Pro-Fence | Leander

By Andrea Lorenz Friday, 19 February 2010

LEANDER — Businesses in Williamson County often must accommodate two kinds of customers: rural and suburban, revealing the unique nature of the rapidly developing county.

Pro-Fence, a fencing corporation based in Leander, is no different.

Leander resident Daniel Olla started the company about 30 years ago in Wisconsin, after having worked for his dad’s company. He moved the business to Central Texas about 17 years ago, after he met his now-wife, Sara, who was a student at the University of Texas at the time and now helps run the business.

Central Texas fencing demands are unique compared to the northern area Pro-Fence served previously.

Texan landowners tend to want a “balance of practical and beauty at the same time,” Sara said.

“I think it shows that we want to enjoy our outdoors. That’s what fencing allows. I’m helping people enjoy their homes because if they don’t have fences, their kiddos can’t play in the backyard, [and] neither can their dogs, so you’re basically allowing them to enjoy their property,” she said.

The company’s fences can be seen as far north as Waco and as far south as San Antonio. Locally, Pro-Fence has installed fences on farms and ranches in the area as well as in more developed areas, such as the privacy fence at the Leander Starbucks to shield neighboring homes, and a fence at Southern’s Pizza to enclose the patio for dining outside.

During its busiest times, Pro-Fence has a crew of about 15 workers who install fences and a handful who work in the office.

About half the time, customers already have an idea of what kind of fence they need before they call, and often neighborhood association rules guide what kinds of fences homeowners can install.

Lately, the demand for farm and ranch fences has increased.

“A lot of the land that had not been messed with for years, all of a sudden they’re expanding every which way,” Sara said.

At the same time, the area’s suburban residents call on Pro-Fence to build wooden privacy fences or ornamental iron fences.

The biggest challenge in fencing in Williamson County is not the varied customer base; it is the rocky terrain that makes building fence posts difficult.

The Ollas overcome that challenge often by jackhammering through it.

Pro-Fence also performs minimal land–clearing services for customers and is planning to expand into landscaping.

“Whatever the community needs, we can do,” Sara said.