82 | Building a reputation for reliability and quality Jack’s focus has been on building a strong client base and earning repeat business through quality workmanship. As a proud member of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ), Jack plans to pursue certification once the business is more established. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Barnfather Fencing Edendale fencing contractor Jack Barnfather is building a reputation for reliability and quality across Southland, with his one-man business, Barnfather Fencing, now into its third year and steadily growing. At just 24 years old, Jack has already found the career he plans to stick with for life. “I grew up around farming, so I’ve always been a hands-on, practical worker” he says. “I was looking for the right job, and I found fencing — and I’ve stuck with it ever since.” Being based in Edendale, there’s a good mix of work in the area for Barnfather Fencing to undertake. Jack does fencing for dairy farms, sheep and beef properties, and there’s plenty of residential and lifestyle work as well. Operating on his own, Jack’s focus has been on building a strong client base and earning repeat business through quality workmanship and communication. “At the moment, I’m working on growing the clientele and getting more repeat customers,” he says. “Eventually I’d like to take on a couple of staff, but for now it’s just about keeping busy and doing a good job every time.” Jack says he starts by providing clients with a no-obligation, free estimate or quote, and he works closely with clients to make sure each job meets their needs. “A lot of it starts with just talking to the client” he says. “They’ll explain what they want, and if I can see a better or more cost-effective way to do something, I’ll let them know. Otherwise, I just do the job to their specifications. It’s about finding the best result for them.” While business has been steady, Jack says the wider farming environment has its challenges. “As long as farmers can keep doing what they do, fencers like me can do our job too,” he says. “But there’s a lot of red tape and compliance pressure these days. Some farmers are giving up and going into trees and when that happens, it means there’s no fencing work on those properties.” The changes in farming practices are something Jack is learning to deal with and move with. “There’s still plenty of work out there, and as long as farmers are doing well, they are willing to spend money on the things that need doing.” Jack says fencing remains one of those constant maintenance jobs around any farm, and there’s always fencing that needs fixing or replacing. Looking to the future, Jack’s goal is simple — to become well known and trusted fencer, and build a business he can rely on. “If the work keeps coming in, this will be my career right through to retirement.” As a proud member of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ), Jack plans Suppliers of Posts | Strainers | Timber Troughs | Kitset Sheds Processed Locally Invercargill: 03 215 9738 Milton: 03 417 4458 Toko: 03 417 7341 www.greatsouthern.net.nz Gore: 03 208 9656 to pursue certification once the business is more established. “That’s probably five years down the track,” he says. “Right now, it’s about building up Barnfather Fencing - one post and wire at a time.” “A lot of it starts with just talking to the client” he says. “They’ll explain what they want, and if I can see a better or more cost-effective way to do something, I’ll let them know.”
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