Company History

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 manages the marketing & promotion for the company.
In 2011, Tom's other daughter Melissa began assisting with various financial tasks for the business. 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 along with chain link, poly-vinyl and ornamental iron or aluminum fencing.

"Hi Greg,

LOVE the fence! Your guys were great! So nice, and informative. Got the job done very quickly! Let me know if you'd like me to send photos for your reference."

Salesman: Greg Hebble, Installer: Kain Grimm

Elizabeth, , 10/24/16

"Mike,

The double gate we had installed came out just as we envisioned, perfect. The color, style and quality of material is as advertised and all good choices. It fits our property and we couldn't be happier. But what makes it even better is the gate openers. Once again we couldn't be happier and glad you did research for us in picking one out. It is top notch as far as we are concerned. It reacts quickly to the remote and is whisper quiet in operation. Bob did a great job on the install and in rigging up the under drive conduit. George was also efficient and informative to me on the opener install but glad I was present, as it's always good to know just how things operate and not just that they do or don't work. We are hoping as the winter set in the gate opener operation will not be affected. We are glad to have known you over the last 3 years during which we had our property fenced and gate in. Happy Holidays."

Salesman: Mike Piazza, Installer, Bob Lauren and George Horvath

Ron and Jo, N. Olmsted 11/29/16

"Dear Mike,

Vincent did a great job! He did exactly what was expected. He cleaned up as if no one had been there!"

Salesman: Mike Piazza, Installer: Kain Grimm, Vinnie Lewandowski

Don, Brecksville 8/25/16

"Dear Mike,

Thank you for the excellent service! We should've done this a long time ago. I will recommend you to anyone interested. I didn't get to say goodbye to the two gentleman doing the work there. They were great."

Salesman: Mike Piazza, Installers: Efrain and Adam Batista

Pat, Amherst 8/31/16

"Dear Mike,

Very happy with the fence job!"

Salesman: Mike Wilgor, Installer: Dan Mitchell

Gene, Elyria 8/2/16

"Dear Greg,

Daniel and Austin did a great job. Very pleasant and I am very pleased!"

Salesman: Greg Hebble, Installer: Efrain Batista and Daniel Mitchell

Denise, N. Olmsted 8/18/16

"Dear Greg,

Job is great! I am so pleased. The guys were awesome, and so efficient. I am recommending you to everyone!"

Salesman: Greg Hebble, Installers: Efrain and Adam Batista, Daniel Mitchell

Melissa, Rocky River 11/18/16

"Dear Mike,

The fence is gorgeous, very straight and true. I fell in love with the fellas! I was very impressed that they worked on a Saturday. They worked very hard and you need to give them a hug. I am recommending you to all the neighbors.

P.S. Hi Heather, We've received many compliments on the fencing and the railing."

Salesman: Mike Piazza, Installer: Kain Grimm and Lance O'Connor

Jeff and Mary Kay, Huron 5/31/16