Growing up in a family with a small business, I learned the ins and outs of ownership from a young age. As I grew older, I realized how much I'd absorbed without even knowing it.

*Emily helping Doug in the backyard, Age 5*

Something noticeable since my dad's passing is the silence. It feels deafening. He was always on the phone. With a friend, a vendor, a customer. Someone.

His mouth was always moving. That's one of many reasons Fences By Doug has the reputation it does in Howard County, and why we're lucky to be in business almost 40 years later.

A customer recently shared an experience they had with an opposing fence company that quoted them $34,000 for a fence that should've been a third of that. My jaw hit the floor.

While it's undoubtedly true that fences have increased in price (like everything else), there's a difference between offering a fair price for a quality fence versus taking advantage of a consumer–and that company was certainly doing the latter.

Working with a small fence company like FBD is special. While there are other small fence companies in Howard County, our approach and process stand out among the rest. It’s best described to me as customers saying that it wasn't just a company building a fence, but an old friend who just happened to be building a fence for you.

That's the benefit of having someone who enjoys connection, values your family, and genuinely wants to get to know you and make your life (and your backyard) more suitable for you—even if that means telling you that you could save money by simply doing landscaping versus investing in a fence. My dad wanted the best for his customers, and I want the best for you, too.

Here are a few things that make FBD stand out among other Howard County fence businesses:

Owner Involvement

I am involved at every phase of the process from intake through installation. I review the inquiries that come in via email and phone. Even though our office manager (AKA my mom) may be the first person you've spoken with, I've already got a sense of where you live and what you're looking for by the time she connects with you.

*A selfie from a recent paddock installation in Ellicott City for a returning FBD customer!*

I am present on estimates, writing your quote, coordinating with our crews, walking through the job site, and personally ordering your materials and scheduling delivery. Whether you’re in Columbia, Ellicott City, Clarksville, or anywhere in Howard County, you might even see me lending a hand to the guys during your build.

Some projects need two site visits, others need more—I show up as many times as it takes to get the job done right and deliver what you're looking for.

A Collaborative Leadership Approach

My background in therapy prioritizes a listening-first approach, which lends itself to a more collaborative leadership style. Having a collaborative leadership approach doesn't just mean with our builders, it means with you, too. We’re partners.

Though you are hiring FBD to provide a service and product, it's important that we understand exactly what your family's needs are. While I know fences, you know your yard.

You know your family. You know if your dog is more likely to jump a 4-foot fence than I do. You know what matters most—whether that's a privacy fence installation for neighbors, pool fencing to keep kids safe, or a decorative wood fence to finally keep the deer out of your garden. I’m not interested in selling you a fence that won’t support your needs, which is why it’s important for me to understand exactly what the purpose of the fence is.

I also understand budgeting concerns. While I can’t offer sustained significant discounts, I can work with you to alter your scope, reduce your footage, shift styles, or break up your deposit into intervals that work better for your budget (especially as we enter these economic hardships).

Honest Trade-Offs

I won't pretend we're the cheapest option out there—we don't strive to be. As my dad liked to emphasize, "usually, we quote somewhere in the middle." He knew other companies would try to beat his price, and he was okay with that. He wasn't interested in a race to the bottom; he was interested in building fences that lasted and relationships that mattered.

We aim for the middle for a reason. The cheapest quote often means someone's cutting corners—using subpar materials, rushing the job, or underpaying their crew. On the flip side, the highest quote might not stand for quality and instead could just be someone taking advantage of you, like that $34,000 fence I mentioned earlier.

We don't have our own lumber yard, so we can't match the material costs of massive operations. And with a smaller crew selection, you may need to wait several weeks for your installation, depending on the season, compared to a company that runs ten crews simultaneously.

But if you choose FBD, here's what you get instead:

Materials chosen specifically for your project, not whatever's cheapest in bulk or what's been sitting around for months. I have a direct relationship with our vendors and if something isn’t up to our standards, we work with them to fix it.
The same skilled crew from start to finish (not whoever's available that day). These aren't just contractors I hire—they're people I've known for years. For example, John, our lead installer, used to be "Mr. John" when I was a kid. That kind of relationship matters when it comes to accountability and quality.
Me personally overseeing your project—not some project manager who's juggling 50 other jobs and can't remember which fence is yours
A phone number that actually gets answered by someone who knows your name (no AI robots while you’re begging for a human on the other line)

We’re not for everyone, but we’re for you if…

If a quick install turnaround and the absolute lowest price are your top priorities, we may not be the right fit for your family.

But if you want a fence company that listens first, builds right, and treats your project like family, and remembers your name, your kids' names, and even your dog's name when they return to check on your fence—let's talk about your yard!

Every fence we build is a continuation of the relationships my dad started building 40 years ago—and that's a legacy I take seriously.

Do we sound like the right fit?! Whether you need a privacy fence, split rail fence, picket fence, paddock fencing, or fence repairs in Columbia, Ellicott City, or anywhere in Howard County, schedule a free estimate or give us a call at (410) 531-3121.

I look forward to learning about your project and meeting your family (and your pets!)