Fenceworks Featured in Chicago North Shore Moms Small Business Spotlight: Backyard Dreams Built Here
Chicago North Shore Moms is pleased to bring you a very special Small Business Spotlight with Jake Stotter, a proud Deerfield native and the third-generation leader behind one of the North Shore’s most trusted backyard businesses, Fenceworks (a.k.a. The Guy on 41). Founded by his grandfather in 1967, Fenceworks has evolved into a full-service, family-owned company known for its high-quality fences, trampolines, basketball hoops, and playsets. Now at the helm of its play division and marketing efforts, Jake brings fresh energy to the brand while honoring the time tested legacy built by his family. In this interview, we chat with Jake about his North Shore roots, his passion for helping families create safe, joy-filled outdoor spaces, and what’s next for Fenceworks.
Hi Jake! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hi! I’m Jake Stotter. I grew up in Deerfield and graduated from Deerfield High School in 2014. After college at Miami University (Ohio), I moved to the city—but you’ll still find me in the Northshore most days, running job sites or meeting with families. I’m 29, and I feel incredibly lucky to live and work in the same community that shaped me. One day, I hope to raise a family of my own here, too.
I don’t have children yet but I do get to help build dream backyards for hundreds of families every year. Seeing the pure joy on kids’ faces when they try out their new trampoline, swing set, or basketball hoop? That never gets old.
What are one or two fun or interesting facts to know about you or something ordinary that friends might not know about you?
I’m a huge sports fan and an amateur BBQ pitmaster. If I’m not working or at a Cubs game, there’s a good chance I’m outside perfecting a new rub on my smoker, or sneaking in a quick round of golf.
Please introduce Fenceworks, and tell us about the incredible family history behind the brand.
Fenceworks was started by my grandfather, Stan Ascher, in 1967. What began as a small fence company has grown into a full-service backyard business offering premium fences, trampolines, basketball hoops, and playsets. We’ve remained family-owned and operated for three generations, and we still treat every backyard like it’s our own.
