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Send us Fan Mail What does it take to lose everything, hit rock bottom, and build back a thriving business? In today’s episode, we welcome Lonnie Smith III of Crosstrades LLC and Run Welding.  Lonnie takes us through his incredible journey: starting out in custom car audio, contracting in Iraq during the war, working as a pipeline welder, surviving a SWAT raid on his home, and overcoming severe addiction. Today, Lonnie restores and customizes welding machines for clients across all 50 states, runs a custom parts e-commerce shop, and hires recovering addicts to give them a second chance.  Key Takeaways: The real trade-offs between pipeline travel income and local business equity. Technical breakdowns of Lincoln vs. Miller engine drives. How to structure business workflow around ADHD and neurodivergent processing. Creating scalable second-chance training initiatives within trade shops. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:08 – High-End Custom Cars & Military Contracting in Iraq 07:25 – Entering Union 798 & Pipelining 10:45 – Finding a Niche in Welder Machine Repair 15:00 – Addiction, SWAT Raid, Rehab & Fresh Start 20:45 – Building Crosstrades LLC from Scratch 31:20 – Mentorship & ADHD Management Systems 38:30 – Viral Videos & E-Commerce Growth 1:10:25 – Machine Honest Reviews: Lincoln SA-200 Breakdown 1:26:50 – Implementing AI & Systems in Fabrication Socials & Links: Website: runweldingparts.com Facebook: Crosstrades LLC Phone: 570-665-8007 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/189bi4pWnX/?mibextid=wwXIfr crosstradesllc.com https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLddy9AH/ https://youtu.be/2V4SDnp7HIY?feature=shared https://www.instagram.com/p/Da4CDs3lejq/?stkn=d2ttMDM1czNzanZp

Send us Fan Mail If you guys ever wondered what the Fabricator Olympics is like in person, here's your chance to see it.  This week's episode is a recap of the 2025 Fabricator Olympics. Don't forget, virtual tickets for the Welding Business Summit will be available October 2.

Send us Fan Mail From being told he would fail without college to welding pure gold for GE Aerospace and running a nation-wide fabrication business, Josh Wolfe’s story is a masterclass in blue-collar grit.   In this episode of the Welding Business Owners Podcast, Josh Wolfe (host of the Speaking of Skilled Trades podcast) sits down with Kevin to share his journey from an ADD high schooler struggling to fit into standard classrooms to building a successful career in high-stakes TIG welding and metal fabrication.   We dive deep into taking pay cuts to chase experience, surviving the absolute rock-bottom moments of business ownership, passing the trade down to his three kids, and a candid, unfiltered discussion on how AI, automation, and robotics are coming for small-town fab shops.   If you are a welder, fabricator, trade student, or blue-collar business owner looking to scale, this conversation is packed with real-world advice you can't afford to miss.   🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: Finding Peace in Chaos: How struggling with ADD in traditional high school led Josh straight into career-technical education and welding.   Experience Over Dollars: Why taking a $3/hr pay cut early on unlocked massive opportunities in aerospace TIG welding for GE.   The $10 Turning Point: Putting his last $10 into his Ford Focus to beg for a job while struggling to heat his house.   Passing the Torch: How Josh trained his kids to become aerospace welders making top-dollar right out of high school.   The AI Threat to Fab Shops: A real debate on automation, $100k welding robots, and what small shop owners need to do to survive.   📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & The Reality of Skilled Trades 1:30 - Struggling with ADD & Finding Welding in High School 6:42 - My First Production Job & "Chasing Experience, Not Dollars" 9:30 - Taking a $3 Pay Cut to Master TIG Welding 12:55 - Landing a GE Aerospace Welding Job (Welding Pure Gold) 17:41 - Stepping Out on My Own: Starting a Miscellaneous Steel Business 23:33 - Down to My Last $10: The Turning Point in Business 35:20 - Leaving Business to Become a Welding Instructor 45:35 - Flying Across the Country & Losing Passion for the Game 55:00 - Raising 3 Aerospace Welders & Reopening the Shop 1:17:40 - Has Social Media Helped or Hurt the Trades? 1:23:00 - AI & Robotics: Is Automation Coming for Your Fab Shop? 2:12:10 - The Value of Human Craftsmanship & Advice for Young Welders   🔗 CONNECT WITH JOSH WOLFE: Instagram & TikTok: @wolf_cte   Podcast: Speaking of Skilled Trades (Available on Spotify)  📲 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THE SHOW: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for weekly welding business advice! Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://www.weldingbusinessownerspodcast.com/ Follow on Instagram: WeldingBusinessOwnersPodcast #WeldingBusiness #SkilledTrades #Welder #Fabrication #TIGWelding #AerospaceWelding #BlueCollar #AIinTrades #BusinessOwner #CareerTechEd

Send us Fan Mail The rules of metal fabrication are changing faster than ever. Between AI estimators, computer vision for welders, and cobots running production lines, traditional shops are facing a massive crossroads: adapt now or get left behind.  In this episode, Adam Heffner (Hero Machine Co. & Maker Table) breaks down what’s coming next for fabrication, why plasma cutting is losing the battle to fiber lasers, and how smart shop owners are using AI to scale their output without adding massive overhead.  ⏱️ Video Chapters 00:00 - The 3-Second Reality Check on Automation 01:30 - Trade Show World Tour: FabTech & Ag Fair Plans 06:40 - Why Hero Machine Co. Paused in 2020 (And the Comeback) 15:20 - Laser vs. Plasma: The Brutal Financial Math 20:20 - Importing Machinery: Scams, Tariffs, & Support Traps 34:30 - What Overseas AI & Robotics Labs are Building Right Now 42:00 - Computer Vision, Weld Puddle Tracking, & Cobots 56:00 - How Adam Trained ChatGPT to Do the Work of 3 Estimators 01:01:30 - SEO Secrets: Why Gemini Beats Chat GPT for Website Traffic 01:05:00 - Building Custom CAD Plugins & In-House AI Data Centers 01:16:00 - What the Modern 3-Man Fabrication Shop Will Look Like

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the dream of owning your own welding business starts feeling more like a nightmare? This week, Kevin sits down with Scott, owner of Yellowstone Metal (formerly Splice Welding & Design), to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship that nobody posts on social media. After building a successful architectural metal business, Scott made the rare decision to leave business ownership and become an employee—only to discover he simply couldn't do it. The conversation dives into burnout, rebuilding from scratch, moving fabrication shops, pricing custom work, and why being a welding business owner is equal parts problem-solving and perseverance. Whether you're growing your shop, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to build—and rebuild—a business. In This Episode: Why Scott moved his fabrication shop six different timesThe hidden costs of relocating a welding businessLeaving entrepreneurship to become an employee—and why it didn't lastLessons learned from rebuilding a business from scratchHow marketing has changed over the past decadeWhy specializing too much can actually hurt your businessThe biggest mistakes shop owners make when pricing workDealing with customers who think every repair is "just a five-minute weld"Why custom fabrication will never compete with mass-produced productsManaging cash flow during major business transitionsThe mindset every welding business owner needs to survive the ups and downsIf you've ever questioned your pricing, your business decisions, or whether you're the only one dealing with these challenges, this conversation will remind you you're not alone. Connect with Scott: Instagram: @salvation_garage YouTube: Salvation Garage Facebook: Yellowstone Metal 🎙 The Welding Business Owners Podcast is dedicated to helping welding and fabrication shop owners build more profitable businesses through real-world conversations, practical advice, and lessons learned from people who've been in the trenches.

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 helping us get more done with less effort. But the conversation doesn't stop there. We dive into the future of fabrication and discuss what happens when AI starts working alongside robotics, cobots, laser welders, CNC equipment, and automated material handling systems. Could a small shop one day have the output of a much larger company? How close are we really to that becoming reality? Whether you're already experimenting with AI or you're still trying to figure out what all the hype is about, this episode will give you a practical look at where the technology is today—and where it's headed next. Topics we cover: • Using AI to create customer renderings and concepts • Chat GPT, Claude, and other AI tools • Prompting techniques that get better results • Building software and automations with AI • AI agents and workflow automation • The future of robotic welding and fabrication • How AI could impact small welding businesses • Why technology is becoming more accessible than ever If you're a welding business owner, fabricator, shop manager, or anyone interested in where the trades are headed, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. #WeldingBusinessOwnersPodcast #WeldingBusiness #Fabrication #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ChatGPT #WeldingShop #Manufacturing #Automation #Robotics #SmallBusiness

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 owner instead of just a technician. Josh shares hard lessons from growing multiple companies, getting stuck in the same problems most trades business owners face, and what it really takes to build a team that cares about the customer as much as you do. We also dive into why so many businesses stay chaotic even when they’re busy, the danger of “out-earning” your mistakes, and how systems and leadership completely change the game. If you own a welding business, fabrication shop, HVAC company, or any blue-collar business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. Topics we cover: Leadership and company cultureHiring people who actually careWhy most trades businesses stay stuckJob costing and understanding your numbersCustomer experience and communicationBuilding systems that scaleSales without feeling “salesy”Managing teams and accountabilityWhy being busy does NOT always mean profitableThe Welding Business Summit & Fabricator OlympicsCheck out Josh Hewitt: Instagram: @bluecollarinsiders Blue Collar Insiders Tradesmen Experience Podcast Learn more about the Welding Business Summit: WeldingBusinessSummit.com

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 businessHow to decide which jobs are actually worth your timePricing when you can’t afford to waste hours on low-profit workThe biggest mistakes guys make when starting on the sideWhat’s helping him build real momentum without going full-timeIf you’re trying to turn your welding skills into a real business—but you’re stuck working a job during the day—this episode will give you a more realistic path forward. — 🎯 This episode is for: Welding business owners working a full-time jobSide hustle welders trying to growFabricators looking to make more money with limited time— Subscribe for more real-world advice on building a profitable welding business, pricing your work, and growing without wasting time. #WeldingBusiness #SideHustle #WeldingLife #Fabrication #TradesBusiness #SmallBusiness

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 did the opposite. He downsized. Cut the team in half, rebuilt his systems, and started focusing on efficiency instead of just more work. What came out of that decision is a completely different kind of welding business—leaner, more profitable, and built to actually support his life instead of consume it. We also get into:  How he rebuilt his shop after burnout  Why “more employees” isn’t always the answer  Using tech like laser welding and 3D scanning to do more with less  The shift from chaos to systems that actually work  How he turned new tech into a second revenue stream  And what most welding shop owners are doing wrong when they try to grow If you’re running a welding business and feel like you’re constantly chasing your tail… this one’s going to hit home.

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 mistake that almost cost him  How tools like a mini crane replaced the need for employees  What it really takes to run a profitable one-man welding business If you’re tired of chasing growth and starting to realize your business feels more like a job… this episode will change the way you think. ⚡ What You’ll Learn  How to build a welding business that doesn’t own you  When hiring actually hurts your business  The truth about buying equipment too fast  How to stay booked without relying on ads  Why efficiency beats size every time 💥 Why This Matters There’s a lot of noise out there about scaling, hiring, and building big. But nobody talks about building a business that actually gives you your life back. This episode does.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Welding Business Owners Podcast, I sit down with David from DTB Fab—a guy running a successful welding business while still working a full-time job… actually two full-time jobs. We break down how he went from fixing his own car because he couldn’t afford a body guy… to becoming the go-to shop for anything from bikes and cars to structural work. If you’re trying to start or grow a welding business on the side, this episode is packed with real-world lessons you won’t hear anywhere else. What You’ll Learn:  How to start a welding business with little money  How to balance a full-time job, family, and side work  Why confidence (not skill) holds most welders back  The biggest mistakes that cost time and money early on  How word-of-mouth can build your entire businessWho This Is For:  Welders who want to start a side hustle  Fabricators trying to grow their business  Anyone stuck between a job and going all-in  Skilled tradesmen who want more income and freedomChapters 00:00 Introduction to David and DTBFab 02:39 The Journey of a Plumber and Welder 03:12 Balancing Two Full-Time Jobs 06:03 From Passion to Business: The LLC Journey 09:16 Learning Through Experience: The Early Days 14:33 Favorite Projects: Sheet Metal Shaping 16:37 Word of Mouth and Business Growth 18:27 Balancing Family and Work Life 21:35 Influences and Mentorship in Career Development 28:09 Embracing Manual Skills and Learning from Experience 33:44 Navigating the Challenges of Business and Confidence 46:58 Lessons Learned: The Importance of Confidence and Business Acumen 55:56 Advice for Aspiring Craftsmen: The Value of Listening and Learning Keywords welding business, welding side hustle, how to start a welding business, fabrication business, welding entrepreneur, welding shop, make money welding, welding jobs, welding tips, welding podcast

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 management and advertising. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:59 Business Overview and Growth 05:57 Challenges and Lessons Learned 08:46 Advertising and Customer Acquisition 11:29 Sign Making and Custom Orders 14:37 Work-Life Balance and Future Plans 27:02 Preparing for Spring: Garden Markers and Equipment 28:35 Lessons from Bad Customers: Navigating Business Relationships 33:09 Essential Tools for Mobile Work: The Mag Drill 45:06 The Art of Line Boring and Auger Repairs 52:27 Business Insights: Learning from Experience and Mistakes Keywords welding, business, agriculture, entrepreneurship, repair, customer service, plasma table, augers, small business, Canada

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 passion for his work and a longing for freedom in his professional life. In this conversation, Kevin and Cody discuss the emotional ties between personal identity and business success, the importance of disconnecting from business-related emotions, and the lessons learned from past business challenges. They explore the dynamics of partnerships, customer relationships, and financial insights that can help in building a successful side hustle. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear goals, operational strategies, and the importance of a solid business plan for future endeavors. 00:00 Introduction and Context 03:02 Cody's Business Journey Begins 05:56 The Buyout Agreement 08:41 Challenges in Business Operations 11:48 Valuation and Ownership Dynamics 14:45 Work Acquisition and Client Relationships 17:43 The Custom Home Builder Experience 20:21 Contractual Oversights and Consequences 22:53 Conflict and Resolution with the Client 25:57 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned 29:33 Navigating Payment Challenges 30:33 Disputes and Their Consequences 32:28 The Impact of Disputes on Business 34:12 Personal Bankruptcy and Its Aftermath 36:21 The Emotional Toll of Business Failures 37:56 Legal Complications and Chargebacks 39:54 Family Challenges and Business Decisions 41:43 Dreams of Entrepreneurship 43:33 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics 48:48 Overcoming Fear of Failure 50:15 Identity and Business: The Emotional Connection 56:21 Lessons Learned: Navigating Business Challenges 01:02:37 Restarting the Journey: Insights for Future Success 01:07:47 Building a New Business: Strategies and Considerations 01:19:53 Outsourcing for Efficiency 01:26:06 Building a Support Network 01:33:29 Taking Action and Setting Goals 01:44:08 Defining Your Business Vision Takeaways Cody's journey into business began with a partnership with his father. The buyout agreement was a significant financial burden for Cody. Cody faced challenges with a custom home builder that led to financial losses. The emotional impact of business failure was profound for Cody. Cody learned the importance of having contracts in place. Despite setbacks, Cody still dreams of running his own business. The fear of failure is a major barrier for Cody in pursuing entrepreneurship again. Cody values the freedom to work on his own schedule. He enjoys the challenges of handrail work and structural projects. Cody's experiences highlight the complexities of client relationships in business. We tie our personal identity to our business success. Disconnecting from business emotions is crucial. Not every customer is a good fit for your business. Financial management is key to business sustainability. Building a side hustle requires strategic planning. Defining clear business goals is essential for success. Learning from past mistakes can guide future decisions. Having a supportive partner is important in business. Cash flow management is critical for business health. Outsourcing tasks can save time and increase efficiency.

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 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

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 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