A Proven Partnership offers Financial Awareness
Quality Fence, a premier fencing company that serves Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas, has built a legacy of trust and craftsmanship over more than three decades. Known for providing durable, high-quality residential and commercial fencing solutions, the company offers a diverse range of products, including iron, vinyl, and wood fences, as well as gate operators and custom railings.
In March 2024, Brian (BJ) Ross acquired the company with a vision to scale operations and embrace new growth opportunities. To ensure a smooth transition and chart a sustainable course for the future, Ross partnered with Advantage Insights, leveraging its expertise to manage finances, optimize operations, and navigate the challenges of scaling a business. This partnership has proven to be instrumental in Quality Fence’s continued success and future growth.
From Corporate Leadership to Business Ownership
BJ Ross brought over 20 years of leadership and operational expertise from his corporate career with Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx and Omaha Steaks. With a deep understanding of profit and loss (P&L) management and operational strategy, Ross decided to transition from corporate life to small business ownership. His search for the right acquisition led him to Quality Fence, a business with a strong foundation and opportunities for growth.
While Ross entered this new chapter with a wealth of experience, he also faced challenges unique to small business ownership, such as managing day-to-day financial processes and navigating seasonal business patterns. Recognizing the importance of financial expertise during the transition, Ross chose to continue Quality Fence’s existing relationship with Advantage Insights.
Ongoing Communication and a Foundation of Trust
Advantage Insights had been providing financial management services to Quality Fence under its previous ownership. Shortly after acquiring the company, Ross met with Advantage Insights’ owner, Mary Ferry, to discuss continuing their partnership. Ross was immediately impressed by the Advantage Insights team, particularly in their ability to communicate complex financial processes clearly and provide practical solutions tailored to the company’s needs.
“Their team was a great fit right off the bat and they allowed me to focus on other challenges, knowing they had that part of the business covered.”
-BJ Ross, Owner, Quality Fence
Customized Financial Support
Advantage Insights provided Quality Fence with comprehensive financial management services, including payroll, financial reporting, and cash flow analysis. By taking these responsibilities on for Quality Fence, Advantage Insights allowed Ross and his team to focus on strategic initiatives, such as managing staff, scaling operations, and identifying opportunities for growth. Monthly financial meetings became an integral part of the partnership, providing Quality Fence’s leadership with actionable insights to drive better decision-making.
Managing Seasonal Variability
The seasonal nature of Quality Fence’s business poses unique management challenges. Demand for fencing installations typically peaks during warmer months, with slower activity during the winter. Advantage Insights helped Ross develop strategies to manage cash flow and optimize inventory throughout the year. By analyzing financial data and identifying controllable expenses, the team was able to make targeted adjustments, ensuring financial stability during slower periods.
Balancing Residential and Commercial Operations
Quality Fence operates in two primary segments: residential fencing projects concentrated in Omaha and Lincoln and larger commercial projects that sometimes require travel to areas like Iowa and Kansas City. Advantage Insights helped Ross streamline financial reporting, coding revenue and expenses by segment to provide a clearer picture of each operation’s performance. This improved visibility enabled Ross to allocate resources more effectively and refine overhead cost management, resulting in more profitable decision-making.
Leveraging Data for Better Decisions
Thanks to his leadership experience in the corporate world, BJ Ross knows the value of reliable data. He appreciated Advantage Insights’ ability to provide clear and concise financial reports that empowered him to make informed decisions. By tracking metrics such as profit margins, inventory turnover, and cash flow, Advantage Insights provided Ross and his team with the tools to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
Beyond reporting, Advantage Insights worked closely with Quality Fence’s team, offering training on how to interpret financial data and apply it to daily operations. Ross emphasized the importance of involving his core team in these discussions, ensuring that everyone understood how financial performance impacted the company’s overall success.
Freeing Up Time for Growth
The operational demands of running a small business require owners to juggle multiple responsibilities, from HR to inventory management to project oversight. Advantage Insights’ support in handling financial management allowed Ross to focus on growing the business. By freeing up his time, Ross was able to dedicate more energy to leading his team, refining operations, and exploring opportunities for expansion.
“With the financial metrics as a foundation, I can be a better Owner.”
-BJ Ross, Owner, Quality Fence
A Partnership for Growth
With the support of Advantage Insights, Ross has been able to transition Quality Fence from a stable business to one poised for significant growth. The insights provided by Mary Ferry and her team have been instrumental in developing strategies for scaling the company’s residential and commercial operations. Monthly financial reviews have become a cornerstone of decision-making, offering consistent opportunities to analyze trends, anticipate challenges, and set priorities for the future.
Building a Strong Foundation
Advantage Insights has helped Quality Fence establish a strong financial foundation by focusing on clarity, efficiency, and accountability. By managing payroll, optimizing inventory and improving financial reporting, the partnership has enabled Quality Fence to operate more effectively and strategically. Ross credits Advantage Insights with providing not only practical solutions but also the confidence to tackle the challenges of business ownership.
A Continuing Legacy of Quality
As Quality Fence enters its next chapter, BJ Ross is optimistic about the company’s growth potential. With Advantage Insights as a trusted partner, he has the financial clarity and strategic insights needed to take on larger, more complex projects while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that have defined the business for decades.
Reflecting on his experience, Ross encourages other small business owners to consider working with financial management providers like Advantage Insights. “It’s a no-brainer,” he said, citing the expertise and cost-effectiveness that Mary Ferry and her team bring to the table. For Ross, the partnership has been transformative, allowing him to focus on what he does best while leaving financial management in capable hands.
Confidence Through Clarity
The collaboration between Quality Fence and Advantage Insights demonstrates how strategic partnerships can drive success. By combining Ross’s operational expertise with Advantage Insights’ financial acumen, the company has not only navigated the challenges of ownership transition but also positioned itself for long-term growth. As BJ Ross continues to lead Quality Fence into its next chapter, he does so with confidence, knowing that he has a reliable partner to help him achieve his vision for the business.