Advertise on podcast: Welding Business Owner Podcast

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 his aspirations for the future of his business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Jensen's Welding Journey 05:59 Building a Business: The Early Days 11:46 Navigating Financial Challenges 17:58 Managing Business Operations 23:31 Finding Balance: Saying No and Time Management 28:34 Building a Strong Team Culture 39:20 Financial Lessons and Cash Flow Management 44:17 Influences and Future Goals 49:31 Navigating Business Growth and Risks 54:30 Standard Operating Procedures in Welding 59:29 Fabrication of Piping Systems 01:04:35 Polishing and Finishing in Pipe Welding Keywords welding, fabrication, business journey, challenges, work-life balance, pipe welding, entrepreneurship, team dynamics, technical skills, family involvement

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 conversation also touches on the challenges of managing a team, maintaining a positive work culture, and the significance of saying 'no' to unprofitable projects to ensure sustainable growth. As they explore the intricacies of running a welding shop, Mike reflects on the importance of building a network within the industry and the value of collaboration over competition. He stresses that many welding business owners make the mistake of trying to grow too quickly without establishing a solid foundation. The episode wraps up with insights on project management tools and the necessity of adapting to the evolving needs of the business, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the welding industry.Takeaways "I didn't know what I was doing. Got on YouTube and 13 years later, here I am.""Saying no has been the hardest thing for you to do in business.""The internet for the welding business has been really, really helpful for a lot of us.""If you're not thinking, if you're like the old school mindset of competition, you better rewire it or you're just going to fizzle out.""I will protect the culture of this shop at all costs." "It's tough to balance that out.""You have to have that base in place.""It's better to stay small and perfect what you're doing.""If you can justify that, go get it.""You need to get out there and knock on some doors.""You can't get rid of that.""There's a cost to changing gears.""You have to charge for that or else it catches up to you.""Creating that network is a pretty big deal.""You need to have the will to make it work."Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup 02:09 Mike's Unique Journey into Welding 05:05 The Power of Networking in the Welding Community 08:35 Profit Sharing and Collaboration with Other Businesses 17:32 Managing a Team and Maintaining Work Culture 26:48 Future Aspirations for Rockin' Two Industries 33:49 Team Skills and Project Diversity 35:25 Overview of Shop Projects 42:18 Challenges of Business Growth 46:16 Learning to Say No 50:15 Customer Relations and Advertising Strategies 57:24 Financial Lessons Learned 01:09:51 The Right Tools for the Job 01:11:00 Space Constraints and Shop Organization 01:15:58 Common Pitfalls in Business Growth 01:19:54 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Owners 01:24:06 Managing Projects and Invoicing

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 insights on customer relations, pricing strategies, and the tools that have helped him succeed in his trade. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Seitz and His Journey 05:44 Transitioning from Employee to Business Owner 11:46 Challenges of Balancing Work and Business 17:42 The Importance of Content Creation 23:35 Customer Relationships and Word-of-Mouth Marketing 29:27 Work-Life Balance and Family Dynamics 30:15 The Humble Champion 32:19 Finding Pride in Accomplishments 34:24 Tools of the Trade 38:58 Navigating Equipment Choices 41:59 Future Plans and Family Balance 45:01 Lessons in Business Management 49:42 The Importance of Pricing 56:32 Continuous Learning and Growth Keywords welding, business, entrepreneurship, mobile welding, Fabricator Olympics, work-life balance, social media, content creation, customer relations, tools

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 and the tools that have made his business successful. In this engaging conversation, Dylan Haas and Kevin Johnson explore various topics related to equipment management, innovative crane technology, and the challenges of running a business without employees. They discuss the pros and cons of different types of cranes and telehandlers, share insights on finding good deals at auctions, and reflect on the importance of family time amidst their entrepreneurial pursuits. The conversation also touches on personal aspirations, including flying and the significance of learning from others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dylan Haas and His Journey 02:22 From Welding to Military Service 05:17 Transitioning to Full-Time Business Owner 08:07 Building a Customer Base 10:45 Challenges of Cold Calling and Networking 13:35 The Importance of Reliability in Business 16:44 Managing Workload and Technology 19:36 Collaborating with Other Contractors 22:25 Overcoming Challenges in Fabrication 25:20 Navigating Business Software and Operations 32:24 The Importance of Asking Questions 33:12 Building Business Confidence 34:23 Gradual Growth and Customer Relationships 36:23 Navigating Customer Challenges 37:36 Work-Life Balance in Home-Based Businesses 40:52 Future Plans and Property Considerations 45:14 Financial Lessons Learned 50:45 Common Mistakes in the Welding Business 53:56 Dealing with Difficult Customers 01:00:48 Favorite Tools and Innovations 01:03:52 Exploring Wireless Crane Technology 01:07:36 Choosing Between Cranes and Telehandlers 01:10:27 The Importance of Equipment Versatility 01:12:35 Navigating the Auction Scene 01:15:29 Finding Value in Equipment Resale 01:19:29 The Future of Equipment in Welding 01:23:25 Power Requirements for Laser Equipment 01:29:22 Cutting Techniques and Gas Usage 01:31:18 Equipment Management and Selling Unused Tools 01:33:14 Efficiency in Business Operations 01:38:11 Advice on Business Growth and Employee Management 01:43:00 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations Keywords welding, fabrication, business, entrepreneurship, customer service, work-life balance, financial lessons, technology, tools, networking, crane technology, telehandlers, equipment management, auctions, equipment flipping, welding tools, business advice, family time, aviation, entrepreneurship

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 for future growth. In this conversation, Charles McCarthy shares his journey from a welding job to becoming a successful business owner. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of building the right team, and the lessons learned from experience. He emphasizes the need for effective management, the significance of understanding customer needs, and the thrill of continuous improvement in business processes. The discussion also touches on common mistakes made by small business owners in the welding industry and highlights a unique success story involving hand sanitizer stands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, Charles McCarthy shares his experiences of building a business during a crisis, navigating the challenges of selling on Amazon, and the importance of automation and technology in driving business growth. He emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and the impact of investing in the right tools and processes to enhance efficiency and profitability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Charles' Business 03:01 Charles' Journey into Welding and Business Growth 07:20 Scaling the Business: From Garage to 21,000 Square Feet 10:38 Team Dynamics and In-House Processes 14:02 Customer Acquisition and Reputation Management 19:00 Challenges of In-House Operations and Learning Experiences 25:21 Hiring Practices and Employee Growth 32:00 Future Aspirations and Business Vision 41:13 From Welding to Business Owner 44:15 The Sprint to Business Independence 46:46 Navigating Growth Challenges 49:55 Building the Right Team 54:21 Key Roles for a Small Shop 01:01:24 Learning from Experience 01:04:47 Managing Expectations and Emotions 01:07:45 The Thrill of Business Ownership 01:12:26 Common Mistakes in the Welding Business 01:17:56 The Hand Sanitizer Stand Success 01:23:17 Building a Business During Crisis 01:28:01 Navigating Amazon's Marketplace Challenges 01:33:42 Automation and Estimation in Business 01:45:09 Investing in Technology for Growth 01:51:09 Data-Driven Decision Making

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.” – Knox

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.

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 delicate balance between work and family life. Tune in for a candid discussion on the evolving landscape of welding and the strategies that keep this essential industry thriving.

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.

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. 

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, which celebrates skills in the welding industry.

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, and the evolution of his shop's services and equipment. In this conversation, Cody shares his journey of running a fabrication business while balancing a teaching job and family life. He discusses the importance of connections in acquiring larger jobs, the reliance on word-of-mouth advertising, and the challenges of managing work-life balance. Cody emphasizes the significance of delegation and setting clear expectations when hiring, as well as learning from past mistakes. He also highlights the innovative tools he has created to improve efficiency in his work and reflects on the journey of building a business without financing.

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 companies in a highly regulated market. In this conversation, Aaron discusses the competitive landscape of independent distributors in the welding industry, highlighting the challenges they face compared to larger companies. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with customers and dispelling misconceptions about pricing and service. Aaron shares unique customer requests and memorable experiences, showcasing the dedication and passion of Wilson Products in providing quality service and products. The discussion also touches on the advantages of being a family-owned business and the significance of having a demo room for customers to try out equipment. If you'd like to contact Aaron, his contact info is below: [email protected] https://www.wilsonproducts.com/

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 he wishes he’d taken, balancing work and family, delegating responsibilities, and lessons from tough jobs. The conversation highlights the value of clear communication, creating a positive work environment, and learning from business mistakes and podcasts. 

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. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Steven Sainsbury discuss various aspects of running a small business, particularly in the welding industry. They delve into hiring strategies, interview processes, employee retention, benefits, and the importance of work-life balance. The discussion highlights the challenges of finding the right candidates, the significance of creating a positive work environment, and the necessity of providing benefits to retain employees. They also touch on their future business goals and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson shares his insights on effective email management, the importance of streamlined communication through JobTrade, and the significance of job costing and accountability in the welding business. He discusses pivotal business decisions, the value of outsourcing, and the lessons learned throughout his journey in managing a welding company. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, understanding costs, and the importance of focusing on what one should do rather than what one can do. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Steven Sainsbury discuss the importance of financial management in business, the need for accurate overhead cost calculations, and the significance of hiring the right people. They also explore future equipment investments and the planning of the Fabricator Olympics, emphasizing community engagement and the potential for growth in the fabricating industry.