Fence And Deck Connection Makes Good Neighbors

By Rochelle Karina

The saying goes that good fences make good neighbors. And good decks make homes more attractive and livable, especially in water-oriented communities like Severna Park. Fence and Deck Connection has been making good neighbors, and happy clients, since owners Jim Rubush and Ben Wolod opened the shop in 1991. Wolod had grown up in the family business, and Rubush had just graduated from the University of Maryland and was looking into his options for business ownership.

The rest is history. In 2000, they purchased an abandoned gas station on Veterans Highway.

“We liked the visibility of this place,” Rubush explains. “It looked like a diamond in the rough. It was an abandoned gas station that hadn’t been occupied in years. We came in and worked out of a trailer for years while waiting on permits.” He even jokes that their first order of business was to put an “obnoxious” sign on top of the building.

The company just celebrated its 20th anniversary in February, and the owners are justifiably proud of their level of customer service. “We’ve had 20 years in business and zero complaints with the Better Business Bureau,” Rubush shares. “We work hard to keep that record and just received the Super Service award from Angie’s List.”

Both Rubush and Wolod put high value on community. The company is a Habitat for Humanity partner, and they support Eagle Scout projects and local Little Leagues and high school sports. For the past five years, the company has sponsored a Christmas toy drive for Sarah’s House. “We do free pictures with Santa and pony rides,” explains Rubush. “It’s a really nice event, and it’s free with a donation to Sarah’s House.” Past years have brought in thousands of dollars in toy donations. “We both grew up in Anne Arundel County and we like being part of the community.”

“We’ve made so many additions,” Rubush continues. “Including our new hardscape division, and also becoming a direct distributor. We’ve diversified.” Their new showroom was completed in 2002, and in 2006 they added a second story for additional customer service and administrative space.

The company does both residential and commercial work, and has a materials division where contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners can purchase materials and even get design advice and detailed materials lists. They’re not just about fences and decks either; they also do screened porches and sunrooms. Their website is full of information about the company, including testimonials and a complete description of the entire process from pre-installation meeting and design through post-construction follow up. It’s all about communication and community.

“I think our niche is our community involvement,” says Rubush. “People are familiar and comfortable and they know we’ll stand behind our work.”

To learn more about Fence and Deck Connection and their products and services, visit them on the web at www.fenceanddeckconnection.com.