“I use PlanHub because I don’t have to go out and seek work; it’s right there on your computer. You don’t have to travel or do anything; just look up the job, click on it, and you’re all set.”– Robert Contreras, Manager for the East Yards Statewide Rental Fence, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence
Summary
Statewide Rent-A-Fence, combined with Emerald City Fence Rentals, has a history of around 70 years. The company provides temporary fencing for construction sites, events, and various projects, serving commercial and residential clients. The main office is in Seattle, with additional locations in Pasco and Spokane, Washington. Having several places, they can cover projects in large areas, such as from Seattle to Oregon as well as extended coverage in Montana.
Challenges
- Finding Qualified Skilled Workers
- Economic Challenges
- Communication with Contractors
Solutions
- In-house Inventory
- Utilizing PlanHub
- Adapting to Material Costs
Results
- Improved Project Visibility
- Increased Bids
- Enhanced Efficiency
Challenges
During this interview, we spoke with Robert Contreras, Manager for the East Yards Statewide Rent-A-Fence, with 9 years of experience in the company. He mentioned that the company provides fencing for construction sites and fencing services for significant events like waterfalls in Washington, boat races, Seattle Seahawks, Mariners events, and barricades. Although very successful, like other companies in the industry, they face some challenges.
“I believe it’s tough to find skilled workers. We’re hiring in Spokane, Washington, and we’ve been doing so since last year,” said Robert.
Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence encounters several significant challenges in its day-to-day operations. The first obstacle they grapple with is the scarcity of qualified, skilled workers within the fencing industry. Hiring skilled individuals with the expertise and experience necessary for the job is demanding. The company has implemented a stringent 90-day training program for new recruits to address this issue. During this period, hires undergo comprehensive training and mentorship before being entrusted to work independently, ensuring they meet the company’s high standards.
Another pressing concern for the company is the impact of economic challenges, particularly inflation and fluctuating material costs. These external factors have driven up the prices of fencing materials, making it financially burdensome for some businesses to afford such expenses. In response, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence has found innovative ways to cope with these circumstances. They have adapted to the changing economic landscape by taking matters into their own hands, engaging in resourceful measures such as fixing and welding their own fence panels. This approach not only allows them to control costs more effectively but also enables them to maintain their commitment to delivering high-quality fencing solutions.
Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence faces a specific challenge concerning communication with contractors. Some contractors are unresponsive or lack practical communication skills, hindering the smooth flow of information necessary for accurate project quotations. As a result, the company has encountered difficulties in gathering crucial data related to project requirements, such as footage measurements, gate needs, and job site contacts. This communication gap can lead to delays and misunderstandings, prompting the company to seek more responsive and cooperative contractor partnerships to streamline its processes further.
In the face of these challenges, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence remains determined to excel in its industry by leveraging its expertise and the resources PlanHub provides. Through their 70 years of combined experience, the company strives to maintain its reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction reputation by actively seeking solutions to hiring, cost, and communication issues.
Solution
Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence, a prominent player in the fencing industry, has positioned itself for success with a substantial in-house inventory. Their extensive collection includes a diverse range of fencing materials, enabling them to meet their clients’ varied needs effectively. With ample resources readily available, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence ensures prompt and efficient fulfillment of project requirements, whether large-scale commercial or smaller residential undertakings.
The company has seamlessly integrated PlanHub into its workflow to stay competitive and streamline operations. The utilization of PlanHub’s resources, especially the Take Off Tool, has proved to be invaluable. This powerful tool empowers the company to measure and precisely understand project specifications. With accurate measurements, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence can provide clients with exact and competitive project quotes.
Moreover, PlanHub is a valuable platform for networking and connecting with potential contractors and subcontractors, expanding the company’s reach and opening doors to exciting new projects.
“We deliver our materials on time and are punctual with what we carry. Our installers are highly skilled, communicate effectively, and always strive to do the job right,” said Robert.
Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence remains agile and adaptive in the face of economic challenges, particularly fluctuations in material costs. By customizing their materials and employing in-house solutions like fixing and welding fence panels, the company effectively manages costs and maintains competitive pricing for clients. This resourcefulness allows them to navigate the market’s uncertainties while consistently delivering exceptional service.
Results
By integrating PlanHub into its operations, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence has experienced a significant boost in project visibility and market reach. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive database enable the company to discover and explore potential projects efficiently. Whether securing temporary fences for construction sites or providing fencing solutions for events, PlanHub is a valuable resource, allowing Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence to extend its services across a vast geographical area, from Seattle to Montana.
PlanHub has revolutionized the bid submission process for Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence, resulting in a notable increase in bids since its adoption. With streamlined workflows and simplified communication with contractors, the company can quickly and accurately submit bids for various projects. This enhanced efficiency saves valuable time and positions Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence as a proactive and responsive partner in the industry. By leveraging PlanHub’s platform, they can efficiently manage and track their bids, optimizing their chances of winning contracts and expanding their clientele.
“We prioritize serving our customers and being there when they need us,” said Robert.
In conclusion, Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence’s use of PlanHub has brought various benefits. From improved project visibility and increased bid submissions to heightened operational efficiency and customer-centric project estimation, PlanHub has played a crucial role in elevating the company’s overall performance. Emerald City Statewide Rent-A-Fence continues to thrive as a leading player in the fencing industry with a broader market reach, streamlined processes, and a better understanding of customer requirements.
