your backyard is calling…
Robert O’Neal and his company 78 Backyard Concepts have deep roots in Dallas and the Park Cities. Says Robert, “I began the business in 1978, hence the origin of the name. By maintaining a strong focus on taking care of you, the customer, we have grown into a Backyard Specialist. The popularity of Sliding Gates, Backyard Kitchens, Decks and Fireplaces have propelled our company to the top of many referral lists.”
I grew up in Preston Hollow and my father was a Scoutmaster. Since I had that “IN” he took me camping with the troop when I was 6. I became an Eagle Scout in 1978 and at that point the adventure began. Being an Adult Youth leader first took me to Mexico, then to Belize, and later to Zurich, Germany and Italy—all with Scouting BSA. My wife Susan, daughter Jessica and son Braden are all involved in scouts today, leading trips, staffing camps and generally raising the future leaders in the Southern Region of Scouting BSA.
Over 42 years we’ve gained the expertise and knowledge to do outdoor kitchens, electronic gates, and fencing products for residential and commercial properties. It started in 1978 when Dad told me to fix the fence that he put up in 1958. Since I was almost Eagle Scout and had the mindset of “Do a Good Turn Daily,” the learning process began. Several neighbors asked me to fix their fences as well, and I quickly realized that I could walk around the neighborhood and fix a few fences while making $40 for a day of work, which is good money for a high school boy! I continued moving forward as The Fence Doctor as I entered the Engineering school at UT Arlington. I graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1986, passed the Professional Engineering exam, and then had to consider my next step in life. I thought hard and chose to continue directly helping people on different and interesting projects. In 1989 I installed my first Automated Sliding Gate. This is when I started using my engineering training and actually improved the design and safety of gates.
By 1990 I was full time in the fence business and started hiring people that shared my vision of fulfilling clients’ expectations and providing quality workmanship. Fences, automated gates and decks were staple items, but more challenging commercial projects came along, too. In 2006 we installed massive stonework and retaining walls for the R.L. Thornton home, and updated gates that were built back in the 40’s. In 2007 we custom-designed and installed heavy steel gates and operators for the US Customs and Border Protection project in Yuma, AZ. In 2018 we provided faster gates to secure the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.
Whether talking to you as a friend or potential client, I know you have a vision that you’ve imagined for your project. Work with a professional that can take your vision, develop it, design it, and install it to completion. Even if it’s not completed immediately, it will be the foundation for the future. An excellent contractor can take your vision to a finished project.
We have been managing outdoor construction and solving problems for 42 years and we, as a family, continue to do so. We have learned a lot and continue to learn more to refine the “tools of the trade”. When we look at your project, we make it simple, reliable and life-lasting.
“Wow – 78 Backyard Concepts was awesome. Everybody was professional, from the original estimate to the finished product. I would absolutely use them again. They placed fencing and two gates in the front of the house plus constructed a long sliding gate for my driveway with fencing. The fence and gates look great.”
78 Backyard Concepts Satisfied Customer
Main – 214-351-0212 | Robert O’Neal – 214-769-6175
