some on team building & so on & so forth.

Now all that comes into running a business & is super important, but what I have found is that if I try & focus on everything - then everything is mediocre fo...

Summary

In this conversation, Simon discusses the importance of fast-tracking your business and the benefits of using someone outside of your business to coach or mentor you. He shares his own experiences of struggling with cash flow and growing his business without proper systems in place. Simon emphasizes the need for a cash management system and the value of working with a coach who can help you understand and improve your number...

In this conversation, Simon Davis interviews Vince Carige, a trainer and assessor in the agricultural industry. They discuss the importance of staying current and compliant in training and certification, particularly in relation to work health and safety. They emphasize the need for small businesses to prioritize safety and invest in training their staff. They also highlight the role of communication, policies, and procedures in c...

Simon Davis, owner of North Coast Fencing and The Profitable Fencer, shares his journey in the fencing industry and his experience in coaching other fence businesses. He emphasizes the importance of having a big vision and a plan to achieve it, rather than just working hard without direction. Simon also discusses common challenges in the industry, such as finding reliable employees and pricing strategies. He highlights the need fo...

Simon shares his excitement about being a guest on a podcast and highlights the importance of focusing on the little things. He talks about the positive things happening in his fencing business and how he has been able to elevate his role. Simon also announces the amalgamation of his building construction business with North Coast Fencing, creating a one-stop-shop for construction needs. He expresses his happiness and gratitude fo...

In this episode, Simon discusses the top 10 pain points of the fencing business. These pain points include competition, customer acquisition costs, pricing, labor shortages, material costs, weather, permits and regulations, insurance, liability, and taxes. Simon provides strategies for addressing each pain point and emphasizes the importance of staying informed, building relationships, and maintaining clear contracts and insurance...

Summary This conversation discusses the opportunities and challenges in the fencing industry, particularly in relation to gate automation. The importance of safety measures and education for customers and installers is emphasized. The need for standardized guidelines, training, and qualifications is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the benefits of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the industry. The Gate Task ...

In this conversation, Simon Davis interviews Adrian Pretzel, the visionary mind behind ideal fencing and gates. They discuss the GATE Task Force, a transformative initiative shaping the Australian fencing industry. Adrian shares his inspiration for forming the task force, which stemmed from the need for safety regulations in the industry, particularly in schools. The task force aims to create a code of practice and guide...