A fence built to last

At 19-years-old, Wareham resident John Simmons followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and started his own fence installing business called ABS Fence.

For the last 15 years, ABS Fence has been digging holes, putting up fences and getting to know the people of Wareham and Simmons said he hopes to celebrate many more years in town.

"Bob Perry, my landlord, took a big shot on me," said Simmons, who is originally from Sandwich. "I was a 19-year-old kid looking to rent his building and he could've easily said no."

Simmons, now 35, said that while his business started 15-years-ago, his career in putting up fences started well before that, learning from his father and grandfather.

"I was probably 13 or 14-years-old helping my dad put up the guard rail at Wareham Crossing," said Simmons. "I named the business ABS because those are my grandfather's and father's initials."

Since starting the business and moving to Wareham, Simmons said building fences has made him many connections throughout town and he has seen how a good fence can impact a family.

"If you have kids or a dog you can just open the door and let them out in the yard," said Simmons. "It gives people a piece of mind knowing that everyone is safe and is going to stay in the yard."

He added he tries to give back to the community by offering his services to the town when he can.

"I donate when I can and I give the town a discount so I can get the work," said Simmons. "I try to help better the town and I really love this town and I appreciate the opportunity we've had here and we're going to be here forever."

Simmons added he built the fence at Lukey Park. He said he often drives around town making sure the fences he's installed are still up to his standard.

"If I drive by a fence and I see it has a slight issue after 10 years I'll pull up the customer's information, give them a call and say ‘we’d like to come out and make it look good again,’" said Simmons. "That's my name on that fence and that means a lot to me."

Simmons said that having learned from his father and grandfather has allowed him to supply families and businesses in Wareham with a high quality fence because of the decades of experience between them. He added he would not be where he is today without them.

"They are two of the greatest men I've ever known and two of the world's best fence installers the world's ever known," said Simmons.

Moving forward, Simmons said he hopes to find a fourth generation in the family to potentially take over his business.

"My girlfriend's got an eight-year-old son and we are looking to start a family," said Simmons.

He added that even though it is hard work, he wouldn't “trade it for the world.”

"It's not an easy job by any means and there might be better ways to make money, but the sentimental value, passion and family history keeps me going and that's enough for me," said Simmons.