Get to Know Bev: FBD’s Office Manager
Whether you're a new or longtime FBD customer, you've probably interacted with Bev (Doug’s wife, Emily’s mom). Doug used to refer to her as "one of his bosses," but she handles much of the administrative work, customer outreach, and scheduling for the company. Here's a brief Q&A so you can get to know her better, in her own words.
Q: Tell us how you and Doug started FBD.
Doug and Buffy
A: We were living in our first house—a townhome—and needed a fenced yard for our cocker spaniel, Buffy. After getting an estimate from a fence contractor, we had immediate sticker shock. It simply wasn't in our budget at the time. Doug had experience from previous construction jobs and thought he could tackle it himself.
Bev and Doug, circa early 1980s
He went to our local Hechinger (this was pre-Home Depot days), got the materials, and built his first fence. Soon after, neighbors asked Doug to build fences for them. The manager at Hechinger noticed Doug was coming in regularly and said they needed reliable contractors to refer customers to. He offered to steer some business our way if Doug was interested. Doug looked into becoming a licensed contractor in Maryland and shortly thereafter got his Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) license. Fences by Doug was born.
Q: What tasks do you handle?
A: My work is primarily administrative. I respond to customer inquiries, set up estimates, call in Miss Utility mark-outs, and whatever else may be needed.
Q: What do you want customers to know about calling FBD?
A: I like to convey that we're a small family business interested in delivering a quality product for a fair price. We offer personalized service and are approaching our 40th year in business.
Q: You went from supporting your husband, Doug, to now supporting your daughter, Emily, in running the business. How has that transition been?
A: Considering the logistical and legal challenges we faced after my husband's unexpected passing, I believe the transition has gone remarkably well. I attribute that to my daughter's drive and determination, and her keen business and legal acumen.
Q: What differences and similarities do you see between Doug's approach and Emily's?
A: Emily shares many of her dad's core values—a strong work ethic, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, delivery of a quality product for a fair price, and a high standard of customer service.
Bev, Emily, and Doug
However, Doug was "old school" about technology and often called himself a "dinosaur." The man still handwrote his estimates! He recognized the value of social media but didn't fully embrace it. In sharp contrast, Emily has expanded our use of social media and improved our processes digitally where feasible. She continues to use innovative techniques to market FBD and communicate more effectively with our customer base.
Q: What makes FBD special?
A: FBD is special because it originated from humble beginnings, yet nearly 40 years later, it remains true to its core identity. As a small family-owned business, we strive to treat prospective customers like family, deliver a quality-built fence for a fair price, and genuinely care about the local community.
Q: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
Lucie Noelle
A: I love to read—mysteries and legal thrillers are my go-to genres. I enjoy lunching with friends, watching classic TV reruns like I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Dick Van Dyke Show, and exploring what's new on Netflix (loved Grace & Frankie, The Crown, and Bridgerton!). And of course, spending time with my crazy cat, Lucie.