Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Whittaker.
Robert, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since college, I have owned an outdoor services company.
In our early years, my twin brother Michael Whittaker attended TCU and started Mean Green Lawn and Landscape and in Lubbock, I attended Texas Tech. I owned Paradise Lawn and Landscape. While in Lubbock both companies were highly involved in the TV show Extreme Home Make Over, along with several other awards winning organizations. I recognized the opportunity in DFW and sold my company and relocated.
Michael and I partnered in 2011 and launched our construction division Magnolia Fence and Patio. Although we had always done construction under Mean Green and Paradise Lawn and Landscape we wanted to brand our selves as leaders in the industry. My background is in outdoor construction so our primary line of business is fence and patio, although we can do about anything.
The concept between Magnolia Fence & Patio and Mean Green is to provide the highest quality service and products at affordable prices using all in house employees. Our goal is to no sub-contract any of our work out and develop teams that specialize in individual services such as welding, fencing building, drive gates, patios, stonework and walls, concrete, sprinklers, lawn and landscape.
Michael has full operating control over Mean Green and is responsible for the day to day decision making and financials. I am in charge of Magnolia Fence’s operations. Ultimately we function as two companies but use our size to leverage market share with our vendors and resources. I have been finalist two years in a row for Entrepreneur of Excellence in Fort Worth. Both companies have been “Best of ” their class three years in a row. We owe all this to our excellent team.
Our goal is to do it different. We know there is a need out there for something more demanding. We work daily on the fact we don’t just sell fence we sell experiences.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have found that smoother it is the more that is being ignored. There is always disciple and responsibility that will cause short term bumps and bruises. Over the last few years, we have transformed into a scale-able organization. We challenge ourselves and our companies to be the best and see ahead.
Cash flow is a constant issue in business. Besides that labor and the right clients. Instead of getting in the middle of the group complaining about these issues we wanted to be the “one-off”. We have managed cash flow through incredible relationships at our bank. Labor is all about people. If you treat your team right and build a culture you are going to position your self well within the labor force. And well clients expectations are best met when you help set them.
So, over the years we have learned a lot about managing exceptions and relationships to help with the bumps along the way. My biggest recommendation to date would be to always ask for help and be willing to receive it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Magnolia Fence & Patio story. Tell us more about the business.
Talking specifically about Magnolia Fence & Patio we are in house outdoor living company. We specialize in wood and iron fencing. This is our day today. The patios, stonework and other construction projects are fun. We do a lot of them and everyone is different. Due to the size and need for these projects we know we can’t rely just on the projects and that is why we install so much fence. Our in-house fabrication team can build about anything out of metal. Our wood installers can frame a patio, build a fence, install a pergola and our service team can wrap up a project with electrical, irrigation, and other details.
What sets us apart from the rest of our industry is try not to sub any of our work out. On occasion, we don’t offer a service (for example gutters) and we have great partners. We believe our team is capable of managing any project and since each crew specializes in a specific product we can deliver exception quality.
To do I am proudest of the execution of a 4-mile wood fence. We were given a year to install it with all the variables and we were able to deliver the final product within five months of starting, no injuries and substantially under budget for our client. It was a great chance to see what we have been doing daily on a lot larger scale.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck or fate? Without a doubt when I was in Ruidoso NM on a trip before officially moving to DFW I met my now wife.
In business, I am lucky and grateful for all the people around me. I couldn’t have done any of this without them. From the first employee hired to the team we have now I am lucky to have them on my side. To my clients who trusted me when I didn’t have a portfolio or referral to give to now being the referral to our next customer, we are lucky to have met so many great people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2970 Suffolk Suite 116
Fort Worth Texas, 76133 - Website: www.magnoliafenceco.com
- Phone: 817-995-7467
- Email: office@magnoliafenceco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliafenceco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortworthfenceco
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