For over 30 years H & Y Fence has provided Sarasota and surrounding areas with all types of fences and fencing supplies for both residential and commercial purposes.  “Our fence materials include chain link, vinal, aluminum, and wood.  The styles are as endless as your imagination and we also design and build custom arbors, pergolas, lattice, and gates,” according to Jerry Mills, president of the company.  

Jerry obtained his building contractor’s license in 1980 and constructed over 70 homes.  “In 1993, I was completing a rather large home that had taken much of my time and attention so I had not been able to get anything lined up for after it was completed.  With a growing family of three children, including a new born, my wife Jana and I decided to purchase the company as a gap filler in between building houses.  I was looking for something that fit my skill level and this popped up just one day after I started looking.  I soon learned that it was much more than a gap filler. After a couple of months, I made this my full-time vocation.  What started out as myself and one employee has now turned into a vibrant company with 18 office and shop staff.  We also have eight installation crews.”

Soon Jerry learned that every company in the industry conducted business differently than he did.   Being a smaller company, he realized that he did not have the buying power as much of his competition.   However, he knew that he would stand out from them by purchasing better product and installing it with an eye for detail.  Even though he didn’t make as much profit on the jobs as his competitors, they always took the time to make sure the customer was satisfied with the work done for them.  That turned into a great “word of mouth” campaign and a lot of repeat business.   “We certainly have grown a lot over the past 30 years, but our core principle has stayed the same.  Do things the right way and treat people the way we would want to be treated, even if it costs us money to do that.  The rewards will come down the road.”

Being a smaller family run business Jerry has not only developed close and lasting relationships with his staff and employees, but also with many customers.  “Some will just drop by to talk and see how we’re doing because they were driving by.  I love that!   I am invigorated every morning when I get into work.  We have a super atmosphere in the office, shop, and showroom.  It is always happy and friendly.  We laugh a lot.  Someone is always telling a joke or story about a job, a happy customer, or even their lives at home.

As I have grown older and hopefully a little more experienced, I have come to learn that I cannot be stagnant and think that I now have everything figured out.  Running a business and dealing with staff or customers can always be done better and is always changing.”

For 16 years straight, they have been named The Best of Sarasota under the category of Sarasota Fence Contractors and Builders. All of their Sarasota and the surrounding area installations have a 1-year labor warranty. The vinyl, wood posts, and aluminum have manufacturer warranties which varies according to material.  

Jerry was born in Indiana and moved to Sarasota with his family when he was nine years old.  He and Jana married in 1979.  They have three children, four grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way.  “Hands down, I have the best family anyone could ever ask for.  Any success I have had will always go back to that as the core.   My son runs my Sales staff and my wife handles the bookkeeping.  My two girls and their families make me forget about work and that is probably the best thing that could happen in my busy world.”

Jerry’s strong sense of family also extends to our community.  “We participate in sponsorship for several schools in the area.   We also support a youth baseball team that my son happens to coach and one of my grandsons plays for.  We are also involved with feeding the hungry every year at Thanksgiving.”

Stop by to say hello.   They are located at:

H & Y Fence

 510 Cattleman Rd.

Sarasota, Fl

941-379-3444

My whole experience with this company was great. The salesman was timely and very professional. The installation crew did a fantastic job in and out in one day and I had a little over 400 feet of fence done with one regular gate and a 10ft gate. They did a great job at spreading the dirt around the bottom edge because I have a little dog and it was important to me that there were not big gaps underneath. I would highly recommend H&Y Fence!!  D. Patton