Libertyville Area Moms Featured Fenceworks in The Small Business Spotlight: Meet Jake from Fenceworks
Libertyville Area 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. Welcome, Jake!
Jake Stotter with grandparents (Grandpa Stan Ascher founded Fenceworks in 1967)
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.
As a family-owned business, why is Fenceworks a superior choice when purchasing outdoor play products and fences in Chicagoland?
We’re not a franchise. We’re not a big-box store. And we’re not owned by some investment firm. We’re one family, one location, and we handle everything in-house; from consultation to installation to service. No call centers. No boxes on your driveway. Just personalized advice, expert guidance, and high-quality products designed to last.
Tell us about those amazing trampolines and speak about the controversial question: spring vs. no spring?
We exclusively carry AlleyOOP trampolines because, after decades in the business, they’re the safest and most thoughtfully engineered trampolines we’ve seen. Their patented DoubleBounce system and high-performance springs are designed to reduce impact and maximize fun, all while maintaining an incredible safety track record.
There’s been a wave of marketing lately around “springless” trampolines, painting springs as a danger. But the truth is, springs are only an issue if the padding and frame aren’t up to par. That’s simply not the case with the products we offer. What’s more concerning are some of the mass-produced options that show up at big-box stores; trampolines or playground sets that look sleek online but often use cheaper materials to hit a price point.
