ldridge Fencing recently recognized Ron “Tator” Oetken for 20 years with the company.  

In May of 1998, Oetken started as a foreman of a residential fence crew. At that time there were three employees in the whole company. In his 20 years with Eldridge Fencing, Oetken has worked his way up the ladder to general manager of the company where he now helps to manage more than 20 employees. As general manager, Oetken assumes many roles including but not limited to fencing sales, barbecue sales, estimating, and managing the day-to-day operations.  

In his time with Eldridge, Oetken was instrumental in the addition of the Traeger dealership in 2000 when, at a trade show, he was quoted as saying, “If you don’t start selling these grills then I will.”

During the spring of 2014 Oetken also played a huge role in the transformation of Eldridge’s showroom from the outdoor furniture line to an all-around barbecue store. With his expertise and experience in carpentry and his love for grilling and processing, Oetken has helped to make Eldridge Fencing what it is today.

Wally Eldridge, owner of Eldridge Fencing, said this about Oetken, “I can genuinely say that, without Ron, I don’t know how or where this company would be today. I know that we definitely could not have done it without him. He has become more like family than just an employee. I cannot thank him enough for the time he has given and continues to give us.”