2023 40 Under 40: Joe Everest

Since becoming president at the family business six years ago, Joe Everest, 39, says he’s tripled revenue and the workforce at Ozark Fence & Supply Co. and expanded to serve clients nationwide.

Everest’s passion to help others find success runs deep. His YouTube channel – Joe Everest, The Fence Expert – has 45,600 subscribers and provides tips on running a profitable business. He mentors others in the fencing industry including competitors, he says, and gives in-person training for fence company leaders every year across the country. He also serves on the board of the American Fence Association.

Everest has used his success to give back. In 2020, he formed the Ozark Fence Charitable Giving Committee, which he says is committed to donating at least $35,000 annually to nonprofits “regardless of our business health.” He also is board president of the Springfield Sertoma Club.

“I believe it’s critical that I provide a legacy roadmap for my team, those that I mentor and my three kids so that they will know the importance of using their resources to build a better community,” he says.

Your first job? Picking up screws/nails/trash in the lot, as well as putting bolts into fittings as a kid. First official job was as a fence installer.

Best productivity hack? Time blocking and leaving time for reading/reflection. 

What did you learn the hard way? Frustration is the result of unmet expectations.