The Alaska Contractor: Fall 2006

Roxanna Horschel started Acme Fence Company 27 years ago with
help from her father. Today the business woman employs 27 people,
including her son Brian. PHOTO: HEATHER RESZ
Acme Fence Company – a woman-owned business
Former AGC president Roxanna Horschel started Acme
Fence Company 27 years ago with the help of her father.
Her dad retired after fi ve years, and the single mom ran the
company solo.
Her son Brian, literally grew up in the business, she
said.
“I used to bring him here while I was at work.”
At that time, shortly after federal affi rmative action
legislation was passed, there were very few women in the
trades, Horschel said.
“You saw all these ‘women-owned’ businesses where
the husband just put the business in the wife’s name,”
she said.
How did she survive?
“It’s sink or swim. That’s how,” Horschel said.
She said her background in management and fi nance
helped her realize effi ciencies in her own business that
saved money for her company and its clients.
“I love seeing women in the business,” Horschel said.
“But I loathe seeing women who come in with an attitude
like they have a god-given right to be here and they don’t
have to work.”
For women who like being outside and working with
their hands the construction industry offers training,
good wages and excellent retirement benefi ts after 20
years, she said.
“We are able,” Horschel said.
She not only operates her own business, she also is an
46 The Alaska CONTRACTOR Fall 2006