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.
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.
(Sandy (2nd Generation), Stan (1st Generation, Jake (3rd Generation)
What is your role at Fenceworks?
I lead our trampoline, playground, and basketball hoop divisions… and oversee our marketing. I grew up watching my dad, aunt, uncle, grandma, and grandpa pour their hearts into Fenceworks. After some time in both the corporate and start-up digital consulting world, I came back to help modernize the business while preserving everything that makes it special.
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.
If you’re seeing a trampoline or playset being sold at warehouse clubs or major retailers in huge quantities, that should be a red flag. These products may check the box in the short term, but they’re rarely built for long-term safety or durability. We’ve made it our mission to offer products we’d trust for our own family, and AlleyOOP is the only trampoline we confidently stand behind at this time. That said, we are always evaluating the market for new products that we’d feel confident putting our family name behind!
The springtime is a busy season for Fenceworks. What should customers know when purchasing play equipment this time of year?
Spring fills up fast! If you’re thinking about a swing set, trampoline, hoop, or fence, reach out early so we can get you on the schedule. We want your family to enjoy the full season of outdoor fun without any delays.
A playground set is a big purchase and requires some prep work. What’s the process?
We totally get that! That’s why we offer free at-home site visits to ensure your space is safe, functional, and ready. We also have a beautiful indoor showroom in Northbrook where you can test out everything in person. From planning to installation, we handle it all so you can focus on the fun.
Fenceworks is very invested in community welfare. Tell us about your recent involvement with the local nonprofit, Keshet. What is Keshet and how did you support them?
Keshet is an incredible local nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities through inclusive education and recreational programs. I serve on their leadership council and am honored to be part of a project building custom, ADA-compliant playsets, fencing, and basketball courts at their new Highland Park location. Creating safe, inclusive spaces where every child feels welcome, that’s what it’s all about.
What’s on the horizon for Fenceworks?
We’ve proudly specialized in fences, trampolines, playsets, and basketball hoops for nearly 60 years—but I’d love to expand into even more backyard fun. Think: pickleball courts, putting greens, sport courts, and beyond. If it helps families enjoy their outdoor spaces safely and joyfully, we want to be part of it.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Fenceworks?
We’re proud of our roots—and even prouder of the reputation we’ve built.
We know that in today’s world, it can be hard to know who to trust. Big-box stores and online giants throw massive dollars at flashy ads, showing huge price cross-outs or “limited-time deals” that were never real to begin with. It’s confusing, it’s overwhelming—and it’s not how we do things.
ESPN 1000 Marc “Silvy” Silvmerman and his 2 sons with the PROview 72” NBA Hoop!
At Fenceworks, we lead with transparency, ethics, empathy, and compassion. Always have, always will. We’re proud to be the refreshing alternative in a space where it’s easy to feel like just another transaction. When you call us, we know your name. When we show up to your home, we treat it like it’s our own. And when your kids light up in their backyard for the first time—you’ll know exactly why we do what we do.
For nearly 60 years, we’ve believed that every family in the North Shore and greater Chicagoland area deserves a trusted partner—someone they can count on for safety, fun, support, and real peace of mind, generation after generation. We’re an open book, and we’re here for you.
