In this episode of The Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Michael Reed, Executive Director of the American Fence Association (AFA).

Michael opens up about his journey—from playing center and guard in college football to launching a software company, serving in the U.S. Army, and leading one of the trade industry's most influential associations. He shares deep insights on what leadership truly costs, the importance of modeling the way, adopting a special needs child, navigating personal trials, and how local AFA chapters empower fence contractors across the nation

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

🏛️ AFA Chapter Growth & Reinvigorating Leadership

How the American Fence Association builds community, realigns its vision during mid-year meetings, and helps chapter leaders grow locally. 

🤝 Customer Experience in the Fence Industry

Why focusing on delivering a high-quality customer experience is the most important factor for growing fence contracting and supplier businesses. 

 🏈 Formative Leadership Lessons

How playing college football, launching a fraternity chapter, and serving as an Army officer formed Michael Reed's foundational approach to leadership and resilience. 

💻 Entrepreneurship & Systems

Lessons learned from founding a software company and building a consulting firm from the ground up. 

 ❤️ Personal Resilience & Family

Navigating personal life challenges—including adopting a special needs child directly from the ICU and caregiving through a spouse's cancer fight—and how community support helps in times of hardship. 

👑 Servant Leadership & Modeling the Way

The critical mistake emerging leaders make (focusing on challenging or criticizing rather than modeling the correct behavior and maintaining credibility). 

 🔍 Trade Association Inclusivity

Addressing common industry misconceptions and clarifying that the AFA is built for small contractors and local family-owned shops, not just large corporations.

⚡ Short on time? Only have 5 minutes? Go watch the clips on our YouTube Shorts channel: ‪@FenceGuyPodcast_Shorts‬

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