The USA Fence main office on East Cortez Road is a humble building that one may easily pass by without knowing what a bustling company operates within. The offices line one main hallway and all of the doors are open—an environment that seems to reflect the Glasgow approach to business and service. 

On the wall that flanks CEO and founder Butch Glasgow’s office and the conference room, there is an illustration of “The Glasgow Tree”— a creative depiction of the company’s growth since its inception in 1971. The mirrored background of the painting feels like an intentional choice, falling in line with the culture of inclusion that serves as the foundation for their modus operandi. 

Butch Glasgow was born in Grand Island, New York. He was kicked out of high school after completing only two weeks of ninth grade. At 16, he doctored his birth certificate and joined the Army. His son, Shannon, said that he once spoke with the principal responsible for his father’s dismissal and was told that he “was certain Butch was going to end up in jail.” Clearly, Butch’s future took a vastly different path, and it’s one that’s defined by overcoming adversity and living a life of service. 

In 1967, Butch moved to Florida with $300 in his pocket. He owed $1,300. He began working for his father-in-law’s fencing company in Orlando before moving to Bradenton, where he would begin his journey to become a Manatee County business mogul all his own. 

Butch, his then-wife, son, and brother-in-law, moved into a 900 square foot space where they opened the first Bradenton branch of American Steel Fencing. They lived and worked out of the same small structure. After a few short years of hard work and cramped living, USA Fence was born. 

USA Fence is the embodiment of a true family company. Butch’s sons, Shannon and Cody, work for the business, as do Shannon’s nephews, Link and Beau. But regardless of blood relation, the Glasgows speak of all their employees as though they’re family. At 80 years old, Butch offers ornate stories about many of his workers’ lives, remembering the names of their children and loved ones with crystalline precision. “He comes to work every day and never stops. He thinks like the 53-year-old, and I think like the 80-year-old.” Shannon giggled with a proud grin. 

Butch proved to be a savvy businessman, and USA grew quickly despite his lack of traditional schooling. Their first expansion came through a partnership with a roofing company that quickly absorbed gutter services. “My dad figured out a long time ago that if you start the week with $100, you’re broke on Friday. But if you buy or rent something, you’re still broke on Friday, but you have something to rent or sell.” Shannon said. 

Since taking on roofing, Butch’s business wisdom has fostered many partnerships and additional services—from real estate to car sales, barricade rentals, accounting, banking, pawnshops, dumpsters, and demolition, to name a few. It seems whenever the Glasgow’s had a need for a service, they chose to take it on in-house rather than outsource, allowing them to grow into much more than just a fencing company. This eye for self-sufficiency is no doubt born from a humble upbringing and has certainly been passed on to the family’s younger generation. 

“There’s no secret. My dad just worked hard and continues to. I mean, it literally is the American dream.” Shannon said, “There’s always a need or an opportunity. When the economy was bad in 2009, we were short on dumpsters, so we purchased a dumpster company. We thought, we have the overhead, we have the people, let’s get in the dumpster business and just service our customers and sell on price.” 

The Glasgow’s growth and “can do” attitude has resulted in a company that employs approximately 70-80 full-time employees and about 35 sub-contractors. They put particular emphasis on ensuring that their team members are appreciated for their efforts, “The hardest thing for a company of our size, or any size, is to give your employees proper recognition. It’s very important to Anna, my assistant, or Burt if they have one, or two, or three years with us, to be recognized on their anniversary for being here that long.” Butch says as he gestures to Anna and Burt bustling in the hallway. USA’s sphere of support doesn’t end with their workforce. In February of 2016, the Glasgow Foundation was born, and its branch sits directly on top of the Glasgow tree. 

USA Fence has been a friend to the Manatee County community from the start, and as their philanthropic efforts grew, so did their need for a new rung in the ladder. Philanthropy is a business in itself, and the Glasgow’s approach it with the same tenacity that has powered their other ventures.  

Each year they sponsor as many as 30 Little League teams in Manatee County. “We sponsor the teams for the smaller kids. When it’s T-ball, mom comes, dad comes, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles. I grew up doing Little League, my nieces and nephews participated. Not only is it an inexpensive advertising opportunity, but it’s also a great way to give back to the community.” Shannon said. Other contributions to our county’s youth include a partnership with former children’s group home, Our Family Ranch, and heavy involvement with the Conquistador Historical Foundation, which offers scholarships, pen-pal programs, and many other charitable services within the community. 

“I’m smart enough to know that youth is our only future in America.” -Butch Glasgow 

When speaking with Butch and Shannon, it becomes apparent that they’re not at all boastful. They each display a matter-of-fact attitude when it comes to their altruistic endeavors, and one gets the sense that you’d be better off asking those around them to get a full picture of all the good USA is actually doing behind the scenes. Beyond the sponsorships and donations, there are small clues peppered throughout the conversation that allude to the depth of their generosity. “I remember one year, they put a dumpster out by the horse barn with a sign that said, ‘community use for spring cleaning.’ I couldn’t believe how thoughtful it was!” said a former neighbor. 

Butch has lowered rent for some in times of strife—though he’ll deny it. He’s provided services and assistance to employees and their families when needed. More importantly, he’s offered his kindness and attention to those around him and our fellow residents.  

As an avid collector of everything from clocks to cars to canes (you name it!), Butch has fashioned himself a museum of sorts known as TOI, or Things of Interest, to house some of his beloved possessions. He will never charge admission and hopes to begin hosting classroom field trips soon. His enthusiasm to share his success and the things that bring him joy with others is palpable. It truly is about the journey for him, and there are no signs of it slowing any time soon.