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Our History
In 2003, Amerifence joined the rich history of fence
companies started by Grandpa Joe Keefe.
The original fence company was started in 1946 on the south side
of Chicago at the end of WWII. After
a few years, Grandpa Joe moved his business to Harvey, IL.
The growing demand of fencing in the Chicagoland marketplace
forced his production facility to the southwest suburbs of Tinley Park,
IL. This location allowed
Grandpa Joe to begin molding his company and paving the way for his
family to prosper in the fence business.
He introduced different styles of fence patterns and unique ways
of construction, many of which still remain as the building blocks in
fencing today. He was truly a
visionary and pioneer of the fence industry. He passed away at the young age of 60,
leaving behind his loving wife Evelyn and their ten children. She in turn
gave the company to her children so they could continue in the family
business. The lessons
taught by Grandpa Joe were well learned and put to use.
Sadly, in 2004, the remaining 3 sons
decided to cash out on their father’s dream and sell the original fence
company to an independent investor. Although
attempts were made at trying to save grandpa’s business and keep it in
the family, the 3 remaining sons would not foster a deal with the many
family members working in the company, thus bringing an end to an era. However, through the 3rd generation of grandsons,
Grandpa Joe Keefe’s legacy continues. The grandsons’ endeavors account for 10 different companies in 8
locations across 4 states. Each
company has the expressed goal of carrying on our grandparents dream of
using their knowledge and experience to succeed in the fence business.
The lessons of family unity, pride in
workmanship, belief in God, fair value, and concept of team were the
cornerstone beliefs and practices of Joe Keefe. Amerifence is part of that 3rd generation of fence/deck
builders that is inspired to carry on those values and traditions as set
forth by Grandpa Joe. His
simple formula for “Success in life” lives on in the many 3rd
generation companies all across the Midwest and the South.
We are proud of the heritage and rich history that he has left us.
It is our commitment at Amerifence to continue in the family
tradition of fence/deck building and leave something for our children and
the next generation to be proud of.
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