Q & A with Santo

Q: How long have you been in the business?
A: Eight years.

Q: What attracted you to your business?
A: It grew on me over time. I was amazed at the living that could be made. I like the construction industry, because everywhere you go - the roads, building, landscape - it’s something you can actually see.

Q: Your greatest inspiration in the industry?
A: No question... J.P. VanDenburgh, the late owner of American Fence Co., Phoenix, AZ. He started in the fence business after WWII and built hi company to 35 offices in the Southwest and Hawaii. I got my “college education” in the business from him.

Q: Your biggest challenge to date?
A: Cash flow. Collecting the money in the construction business is by far the hardest part of building the business.

Q: What do you see in the industry’s future?
A: 2006/2007 looks great. I think beyond that time frame looks good also. In this industry, you can’t send the jobs offshore. Someone has to actually show up to do the work.

Q: Your goals for the future?
A: I don’t know that we will ever arrive, but our mission is to become the most admired fence contractor in the United States.

Q: Words of advice for anyone entering the business?
A: My outlook has always been that the glass is half full. No matter what you choose, it’s your attitude that will eventually determine your success and the value of the contribution that you make for society.