114. The Price of Leadership, Adoption, and Community with AFA's Michael Reed

👑 ⚖️ THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP

In this episode of the Fence Guy Podcast, host Craig sits down with Michael Reed, Executive Director of the American Fence Association (AFA), for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, family, and the power of community .

Michael reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his approach to leadership—from playing college football to founding a software company, serving in the U.S. Army, and guiding local AFA chapters across the country . He opens up about the true cost of leadership, the crucial role of modeling the way over criticizing, and why trade associations exist to uplift the local "little guy" contractor .

Beyond business, Michael shares deeply personal stories about adopting a special needs child directly from the ICU, caregiving through his wife's multi-year cancer battle, and how lean-on support from the "fence family" makes all the difference when life gets tough .

CONNECT & RESOURCES

🌐 American Fence Association: https://www.americanfenceassociation.com/

🎙️ Fence Guy Podcast: https://www.fenceguypodcast.com/