When Balboa Fence Company needs a painter to recommend to their customers, owner Will Kaner has one answer. His company calls Tom Sawyer Fence Painting their "first and usually only referral we give out." This level of trust from industry peers defines how Joel Ressel has built his business since 2002, focusing exclusively on fences, decks, and outdoor structures.
Joel founded Tom Sawyer Fence Painting after pressure washing and painting his parents' fence impressed the neighbors enough to hire him. Two years later, he began partnering with San Diego fence installation companies, creating a referral network that now includes Smith Fence Company, Chula Vista Fence, and SoCal Fence. His wife Katherine joined the operation as unofficial "Quality Control" while office coordinator Hayley manages scheduling and client communication.
The licensed and bonded company specializes in wood fence staining, metal fence electrostatic painting, deck restoration, and a unique pre-staining service where lumber is dipped at their shop before installation. They serve San Diego County's North County region from Fallbrook to Del Mar.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Customers consistently praise the communication and reliability. Hayley coordinates scheduling with confirmation texts, while Joel provides updates during projects. Catherine Breedlove noted Joel "showed up the day he said he would, did what he said he would," and Bob Ey appreciated that Joel "took pictures and sent them every step of the way." The pattern across reviews shows punctuality and proactive updates are standard practice.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Tom Sawyer offers a unique service where new fence lumber is sent to their shop, dipped in staining troughs, and delivered ready for installation. Scott Matthews described the process as having lumber "stained on all 6 sides" with pickup and delivery coordination. Matt Brand's 63-foot fence lumber was "sent to their workshop" for termite pre-treatment and double-coat pre-painting before installation by his fence contractor.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Joel and his crew regularly tackle complicated situations. One reviewer noted their wrought iron project was "complicated by both the terrain and the surrounding plants" yet the crew "were so careful" throughout. Marty Duddy's project involved hedges creating access challenges and HOA color matching requirements. Reviews consistently mention the team finding solutions rather than making excuses when obstacles arise.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple fence contractors have left reviews endorsing Tom Sawyer. Smith Fence Company calls them "Great painters!! Enough said." Chula Vista Fence states they are the "only company I want staining or painting my fences." This B2B trust stems from Joel's 20-plus year track record of reliable quality that reflects well on the installers who recommend him.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Color consultation is a strength. Liana Tsirklin shared that Hayley "sent us a video of two different options" for color comparison, while Joel "set our expectations on what the fence will look like." Multiple reviews mention HOA color matching and custom stain selections. The team takes time to ensure customers understand exactly what their finished fence will look like before work begins.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Long-term durability appears in multiple reviews. Candice and Kevin Bush reported "5 years without problems" after their fence staining. Jeffrey Jones has been a customer for "15+ years" indicating satisfaction with longevity. Joel's standard reply of "See you in 10 years or so" suggests confidence in the work lasting through San Diego's coastal climate conditions.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Detail work and cleanliness receive frequent praise. Wendi Hutter described Joel's work as "meticulous," while Natasha Hauck noted they left the area "cleaner than a whistle." Julie Criscione appreciated that Joel "answered all my questions," and multiple reviewers mention thorough prep work including pressure washing before staining. The crew protects plants and property throughout projects.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Yes. Tom Sawyer Fence Painting holds California Contractor License No. 1038505 under the C-33 Painting and Decorating classification. The license is current and active, with an expiration date of April 30, 2026. The business is registered as a Sole Ownership with Joel Ressel as the licensee. The company maintains a $25,000 contractor's bond with Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company (Bond No. PB10163401231, effective March 26, 2025). Note that a previously registered LLC entity (Tom Sawyer Fence Painting LLC, Entity No. 201208110136, formed March 6, 2012) shows as Suspended by the Franchise Tax Board with an inactive date of November 2, 2016. The current active license operates under the Sole Ownership structure.
-Verification Sources: California Contractors State License Board, California Secretary of State
Updated: 04-07-2026