Looking to break into the fabrication industry or curious about the leap from corporate life to business ownership? In this episode of MakingSparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix chat with Jeff Matuszak, a former finance executive who transitioned into owning a successful fabrication shop. Jeff shares how he navigated the jump from corporate boardrooms to running Carolina Metal and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

From overcoming initial hurdles to embracing automation, Jeff opens up about the realities of scaling a small business in the fabrication world. They discuss the importance of smart investments, adapting to market changes, and the value of networking in an ever-evolving industry. If you're looking for inspiration or practical advice on managing a fabrication business, this episode has plenty to offer.

Breakdown of the Episode:

[0:00] Introduction to MakingSparks [2:13] Jeff Matuszak Introduction & Background [7:34] ProFab Alliance Spark of Knowledge [9:18] Search Finder Trend [13:00] Navigating the Highs and Lows of Metals Industry [14:14] Consistency on Digital Presence [16:57] Networking Success [18:52] Personal Brand vs Company Brand [21:33] Sharing Projects on Social [24:06] Casey Voelker Dad Joke [24:53] Investing In Automation [28:26] ROI with Automation [31:40] Industry Collaboration + Joint Growth

Resources Mentioned:

• Carolina Metals
• ProFab Alliance