Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Send us Fan Mail Artificial Intelligence is changing faster than most of us can keep up with—and whether you love it or hate it, it's already starting to impact the welding and fabrication industry. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cocks from DC Built to talk about how we're actually using AI in our businesses today. From creating customer renderings and speeding up design work to building software, solving problems, and automating repetitive tasks, we share the tools and workflows that are ...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Welding Business Owners Podcast, I sit down with Josh Hewitt — entrepreneur, HVAC company owner, host of the Tradesmen Experience podcast, and cofounder of Blue Collar Insiders and True Pros. This conversation goes way deeper than just welding or HVAC. We talk about what actually makes a blue-collar business succeed long term: leadership, culture, communication, job costing, hiring, sales, customer experience, and learning how to think like a business owne...
Send us Fan Mail Trying to build a welding business while working a full-time job? That’s exactly what Dan from DC Built is doing—and in this episode, we break down what it really takes to grow a welding business on nights and weekends. This isn’t theory. This is what it looks like when you’re juggling a day job, limited time, and still trying to build something that actually makes money. We get into: How Dan balances a full-time job while growing his welding business How to decide which jobs ar...
Send us Fan Mail What happens when your welding business starts succeeding… but your life starts falling apart? In this episode, Tyson from Fine Iron breaks down the reality most shop owners don’t talk about. He went from a high school biology teacher to building a fast-growing fabrication business—but the growth came at a cost. Long days, constant pressure, and a business that completely took over his life. Eventually, he hit a breaking point. Instead of pushing harder like most guys would… he ...
Send us Fan Mail Most welding business owners think the goal is to grow—more employees, bigger shop, more overhead. But what if that’s exactly what’s holding you back? In this episode, I sit down with Steve Devers, a one-man shop owner running a 6,000 square foot operation, landing serious jobs, and building a business that actually gives him freedom instead of stress. We break down: How he turned a $50 Google ad into a $175,000 job Why he chose NOT to scale his business The biggest financial mi...
In this episode, David from DTB Fab reveals the unique journey of managing a thriving welding business alongside two full-time jobs, detailing his path from fixing his own car to becoming a master fabricator. He emphasizes the importance of learning by necessity, the value of experience over formal mentorship, and strategic decisions around tool acquisition and outsourcing. David also shares crucial insights on balancing demanding schedules with family priorities and offers profound advice on the power of hustle and listening to seasoned experts.
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kevin interviews James Williams, the owner of Stubby's Welding, who shares his journey of starting a welding business focused on agricultural repairs and custom sign making. James discusses the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the value of mentorship in the welding industry. He also highlights the significance of customer relationships, the tools he uses, and the lessons learned about business m...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Cody Johnston shares his journey of starting a business with his father, the challenges he faced during a buyout, and the emotional toll of navigating client relationships and financial struggles. He reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, including the importance of contracts and the fear of failure that holds him back from pursuing entrepreneurship again. Despite the setbacks, Cody expresses a desire to return to business, driven by a passio...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Ryan Jensen shares his journey as a welding fabricator, detailing his transition from working for others to starting his own business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including financial management, customer relationships, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Ryan also delves into the technical aspects of pipe welding, emphasizing the precision required in his work. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the lessons learned and ...
Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Kevin and Mike delve into the evolution of Mike's welding business, Rockin' Two Industries, which he started in 2012 with no prior experience. Mike shares his unique journey from a novice welder to a successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration within the welding community. He discusses how he built connections through social media and local groups, which have been instrumental in his growth. The conversatio...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, David Seitz shares his journey from a young welder influenced by his family's legacy to becoming a business owner in the welding industry. He discusses the challenges of balancing a full-time job with his mobile welding business, the importance of time management, and the role of social media in marketing. David reflects on his experiences at the Fabricator Olympics and emphasizes the need for business acumen in addition to technical skills. He also shares ...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Dylan Haas shares his journey from high school welding to becoming a successful business owner in the fabrication industry. He discusses his military service, the challenges of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, and the importance of communication and customer service. Dylan emphasizes the role of technology in modern fabrication and shares valuable financial lessons learned along the way. He also highlights the significance of work-life balance a...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Charles McCarthy, a welding business owner who shares his journey from starting a small welding operation to managing a large fabrication company. Charles discusses the importance of keeping processes in-house to maintain quality and timelines, the challenges of scaling his business, and the strategies he employs for customer acquisition and hiring. He emphasizes the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way and his vision fo...
Send us Fan Mail 22-year-old Knox Carmichael left high school, got his GED, learned to weld, bought a $10K camper on Facebook Marketplace, and hit the road. He’s welded garbage trucks in Denver, aluminum Navy ships in Wisconsin, and now lives in his camper in Florida doing aerospace steel welding (UT/X-ray). He travels with his fiancée, plans to start Weld Fab Auto, and shares hard-won lessons on recruiters, test jitters, and why gatekeeping hurts the trade. “Confidence is 90 % of welding.” – Kn...
Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode, Nathan Leiter and Kevin Johnson dive into the challenges and triumphs of the welding community. Nathan shares his journey into the business side of welding, while Kevin discusses the exciting Fabricator Olympics and his goal to unite welders from all 50 states. Tune in for insights on starting your own venture and the importance of community support in the welding industry. September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.co...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of welding with Mike Krenzler, owner of KFW Welding. Discover the unique challenges faced by welders in the agricultural sector, from navigating the expectations of second-generation farmers to managing the financial demands of running a small business. Mike shares his journey from apprentice to business owner, offering insights into the importance of community, the value of investing in technology like CNC plasma tables, and the d...
Send us Fan Mail Kevin and Weston discuss the journey of Weston as a welder and entrepreneur, focusing on his innovative tool, the Picket Master Pro. They explore the challenges of running a side business while maintaining a full-time job, the importance of community and social media in business, and the future of Weston's ventures. The discussion highlights the significance of adaptability, learning from experiences, and the value of side hustles in achieving financial goals. September 11th and...
Send us Fan Mail In todays episode we revisit Bruce Stevens from Go Wild Fabrication to see how much his business has changed in the last 4 years and what journey he's on now. September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Dan Lischner, who shares his journey from being a welder to acquiring an established welding business. They discuss the challenges and intricacies of business acquisition, the importance of maintaining customer relationships, and the lessons learned in the first nine months of ownership. Dan emphasizes the significance of teaching and training new employees, the role of community engagement, and the upcoming Fabricator Olympics, whi...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Cody Highfield shares his journey from being a teacher to running his own fabrication business, Trinity Fab Works. He discusses the challenges of balancing his teaching career with his growing business, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from early mistakes. Cody emphasizes the role of faith in his business decisions and the value of family time over financial gain. He also shares insights on time management, client relationships, ...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Aaron from Wilson Products, discussing his unique journey from appliance repair to becoming a key player in the welding industry. Aaron shares insights into the gas distribution sector, including the complexities of cylinder rental and ownership, the supply chain of gases, and the importance of hydro testing for safety. He also delves into the factors influencing gas prices and how small distributors can compete with larger companie...
Send us Fan Mail Kevin Johnson interviews Sam Hackman, a welder and business owner, about his journey in the welding industry. Sam shares his early experiences, challenges transitioning to full-time business, and goals for the future. They discuss field vs. shop work, pricing, scheduling, and the importance of quality and customer service. Sam talks about managing employees, maintaining satisfaction, and justifying equipment purchases like his favorite tool—the press brake. He reflects on risks ...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Steven Sainsbury discuss the journey of building a fabrication business, FlyFab, from its early influences to current operations. They explore the challenges of transitioning from part-time to full-time work, the importance of quality control, and the lessons learned in business. Steven shares insights on mentorship, skill development, and hiring strategies, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to growth and quality management. I...
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Jon discuss Jon's journey as a professional problem solver in the welding and fabrication industry. Jon shares insights about his business, the challenges he faced in hiring employees, and how he has navigated the complexities of pricing and estimating work. They also touch on the importance of work-life balance and Jon's daily routine, emphasizing the need for focus and efficiency in his work. In this conversation, Jon and Kevin discuss t...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss a different side of the welding business. Codie is a metal artist from Colorado and we discuss the business side of metal art. Follow along with what he does at Sage Country Customs September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com
Send us Fan Mail Austin owns Dirt Road Metal Works out of Amite, Louisiana. He is the creator and admin of the Handrail & Gate Fabrication Tips and Tricks and CNC Plasma Tips and Tricks Uncensored. You can find his pages here: https://www.facebook.com/DRMWLLC https://www.facebook.com/groups/406542684902002 https://www.facebook.com/groups/2126268564275506 September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com...
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Jason from the Arc Junkies Podcast, Max from the CWB podcast and Frank from the Torch Tales podcast to discuss starting and running a business. September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we catch up with a few of the people who competed and judged the 2024 Fabricator Olympics this year to discuss how it went and what is coming up in the future. September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com
Send us Fan Mail Today I give a quick look behind the scenes of the 2024 Fabricator Olympics and what it takes to put on an event like this. September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com
Send us Fan Mail Dillon runs Yeti Welding, a fabrication shop out of Spanish Fork, Utah. We talk all about how he's built his business to include over a dozen team members and about the work his shop does. @Yeti_welding September 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com
