Generational Transition at Poly Vinyl Creations Expected to Take Corporation to New Heights

Effective August 2018, Robert L. Burton, President & CEO of Poly Vinyl Creations, decided to begin the transitioning process of controlling interest of Poly Vinyl Creations to his daughter, Jessica Burton, who has been an integral part of the corporation since she joined in 2001. While an extremely difficult decision, Bob Burton decided to step down as CEO and President and appointed her daughter to the position.  He will remain an employee of Poly Vinyl Creations, Inc. in a consulting and supportive role helping support his daughter and the company as they make strives to continue to grow and expand the corporation.

“This has been the most difficult decision of my life, however I am appreciative of the opportunity to be able to step back and see what my daughter can do with our family’s corporation. For any father and entrepreneur, it is hard to let go however I have a unique opportunity that I must take advantage of. I have a daughter who has been involved in our company for 17 years and has experience within our industry as well as education and knowledge of other industries to be able to continue my legacy and that of our corporation. I also get the opportunity to still advise her in a consultative and supportive role which is unique often in these transitional processes,” said Robert Burton.

Robert Burton started Poly Vinyl Creations, Inc. in 1996 and previous to that owned Burton Fence Inc which opened in the early 1980s. Bob has been involved specifically in the fencing industry since the 1960s and was an active member of the American Fence Association and its local chapters as well. Poly Vinyl Creations original location opened in 1996 in Hudson, FL and had since opened a location in Byron, GA (2004) and High Point, NC (2010). With an entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to the fencing industry, Mr. Burton is known for his expertise in fence installation and more specifically vinyl fabrication. Throughout the years he expanded the company in aluminum and steel distribution as well as other specialty products.

“While I grew up within the industry, during my time at Poly Vinyl Creations, I have specifically studied my parents entrepreneurial spirit with their dedication to quality and customer service. I started at the grassroots level in sales, accounting and customer service. I then spent time assisting in production and studying processes and equipment. During the last five years specifically, I have gained an increased knowledge into the fabrication side of the business working alongside employees and managers alike. I have also focused on listening to and learning from employees on fabrication and equipment knowledge as well as customers about field installation concerns and how to build a better product,” said Jessica Burton.

Jessica Burton began working at Poly Vinyl Creations, Inc. in 2001 upon graduation from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Business Management. Throughout the years she has continued post-baccalaureate courses towards both her MBA and JD while working full-time. With a mindset to continuous improvement with education, Jessica also understands the value of real-life experiences and learning from customer feedback as to how to improve the corporation. Her focus heading into the future will include increasing capacity, manufacturing capabilities, and incorporating technology while being focused on both quality control and customer service in order to continue the legacy in which her parents have entrusted her with.

Over the past year, particularly due to Ellen Burton’s passing, Jessica has been working alongside her Dad, Robert Burton, to grow the support system and management team to assist with the growth in locations as well as within the company as a whole. Both Bob and Jessica have been laying the ground work for the future and Jessica’s ultimate goal will be to carry on her parents’ legacy as well as make an impact of her own from her knowledge of technology, manufacturing and marketing.

“It is both a great opportunity for me to see what my daughter can bring to our company and the industry. It is also a challenge both as an entrepreneur and a father to see the next generation take control. However, unlike many other generational changes, I fully support Jessica in her goals and dreams for the company and have full faith that she will help Poly Vinyl Creations continue to grow and expand. While she doesn’t always listen to me immediately, I know she takes my experience, views and opinions very seriously and determines the best course of action to take. With her diligence and dedication, unlike no other person I have met, I am glad I get to both witness her fulfill our goals as a company and guide her into the future.” Said Robert Burton, Vice-President of Special Projects.

Bob Burton will remain as an active employee within the company – both helping advise Jessica as well as all the locations. His vast experience in the industry is irreplaceable and it is a great and unique opportunity for both Bob and the company to be able to work through this transition in such a positive manner. Bob has been a strong supporter of Jessica’s efforts specifically over the last few years with acquiring additional locations and moving forward on strategic goals to help the company grow.

A mixture of long-term employees as well as new staff helps all companies grow. Focusing on listening to ideas and views of employees, customers and vendors has been what hs helped make Poly Vinyl Creations who they are today and the basic ideals set for by Robert & Ellen Burton will now continue with this generational change through their daughter Jessica Burton.

“For longer than I can remember, Bob Burton has been a pioneer and a driving force in the fence industry. Not only has he been he a great business partner, he has been a mentor to me and above all a great friend. It’s nice to know that Bob can relax now and have some fun knowing the company he started and built is in good hands with his daughter Jessica Burton. However knowing both of them, they will continue to collaborate on great projects together within the company for the betterment of the industry! Jessica too is a good friend that is following in Bob’s foot steps with her strong leadership, industry knowledge and good common sense. I feel that with this transition, Poly Vinyl Creations will continue to be a leader and major player in the industry for a very long time.” Said Steve Pleasants, Regional Sales Manager, D&D Technologies, Inc. who has known the Burton family for over 15 years.

“I truly appreciate this opportunity and am exciting for continuing both my parent’s legacy. Over the last couple of years, we have worked to build a stronger management team and incorporate more processes and technology into our business. I look forward to taking what my parents started as well as adding my experience and energy to bring Poly Vinyl Creations to the next level. We have very many exciting projects planned for 2019 which include some from 2018 that were delayed. I am lucky to have the ability to still rely on my father’s expertise and guidance as needed as well as his full support to grow a company that he started from seeing photographs of vinyl fence. I bring an energy, educational background as well as many of the strengths of both my parents and plan to utilize that with the support of staff and my management team in order to soar to new heights, or as our original slogan stated…to Build Your Bridge to the Future.” Said Jessica Burton, new CEO/ President of Poly Vinyl Creations, Inc.

Jessica Burton can be contacted via e-mail at jessicab@Polyvinylc.com and any of the locations will be more than happy to assist you. More information can be found at www.justpolyit.com. 

For questions, please contact:

Poly Vinyl Creations, Inc Marketing Department

marketing@polyvinylc.com

727-857-9618

FAX 727-857-9304