About 78 Fence
Built on Strength, Service, and a Lifetime of Craftsmanship
78 Fence is more than a construction company — it’s the culmination of a lifetime spent solving problems, building with integrity, and helping people. The story begins in 1978, when founder Robert O’Neal started repairing walk gates as a high-school student. Customers needed help with sagging gates, rotted rails, and broken posts, and Robert discovered he had a talent for fixing what others couldn’t.
That simple idea — help people, fix problems, and build things the right way — became the foundation of everything 78 Fence is today.
A Foundation Built in Scouting
1978 was a defining year. Robert earned the rank of Eagle Scout, completed a 100-mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, and traveled to Mexico on a Scout exchange program. Each experience shaped the principles that still guide the company:
During his Eagle Scout project, Robert led a team to raise the tree canopy at a Lake Texoma camp so visitors could finally see the lake.
That same mindset drives 78 Fence today: understand the customer’s vision, identify their pain points, and engineer a solution that exceeds expectations.
Engineering Expertise from the Ground Up
Robert attended the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating in 1986 with a degree in mechanical engineering BSME — all while running his fence business and paying his own way through school.
His engineering background shows up in every project:
- Structural integrity
- Load calculations
- Foundation depth
- Material selection
- Long-term durability
- Safety and strength in every design
Even without pursuing a Professional Engineer license, Robert has always operated at an engineering standard — designing structures, consulting with PEs when needed, and ensuring every project is built to last.
Early Gate Automation Pioneer
In 1989, gate automation was brand new. Robert became one of the first in Dallas to design and install automated slide and swing gates.
His engineering mindset and exposure to construction techniques in Mexico, Belize, and Europe gave him a unique advantage. He understood how to build stronger, safer, more reliable systems — and customers noticed.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, 78 Fence expanded into:
Many of those early operators from the 1990s are still functioning today.
Major Commercial Projects
78 Fence has designed, built, or automated gates for:
One of the most notable projects was in 2007, when Robert manufactured 26 gates for the secondary U.S. border fence in the Yuma, Arizona sector.
This project required engineering precision, collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and structural innovation — skills that now benefit every commercial client.
High-End Residential Craftsmanship
Alongside commercial work, 78 Fence has always served homeowners — from simple repairs to full backyard transformations.
Residential specialties include:
- Custom fences
- Driveway gates
- Cantilever pergolas
- Decks
- Patio structures
- Retaining walls
- Stonework
- Architectural restorations
Robert has worked on estates exceeding $10 million, including the historic R.L. Thornton mansion in East Dallas, where he rebuilt a 16-foot wall to original architectural specifications and automated the property’s gates.
Certifications & Professional Associations
Robert is a certified Gate Automation Designer and holds multiple perimeter protection certifications covering:
- Crash barriers
- Wedge systems
- Hydraulic and high-security gate systems
He is also a member of:
- Texas Fence Association
- American Fence Association
These organizations ensure ongoing training, updated standards, and industry-leading practices.
Why “Seventy Eight”?
Because 1978 is where it all began — the year Robert started repairing gates, the year he earned Eagle Scout, and the year the principles of service, strength, and craftsmanship took root.
78 Fence honors that legacy.
Our Promise
Every project — residential or commercial — is built with:
If it’s broken, we can fix it. If we build it, it’s built to last.
Do you want Robert and his team to work on your project?
For project inquiries, get in touch with us by phone 214-351-0212, email robert@78fence.com or use the online email form on our contact page.