After 21 Years, Fence & Deck Connection Maintains Philosophy Of Giving Back

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By Hayley Gable Bowerman

When Severna Park High alumn Jim Rubush and his business partner Ben Wolod established Fence & Deck Connection in 1991, they never imagined just how rapidly their company would grow. From their very first project - building five miles of fencing along Route 50 - to their latest endeavor – opening a new location in Halethorpe - Rubush has maintained the philosophy of giving back to the community in which his business is based.

Throughout the year, the company’s 30-some employees participate in giving back to the local area through a variety of ways. Fence & Deck Connection, headquartered on Veterans Highway in Millersville, is involved with military troop support, a local children’s toy drive, Sara’s House Outreach Program, Habitat for Humanity, and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Last year, which Rubush described as one of their busiest years yet, the company marked 20 years in business. “We were so busy, we didn’t have a big anniversary party or anything,” noted Rubush. “But we did make sure our annual holiday toy-drive event happened.”

For the last six years, Fence & Deck Connection has been hosting a toy drive at their facility. Santa Claus pays a visit and they offer photos of him with the kids, along with cookies and face-painting. Last year, they had over a hundred photos taken of Santa with the children.

“This year, however, we also wanted to focus on giving back to our troops. So we incorporated that into our annual toy drive event, and we assembled around 25-30 care packages to send overseas.” The care packages included everything from toiletries, to books, to protein bars.

It turns out, the holiday toy and care-package drive was so successful, Rubush plans on making it a staple affair every year. “It’s really all about letting the children visit with Santa, getting in the spirit of the holidays, and knowing you have helped contribute to the happiness of a soldier overseas,” he said.

The company also provides services for Habitat For Humanity throughout the year, lending a hand in the design, building and implementation of fencing, decks and more. “We’ve completed about three or four projects for Habitat so far, and are looking forward to being involved in more in the future,” added Rubush.

Outside of the business, Rubush has deep roots in the local community. A native of Cape St. Claire, he graduated from Severna Park High and began coaching the wrestling team at Broadneck High around 20 years ago. For the past four years, he’s been the head coach of Arundel’s wrestling team. Currently, he resides in Crofton with his wife, Michelle, and three sons, Ryan, James and Tristan.

“The core of our business is to give each of our customers a lifetime experience. Being locally active and putting on different events is great because it gets people coming back through our doors, and we get to help out the community at the same time.”

For more information on Fence & Deck Connection and any of their upcoming community events, visit www.fenceanddeckconnection.com.

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