
The Elyria Fence Company has stood strongly
since 1932. The family owned business that was started by Thomas
Polen has become a landmark in Elyria, and a strong presence
in most Northern Ohio communities. As a young Italian immigrant
in the early 1900's, Mr. Polen moved to America searching for
the American dream. A farmer and tool and die maker by trade,
he scraped together what little he had, and with the help and
encouragement from his family, he started the Elyria Fence Co.
in downtown Elyria. Through the years, the small company outgrew
its space and relocated to Oberlin Road where it still remains
in the original building.
With the semi-retirement of Mr. Polen
two new owners moved up through the ranks. As children growing
up in the company, Tom and Betty Polen got their start at the
bottom. Tom began working in the shop and cleaning up. As time
went on, he worked on the crews installing fence, and through
the years became experienced in all phases of the business. His
years of experience have enabled the company to offer more to
a consumer than any other fence company in Northern Ohio. Betty
also had the fortunate advantage of growing up in the business.
She now combines her knowledge of the industry with her financial
wizardry to complete the teamwork that is so essential to EFI's
success.
Maintaining a theme of tradition and
history, Tom and Betty are also joined by Tom's daughter, Heather
who assists with a variety of tasks in the office.
As the company still grows and molds itself to the current times,
Elyria Fence offers their client a personalized, hands-on touch.
In a world of impersonal large corporations, Elyria Fence distinguishes
itself by placing high importance on customer service. They do
not believe in pre-fabricated work, and will accept nothing less
than a high-quality, handcrafted fence or deck. A consumer, residential
or commercial, can expect over 150 different designs of wood
fences and decks, along with chain link, poly-vinyl and ornamental
iron or aluminum fencing.