In 1956, Ray Statz took the lid off the trunk of a 1949 Chevy coupe and started building fence with this truck. As the company grows, many of Ray’s thirteen siblings and their spouses contribute their talents to the success of Qual Line Fence. (Fifty-plus years later, Ray continues to modify vehicles plus design and build tools to make things work better.)
Qual Line Fence becomes actively involved in the American Fence Association. Qual Line Fence is credited for many innovative techniques that have revolutionized the fencing industry. As the company continues to grow, they are recognized for leadership and contributions to the industry. Qual Line Fence is proud to also be Founding Members of the North American Fence Contractors Association (NAFCA).
The production facility on South Division Street continues expand as does the size of the staff to accommodate the growing number of projects while Madison and the surrounding communities experience a large growth in development. To assist with the increased management requirements of the growing company, Ray’s wife, Harriet, steps into the vice presidency, wearing many hats.
Qual Line Fence gets a new look. Using our craftsmen and the expertise of timber-framer Daniel Orman, we created a beautiful and functional office with a conference room attached to our existing metal building. You can’t miss it if you are driving south on Division Street in Waunakee – just across the railroad tracks. Or if you’re driving north, look to your left.
In 2000, Qual Line Fence earns a Dane County Small Business Award for their business success and community contributions, and just a few years later they receive Madison’s Best in Business Award.
Ray’s son Al has worked his way up from fabricating fence components to installing a variety of residential, commercial and agricultural projects. He is also credited with developing computerized control systems for Qual Line electric gates. In 2007 Al is named president and CEO. At the same time, long-time employee Mark Schmitt assumes the vice presidency as Harriet transitions toward mostly management duties and community relations. Mark continues to manage the wood fence portion of the company, purchasing truckloads of cedar timber from the western United states and Canada; selling and overseeing the installation of wood fences, often inventing new styles and materials
The day will never come when Ray puts fencing aside altogether and he continues to be an innovative and driving force in the company.
Waunakee is a community of over 12,000 and growing. Now a suburb of Madison, but historically a small town with many local roots in the farms that still surround it. Honesty and hard work characterize Waunakee’s reputation.
Both Ray and Harriet continue as active members of Rotary International. Participation in the American Fence Association, the North American Fence Contractors Association and the UW Family Business Center have contributed to the company’s success and provide an avenue for sharing what we have learned.
