The Renner Brothers and Humboldt Fence Co. Make Good Neighbors
Jesse, Russ and Kristie Renner. Photo by Melissa Sanderson
If you guessed that Russ Renner got into fencing through keeping the cows contained on the family ranch, you’d be wrong. “I was working for UPS when I started helping a friend with his small fencing business.” With an eye on future self-employment, Russ turned in his brown uniform and took up the tools of his new trade. When Humboldt Fence Co. went on the market two years later, Russ did not hesitate. He bought the Fortuna business, giving himself an instant promotion from employee to owner. Since that 2002 leap of faith, he has grown his staff from two to 14 employees.
His brother Jesse took a different path — a cow path that had him seeing the pasture fences from the inside. In 2000, he began dairy ranching, giving it up in 2007 to try his hand at logging. By 2009, he joined his brother stitching Humboldt’s sturdy fence lines. Together they build corrals for beasts and machines alike, installing electric fences and carefully (very carefully) weaving razor wire.
Even though Russ did not go into ranching, he still appreciates his early experiences. “Growing up with whatever ranching throws at you creates a solid work ethic because you have to be on top of your stuff all the time. Doing it growing up was beneficial to what we took away.” The hard life of ranching prepared the brothers to handle whatever challenges fencing Humboldt’s rugged landscape can throw at them. They laugh in the face of fog and shake off rain as they put in post after post.
Any rancher will tell you that fences need to be horse high, pig tight, bull strong and, some might add, toddler confounding. The Renners help Humboldt’s parents fence in their toddlers as well as taking on big jobs up by the Oregon border. Russ said, “Although we have commercial and public works projects throughout the northern region, we strive to keep our local customers happy.” That includes understanding the differences between anodized and galvanized, so you don’t have to. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Humboldt Fence Co. is conveniently located in the region that provides the best decay-resistant redwood for long lasting backyard protection. They can also install a chain link or beautiful ornamental iron fence to suit your landscaping. Or a new automatic gate. Isn’t that heavy old gate of yours sagging? Perhaps a new dog kennel with keep Rover from going on over to the neighbors’ yard to snag a chop off their grill.
The brothers are raising their own families with that Renner work ethic, as well as the determination it takes to win championships. For the past 12 years, Russ and Jesse have been involved in coaching. “The flexibility of self-employment is great for practices or traveling with the team.” Both have children currently playing JV football for the Ferndale Wildcats.
The brothers acknowledge that working with family can be trying, but they do their best to keep the business on an even keel. “Sometimes things are better left unsaid,” Russ said. Jesse added, “We agree to disagree.” These common-sense guidelines work well for the Renners as the company’s office manager is Russ’s wife, Kristie.
The Renners roll up their sleeves for their community every year, serving on the Fortuna Rodeo Board. This annual week-long event provides Fortuna and Humboldt with family fun and a needed economic boost. Russ and Jesse also coordinate the Friday Night Quads, an absolute melee of teams of two racing on quad runners while flailing foam batons at each other. This is where rodeo meets motorhead. If you have not yet experienced this wild event, mark your calendar for next July.
My Humboldt Life is …“Strong family, with strong community support. Our long-standing family traditions run deep”.
Their community service is not fenced in by Fortuna’s borders. In 2012, when the Humboldt County Fair racetrack needed an upgrade, Humboldt Fence stepped up to the challenge by reducing their fee so everyone could enjoy a day at the races. The widening of the clubhouse turn made it safer for horses and jockeys, too.
The Renners have a rich life and were happy to give credit where credit is due. “My Humboldt life is strong family, with strong community support. Our long-standing family traditions run deep,” Russ said.
Jesse agreed, adding, “It’s the family aspect of it. Running the business with family makes it successful for all of us. We raise our families, supporting employees who are raising their own families. We strive for all to be successful.” That success spills out into Fortuna and Humboldt, not restrained by any fence.
Their philosophy of care transfers to their customers. “We want to make sure that they know we value them and take care of them,” said Russ. The Renners show that good fences do indeed make good neighbors, great families and thriving communities.
Humboldt Fence Co.
564 CA-36, Fortuna
(707) 822-9511
humboldtfence.com