Kevin discusses the importance of implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and job software in his fabrication shop to improve efficiency and quality. He shares how he took a step back to reevaluate his company and make necessary changes after a conversation with Josh from the Tradesman Experience. Kevin emphasizes the need for clear expectations, written job descriptions, and accountability in order to scale the business and provide a better product to customers. He also highlights the...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker hosts a deep and insightful conversation with Bill Newell , a seasoned welder and industry expert with over 50 years of experience. Known as one of the welding industry's "Jedi Masters", Bill shares his incredible journey through the welding world, from the early days of working in bridge construction to becoming a mentor and a sought-after consultant. Jason and Bill discuss the evolution of welding techniques, the importance of mentorship...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 337•Transcript available on Metacast This weeks guest is Juvi Calvo, President of TipTig and Republic Testing Labs in Houston, Texas. In this episode we dive into the changes we’d love to see in the welding industry to enhance the trade as a whole. We all know about the labor shortages, the skills gap, and the push for automation to support skilled workers, with employers struggling to find qualified help. During our conversation, Juvi and I discuss a few ideas on how to address these issues. We hope that some of you will consider ...
Aug 19, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker hosts a conversation with Eric Pleil , a welding business owner and coach who transitioned from running a successful fabrication business to helping others succeed in the welding industry. Eric shares his journey from starting out with custom motorcycle work to growing his own welding business and eventually moving into manufacturing. He delves into the challenges of balancing work with business development, the importance of building rela...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep 335•Transcript available on Metacast In this conversation, Jason and Daryl discuss various certifications available through AWS for welders. They highlight the importance of certifications for career advancement and explore the benefits of specific certifications such as the Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) and Certified Welding Educator (CWE). They also touch on the significance of lean manufacturing and the use of cobots in the welding industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning and staying updated wi...
Aug 07, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast John Weslow shares his journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the challenges he faced and the support he received. He discusses his experiences with substance abuse, including using drugs and staying awake for days on end. He talks about his time in rehab and the importance of finding a new focus, such as bodybuilding, to replace his addictive behaviors. John emphasizes the significance of friendship and support in his recovery journey and the impact it has had on his life. He also disc...
Aug 05, 2024•2 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker hosts a conversation with Phil Garland, a welding applications technician at Fronius and a self-taught welder. Phil shares his remarkable journey from knowing nothing about welding to becoming an expert in the field, all while balancing his passion for welding with his life on a family farm. Phil's story is filled with interesting moments, including his early struggles with welding, his unique learning experiences, and his transition to wo...
Jul 29, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Aaron Pepper is a Tig Welder at Boeing who welds Titanium parts that are flight critical for F15’s and F18’s. In this episode we discuss some of the nuances about welding titanium and how critical proper preparation and cleaning is when it comes to this exotic alloy. We also chat about the rigorous testing required to do the work that he does. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://ww...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Brent E. Boling shares his journey into welding and inspection, emphasizing the importance of mentors and continuous learning in the industry. The conversation covers topics such as the tight-knit welding community, the need for proper training and understanding of codes and procedures, the challenges of misinformation, and the role of inspection in ensuring quality and safety. The most common discontinuities encountered in inspections are undersized welds, undercut, and overlap. The importance ...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s guest is Jaylon Marshall, a young welding entrepreneur out of Little Rock Arkansas. Jaylon has a massive work ethic and is super savvy when it comes to business strategies. Right now he’s in the process of taking his current business to the next level. In this episode we talk about how and why he chose welding as a career path and how he started his business. Jaylon shares some of the ways he got setup and how he initially marketed his new business to his community. He has an extremely i...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joining me in this week’s episode is Mike Barnett a traveling welder doing structural steel, manufacturing and Millwright work all across the US. In this episode, Mike and I discuss his journey from starting his own custom shop, to becoming a traveling welder, we also discuss the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the welding profession. Follow Mike on Instagram Here Follow Mike on TikTok @bigmike326 Sign up for Ars and Ales Here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodc...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joining me today is Jim Belosic, CEO and Founder of Send Cut Send. Jim has an incredible story of how he built a unique company to perform a very necessary service for home hobbyists, Makers, custom fabricators and small to large business owners. During the day Jim would work designing various types of websites and software programs and would work on building crazy custom cars in his off hours. He built many of the custom fabricated parts himself and one day incorporated a CNC plasma cutter to i...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast oining me this week is Patrick Tozzi. Patrick is a Navy SEAL, a skilled metal fabricator, an imaginative artist, and a custom bike builder. In this episode, we're diving into Patrick's journey—from his intense experiences in the Navy SEAL Teams to managing a custom bike shop while on active duty. We also discuss the importance of mental and physical fitness and explore the amazing charity work he does for several veteran non-profits. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: ht...
Jun 10, 2024•2 hr 53 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode I’m talking with Bryn Otto from the @ironinsightpod about his journey from learning to weld in high school to working as a contractor welding for the Department of Defense. In this episode we discuss successes and failures, some of the things in school that are really paying off, and some of the things he wished he’d learned in school. We also talk about something’s you should consider when looking for a welding school to attend and how AWS Scholarships can help cover your tuitio...
Jun 05, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joining me today is John Posson from possonwelding on Instagram. John is a Marine Corps Veteran, Boilermaker, pipefitter, welder and creator of grip Strength Gym Equipment. In this episode we discuss John’s time in the Marines and how he got into welding after his military service. We also discuss his passion for designing and fabricating different pieces of equipment to improve grip strength. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9...
Jun 03, 2024•2 hr 56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joining me today on location at Underground Metal Works is Kegan Dale all the way from Flemingsburg Kentucky. Kegan is a pipe welder who trained at KWI and now travels the country welding pipe and riding dirt bikes. In this episode we chat about the opportunities the welding industry has to offer, some of the pathways you can take, how having the proper attitude can carry you a long way and how your financial decisions in like can make or break you. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespod...
May 27, 2024•2 hr 50 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week’s guest is Jesse Perrone. Jesse has a pretty diverse background in welding to include structural steel ironwork, plumbing and pipefitting, and he’s also a CWI. He started his journey in a fab shop and worked his way into the ironworkers but later got in to pipe welding to increase his earning potential. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joining me this week is Jesse McCullum and Mark Winchester. In this episode we discuss some of the differences between 4043 and 5356, different methods for teaching welding, waveforms on the Typhoon system. We also have a great discussion about Laser welding. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_vie...
May 13, 2024•2 hr 48 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this conversation, Jason and Gerald discuss their introduction to welding and their experiences in the industry. They talk about the importance of sharing knowledge and nurturing the interest of young welders. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of teaching welding and the constant learning and progression in the field. Overall, the conversation highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in welding. In this conversation, Gerald Austin and Jason discuss the importance ...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this weeks episode I am chatting with Shaun Graham @thedrivenweldor about his experiences in the scenic industry. This is an area of welding many don’t know about. But if you’ve ever been to a theme park, amusement park, museum, a special event or watched a movie, the scenic industry has helped bring it to life. In this episode, Shaun and I chat about how he got involved with the scenic industry, some of the tools and equipment he uses to bring these creations to life and some of the cool pro...
May 06, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast This weeks guest is Zach Taylor owner and operator of @exit74fab Zach and his team fabricate all kinds of amazing things to include Bowrails, tuna towers, stairs, handrails and all kinds of other custom work. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%...
Apr 29, 2024•3 hr 38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Part 2 with Adam Streich Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ Friend...
Apr 22, 2024•2 hr 47 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this conversation, Jason and Adam discuss various topics related to welding and the skilled trades. They talk about the importance of practical experience and problem-solving in welding, as well as the need for creativity and bending the rules in certain situations. They also touch on advanced welding techniques and equipment, the role of inspectors in ensuring quality welds, and the challenges of teaching fabrication. The conversation highlights the need for more women in the welding industr...
Apr 14, 2024•2 hr 43 min•Transcript available on Metacast To Kick off National Welding Month, I did an anstagram Live with Shanen Aranmor. Shanen is the founder of Weld Like A Girl in Yuma Arizona. She also works closely with Project MFG, Skills USA and the American Welding Society. In this episode we talk about what she has done to Increase her Impact in the welding industry. For more information on how you can get involved with AWS, check out their webside here
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast This weeks guest is Jen Phillips, a Red Seal welder and Metal Artist out of Saskatchewan Canada. In this episode we talk about welding, hunting, archery and metal sculpting. Check out Jen's Website: Here Give her a follow on Instagram: Here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_deta...
Apr 08, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this conversation, Jason and Scott discuss various topics related to welding and inspection. They emphasize the importance of mentoring and collaboration in the industry, especially given the changing workforce and the need for adaptation. They also explore the role of technology, such as C-Spec software, in improving efficiency and accuracy in welding procedures and qualifications. Scott shares his journey in testing welders and highlights the significance of visual inspection in the process...
Apr 01, 2024•3 hr 45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joining me this week is Jacob Schofield a returning guest to the podcast. Last time Jake was on the show, he was stepping out of the pipe welding arena and jumping head first into structural steel with his Brother Jed. Since then, Jake has been focusing on building his new Company Impact Industrial and Fabrication. In this episode we talk about how he got his business from a two man operation to having 30+ employees and a handful of contractors to perform capital construction on piping system in...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this weeks episode I’m chatting with David Johnson from BoomNation. In this episode we discuss the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and the limitations of AI in replacing manual labor. We also discusses the challenges of social media fame and the importance of authenticity in the trades. David explains how BoomNation serves as a liaison between industry and workers, matching candidates with companies based on their skills and preferences. He emphasizes the value of reputation, soft ski...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this months episode, Jason, Ashley, and Bobby discuss the expansion and accreditation of Kentucky Welding Institute (KWI), the importance of teaching well-rounded skills to welding students, and the impact of the Sense program in high schools. They also touch on the role of KWI in bridging the gap between education and industry, the benefits of train-the-trainer courses, and the need for troubleshooting skills in the welding industry. The conversation highlights the value of fundamental knowl...
Mar 06, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this weeks episode, I’m on location at Local 803 with Jason Strickland and Ronnie Bowen. In this episode we talk about some of the opportunities available with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in Orlando, Florida. This is another pathway for those looking to get into the skilled trades. Apprenticeships have been around since the medieval days where people would learn a specific skill or trade over the course of several years. Apprenticeships have gone to the wayside over the years but are p...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
