Cassi Niekamp

Cassi Niekamp is the owner of Bowden Fence Co., a fence installation and design company based in Columbus, Ohio.14 She acquired the business in June 2021 for $1.2 million using an SBA loan, despite having no prior experience in the fencing industry.1

Background and Career Transition

Cassi comes from a background in sales, having worked at a digital marketing startup and a small business consulting firm before acquiring Bowden Fence.1 Her decision to buy a business was driven by a desire for more meaning in her life and a vision for greater financial and time freedom in the future.1

Acquisition and Business Growth

When Cassi acquired Bowden Fence, the company was generating between $750,000 and $850,000 in annual revenue with a 15% net profit margin.1 Since taking over, she has:

• Doubled the company's production in her first two months of ownership by optimizing the workers' schedule1
• Grown the business to approach $3 million in revenue2
• Increased the average ticket sale by $4,500 in just 4.5 months2
• Focused on expanding into larger B2B projects and government contracts2

Business Philosophy and Approach

Cassi's approach to running Bowden Fence includes:

• Emphasizing customer service, even for small jobs that may not be highly profitable2
• Focusing on creating efficiencies, particularly in larger projects2
• Diversifying the business to include services like repairs and gate operators2
• Hiring family members, including her brother-in-law who joined the company in January 20242

Cassi describes herself as naturally comfortable with vulnerability and sees her role as improving upon what already exists in the business.1 She is active on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where she shares insights about her business and personal life.35