Richmond Businessman Also Honored as HomeFront Brands’ Franchisee of the Year
Bob Stewart, a fence industry veteran who is relatively new to franchising, has been named an International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchisee of the Year for 2024. His business, Top Rail Fence of Richmond, Va., is part of the HomeFront Brands property-services umbrella franchisor.
HomeFront Brands CEO Jeff Dudan praises the Top Rail Fence franchisee – who also was honored as HomeFront Brands’ Franchisee of the Year – as richly deserving of the IFA award. “Bob Stewart represents everything that HomeFront Brands aspires to achieve in a franchise partnership. The performance of his Top Rail Fence franchise lives at the top of the leader board every month. Bob demonstrates incredible leadership among his peers and invests valuable time engaging the franchise network to share insights and practical examples of how to operate with excellence. Bob embodies HomeFront Brands CARES values in both his words and deeds. We are proud and honored to serve Bob as he builds his future on the Homefront.” (HomeFront’s CARES values are Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service.)
Stewart was one of 116 winners named during the IFA’s annual convention earlier this month in Las Vegas. He is “truly honored” by the IFA Franchisee of the Year recognition. “Receiving this award was humbling, and I am immensely thankful for all the recognition really overwhelmed with gratitude for being chosen. I’m grateful to my wife, Stacey, for her continued support and the rest of my family… my children, and also the guidance of my extended family of HomeFront Brands.”
Chelsey Boyce, HomeFront Brands franchise development operations manager, notes that 2024 marked the second consecutive IFA Franchisee of the Year award for a Top Rail Fence owner. Brent Chapman, owner of Window Hero Triad & Top Rail Fence Triad in Whitsett, N.C., received the IFA honor last year.
How Stewart Chose Top Rail
Although a newcomer to the brand, Stewart serves as a worthy ambassador. “I was in the fence business for over 14 years before becoming a franchise owner. I was looking into franchise ownership and for a fence company. A franchise consultant helped me make the connection to HomeFront Brands/Top Rail Fence. HomeFront Brands was a proven business model [established in 2014]. I got there and saw comprehensive support, marketing support and operational guidance.”
Stewart opened his business about 18 months ago, and it’s running smoothly. “On a typical day, I focus on operational aspects, staff management, customer interactions and marketing initiatives. So I’m trying to balance hands-on work and strategic decision-making.” Stewart believes his soft skills – “engaging with customers, building relationships” – are key to the success of his franchise. “I’m really good at those things. And I just work to make the experience as positive as possible.”
He manages a team of four installation teams and four crews, two sales representatives, a project manager and an operational manager. But his team will grow soon: “We’ll open a second location in Virginia Beach in a few weeks.” Stewart has hit his stride with franchise ownership, liking “the flexibility, the collaboration, and the feeling of getting up in the morning and being motivated to succeed in addition to financial opportunities.”
For others who may invest in a franchise, Stewart advises them to investigate and be introspective. “Carefully evaluate your skills and interests, and speak to other franchisees. Find a brand with a strong reputation and a proven model that can support the system.”
Top Rail Fence awarded 64 franchise ownership groups and nearly 200 territories, with over 175 territories in open and trading. Top Rail Fence services residential and commercial customers with an array of customizable materials, including wood, vinyl and metal.
Top Rail Fence Franchise Opportunity
New Top Rail Fence franchisees will join a growing industry. The U.S. fencing market was valued at $9.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2033, according to Custom Market Insights. The market research and advisory specialist foresees an annual growth rate of 5.3% from 2024 to 2033. Advantages to Top Rail Fence’s franchise opportunity include:
- Quick start-up. Owners can launch in under 90 days through the brand’s Learning Accelerator and 90-Day Jumpstart Program.
- A home-based model for low overhead.
- Wide-ranging customer base. Franchises serve homeowners, residential builders, pool contractors and business sites.
- Strong vendor/supplier relationships. Top Rail Fence has national buying power and a streamlined supply chain.
- No inventory needed. The corporate team assists franchisees in securing subcontractor labor in their local markets to undertake projects.
Click here to explore a Top Rail Fence franchise opportunity. HomeFront Brands’ other franchises are Window Hero, Temporary Wall Systems, The Designery, Yard Patrol Pros and Roof Scientist.
