North Smithfield Fence Featured in The New Uxbridge Times
Adding beauty and safety to your home, the color, selections, and variety of fencing are unbelievable. Terri and Michael "Mike"Bartomioli, a husband and wife team, have offered the quality and service of a local family owned business for over a decade.
NORTH SMITHFIELD FENCE OFFERS VARIETY, QUALITY & PROFESSIONALISM
Story & Photos by Constance Dwyer
At the entrance of North Smithfield Fence, Inc. is a sign that captures the spirit of this well-run family business “A Good Fence Makes For A Good Neighbor.” The owners, Terri and Michael “Mike” Bartomioli, a husband and wife team, fully understand what this sign represents since they’ve been dealing with fences for a decade, having just celebrated their 10th anniversary in May. The other sign you’ll see says, “Please be aware there is a large, friendly Goldendoodle in our office.” Cooper, known as ‘The Fence Dog,’ is that warm and fuzzy greeter who is under the desk that will quietly (usually) watch you during your business transaction.
Terri and Mike acknowledged that, “we’re doing well, considering the economy.” They are used to working together and their personable nature makes it easy to do business with them. Prior to purchasing North Smithfield Fence Company, Inc. in 2004, they owned and operated Sutherland Sheet Metal & Welding Co, Inc. for 18 years in Woonsocket; there they catered to many textile and manufacturing companies, which were prospering then. As mills and manufacturing began moving overseas, they knew they needed to re-create themselves into another type of business which brought them to North Smithfield Fence, Inc.
When they purchased their current fence company, it also was a family business at the time. Interesting enough, the founder, Ernie Jolicoeur Sr. worked with Terri and Mike for 3 years until retiring and passing away this past April. His son, Ernie, Jr., stayed on and just left the company 2 years ago to pursue his passion as a professor with the art department at Salve Regina. Having met their office personnel including, Kevin Eason (estimator), Ernie Blanchette (estimator), and Jon Forget (fabricator), and you will see they are employees who take great pride in their profession.
Let’s talk about fences since you, as a reader, may be thinking of putting up a new fence, repairing a fence, or if you’re a “do it yourself” type of person, you may just want the materials taken to you or you may prefer to pick them up yourself. Either way, Terri and Mike along with their staff will be there to answer any questions you may have during the purchase and or installation of your fence, whether your project is residential or commercial.
When you walk through the display yard to view the variety of fences, you’ll be sure to find at type that will fit just what you’re looking for—whether it’s a galvanized or vinyl- coated chain link fence, an ornamental aluminum or steel fence, or a classic white cedar stockade, picket, or board fence. All their cedar panels are made to order so they can be built to your specific needs and sizes. In addition to their standard white, grey and beige PVC fencing, you now have 35 color choices and 5 life-like wood grains available, which are all made in the USA. There are also replacement parts and supplies available. And don’t forget about gates—they can be made to match all styles and materials. More so, you can find pergolas, arbors, swings, sheds and lawn and patio furniture. Most of the fence products sold come with a manufacturer’s warranty and Terri and Mike stand behind their work through their professional service and installation.
All estimates require an on-site visit where either Ernie or possibly Mike will meet with the customer to discuss their needs. Pricing is based on the job, not the neighborhood. Estimates are free but exclude insurance estimates.
Terri also assures customers of their professionalism by stating, “We are fully insured with liability insurance and Workman’s Comp along with being registered with the Rhode Island Contractors Registration Board. All of our installations are done by our professional installers.” She also cautions prospective customers to, “Do your homework; check with the local Better Business Bureau and your local building inspector to make sure you are hiring a reputable person. When comparing companies, be sure you are comparing apples to apples. There are a lot of new fence products on the market and it is in your best interest to know if what you are purchasing will stand the test of time.”
Terri & Mike sell to the general public and travel, roughly, within a 45-mile radius for fence installations. They receive a lot of referrals and word of mouth and ads like the one in The New Uxbridge Times, bring customers to them.