Guier Fence Brings Innovation to Yards, Gardens

Strolling through the neighborhoods of Kirkwood and Webster Groves is a delight to the senses this time of year, as blooming flower beds and budding trees accentuate the eye-catching architecture of Victorian style homes.

The classic style of Kirkwood and Webster Groves, as well as adjacent midsize cities, is why Derek and Kelley Burt decided to open St. Louis’ first Guier Fence in downtown Kirkwood.

Temporarily located at 101 W. Argonne Drive in Kirkwood, the business is one of five Guier Fence franchises nationwide. Originally started in 1979 in Blue Springs, MO, Guier Fence is the first and only fencing company to franchise.

"The neighborhoods surrounding us in Kirkwood, Webster, Clayton, University City and all around those areas are full of beautiful family homes, where there is a need for fence and garden accessories, but more in the tradition and style of the older homes with classic architecture," Derek said.

That's not to say Guier Fence is unable to provide fence products with vinyl or chain-link, but local customers are drawn to the Burts’ business for installations of steel, wood and ironwork, which can tastefully blend in to the yards of established neighborhoods.

"Many of our customers consider the best fence to be an invisible fence, in the sense that you almost barely notice it when you take in a view of the home," said Kelley, who manages sales for the new franchise.

Customization is an important part of the Guier Fence product line and can range from an ornamental gate to a completely unique ironwork fabrication. Limited lifetime warranties included in the Guier product are an attractive feature to customers planning to settle in a home, and neighborhood, for a longer period of time.  

The average time frame to work from design and fence selection to installation is approximately two to four weeks and with the spring season pulling people into their yards with plans of outdoor projects, the Burts are busy.

"If there is a lot of customization, the process might take a little longer, but generally we can have the whole process completed in a month or so once we sit down with the client and begin planning the fence design," Derek said.

Guier Fence has garnered some national attention for the unique opportunity it presents to entrepreneurs. In December, Business News Daily named the company as one of the “top eight low-cost franchise opportunities for 2011.”

Lea Bailes, the CEO of Guier Fence, has great confidence in the Burts' ability to succeed in St. Louis.

"When we initially met with Kelley and Derek, their personalities fit in immediately with the Guier Fence culture and atmosphere. We loved that such a young and driven couple wanted to bring the Guier Fence concept to St. Louis and saw their potential as franchise owners to grow the brand successfully," Bailes said.

As busy as the Burts are, they find time to stay involved in community and volunteer activities, such as regular participation in helping Dirk's Fund, which rescues Golden Retrievers in the St. Louis area.

While the Burts currently reside in University City, they are looking for permanent office and showroom space in Kirkwood, and are contemplating setting up a personal residence in Kirkwood or a neighboring city.