Contractors team up to help rebuild in Western North Carolina
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene battered North Carolina, dropping record amounts of rain across the Western part of the state. The area experienced widespread devastation, with unexpected flooding causing massive damage to roads, homes and businesses. Tragically, over 100 people lost their lives in the disaster.
One of the hardest hit areas was Swannanoa, a small town just east of Asheville. Located along the river of the same name, the rushing waters overwhelmed the area and caused immense damage that’s still noticeable over 6 months later.
After the storm hit, Ryan Sloop of Sloop Fence began working to support local recovery efforts. In early 2025, he met Harlan and Jane Sawyer, a dedicated, hardworking couple who have been farming in the area for decades. Harlan grew up milking cows on a nearby dairy farm, and Jane was a schoolteacher for many years. Today, they raise sheep and fjord horses, and also run a sawmill and a small vacation cottage on their 10 acre property.
Harlan explained what he saw that day, saying “Half the floodwaters were cutting through the sawmill and processing shed, and the other half was cutting a ditches all the way down through the lower field. “
The Sawyers have been getting by, doing their best with temporary fencing, but they needed a permanent, long-term solution. Ryan teamed up with Clint Iams of Log Cabin Fence and the North American Fence Contractor Association to plan a service project to help rebuild the fence on their property.
“I spend a lot of time with clients and doing estimates these days,so it’s great to get back out in the field. It’s hard work, but it’s fun work. And so rewarding.”
Clint Iams, log cabin fence, nafca
On March 20-22, 2025 15 professional fence contractors from 9 different companies donated their time, skills and machinery to the project, segmenting off several pastures with over 2000 feet of high-tensile woven wire, 16 braces and over 1000 feet of board fence. With multiple post drivers, wire stretchers, skid steers and other equipment, the contractors were able to combine forces and use their expertise to complete the sizable project in just a few days.
Ryan Sloop was very grateful and impressed by the support.
“We have so many great people and companies in the fence world – especially the ag fence world. It was incredible to see everyone come together for something like this.”
Ryan Sloop, sloop fence
With the help of generous donations from Pasture Management, American Timber & Steel Old South Wood Preserving and Stockade, the project was completed at minimal cost.
Coming together in the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, they were able to complete what Harlan Sawyer called: “The nicest fence that has ever been on this farm.”
They not only built a new fence, but new friendships and knowledge that will last far beyond a few days in the field. Everyone involved with the fence industry knows that it represents a truly unique group of people and personalities. But the willingness to lend a hand and help folks who are struggling is what makes it special. From their work at Arlington National Cemetery, to recovery efforts after natural disasters, NAFCA lives out their mission of service and giving back.
“There is something relaxing and peaceful about looking out over beautifully fenced fields with sweet sheep grazing. We have made friends and connections with folks we would never have met without this disaster……so there is a bright side to all of this!”
Jane Sawyer
The following fence building companies generously contributed to this project:
Clint & Bill Iams, NAFCA / Log Cabin Fence / Amity, PA
Ryan Sloop & Thurman Floyd / Sloop Fence / Mt Ulla, NC
Tom Prosalik / AFSCO Fence / Latham, NY
Logan Taylor & Jake Cline / Diamond T Fence / Newton, NC
Jim Nunley / 41 Fence / Huntington, IN
Bobby Courtney / Windy Corner Fencing / Georgetown, KY
Jacob Wallace / Southern Classic Fence / Longs, SC
Mike Maddux & Mike Southerland / Asheville Fence / Asheville, NC
Deuce Brown / Brown’s Fencing / Lucknow, SC
For more information about the North American Fence Contractors Association, visit 4NAFCA.com
