In this episode of MakingSparks, we dive what went into a first-of-its-kind merger between two 5th generation Metal Fabrication shops: NIX® Industrial and Huncilman Sheet Metal. Hosts Casey and Matthew sit down with Parker Huncilman to unpack the strategic, emotional, and operational decisions that made this merger a win for both sides.

From growth limitations to risk mitigation, and from legacy ownership to forward-thinking leadership, this is a real-world case study in smart, respectful consolidation. 

Episode Highlights: 

[02:35] – Parker shares Huncilman’s 100+ year history and the early signs that growth was stalling.

[06:42] – Why Parker couldn’t buy the company outright—and how that opened the door to a unique merger.

[12:28] – Matthew breaks down the "not a buyout" mindset, and why shared vision mattered more than control.

[16:15] – How Parker transitioned from shop manager to partial owner—and how they made the transition so smooth.

[22:47] – The calculated risk behind the merger: how both generations protected their future.

[29:10] – What other fab shop leaders should consider if they’re facing similar growth or succession challenges.

Resources: 

Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/  Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/  Merger Press Release: https://www.nixcompanies.com/nixindustrial-huncilman-merger/ 

Jake LeGrand joins us to talk about the grind, the grit, and the growth — both in the shop and online.

By day, he’s an architectural engineer. By night, he’s building a brand with a welding torch and a sketchpad. With over 19,000 followers and clients finding him through Instagram DMs, Jake is living proof that showing your work can turn into real sales — even in metal fabrication.

This episode dives into how he picked up fabrication without shop class, how social media turned into a pipeline, and what it really takes to build a following while holding down a full-time job.

Episode Highlights: 

• 02:58 – Jake LeGrand’s journey from small-town kid to sign builder in Kansas City.

• 03:37 – From engineering student to hands-on researcher with a passion for welding.

• 06:56 – How missing shop class almost derailed his career and the shift to fabrication.

• 14:26 – Turning a garage hobby into a legit business and the power of creative fabrication.

• 29:40 – Using social media, viral posts, and Instagram DMs to grow a brand and land jobs.

• 42:37 – How consistency and real-world experience drive modern manufacturing success.

If you’re still treating social media like a distraction, you’re missing a serious opportunity. This episode will change how you think about showing your work — and what it can bring your shop.

Resources: 

LeGrand MetalWorks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legrandmetalworks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ 

Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most small manufacturers don’t realize they’re being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But recent Federal decisions to defund these programs—without clear communication or reasoning—have sparked confusion and alarm among industry insiders.

In this episode, a passionate roundtable of manufacturers and advocates reveals just how deeply the MEPs have shaped their businesses, supported workforce development, and opened doors to opportunity they couldn’t have accessed alone. From AR-integrated quoting tools to automation investment guidance, these stories show a clear economic impact that extends far beyond individual shops—right into the health of local communities and the national manufacturing strategy.

If you're just hearing about MEPs now, you're not alone—but you are at risk. This conversation lays out what’s at stake, why it matters, and what you can do right now to help save a resource that quietly powers tens of thousands of manufacturers nationwide.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/WNjevmTNUu4

VideoAsk: https://www.videoask.com/fiyvfkcdd

Nush Ahmed, better known as 'Miss Swiss' joins us to discuss her journey in the machining world, her massive growth through social media, and how she is encouraging the next generation to give the Manufacturing Industry a shot. From massive growth on LinkedIn to creating a community where hundreds of women in trades interact & encourage each other, Nush is reaching the next generation. You don't want to miss out on how you can be apart of it!

Episode Highlights: 

05:30 - Introduction to MakingSparks + Nush 07:31 - Nush's Background & How She Got into Manufacturing 12:32 - Importance of Putting Yourself Out There 16:21 - Intro to Sister of the Trades 23:43 - Advice for Younger Generations Considering the Trades 29:04 - Mental Health & Job Satisfaction 33:05 - What is NextGenMFG? 35:25 - Nush's Journey on the Shop Floor

If you want your shop to grow in the upcoming years, this next generation is the key to that - You don't want to miss this episode!

Resources: 

Nush's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/ Join Sisterhood of Trades: https://discord.gg/5N4GSBgf7e  Next Gen MFG Podcast: https://tr.ee/ypKGkTfIJ9  Buy The Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/  Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ 

In this episode of MakingSparks, we sit down with John King, owner of JK Welding, whose story of grit, perseverance, and passion for the trade embodies the spirit of metal fabrication. From starting as a janitor in a welding shop to running a thriving Texas-based business known for tackling massive, unique projects—like the world’s largest wind chime and a pirate ship for a Royal Caribbean cruise line in the Bahamas—John shares the culture and mindset that have fueled his success.

We dive into the challenges of building and sustaining a team in today’s workforce, the importance of confidence in selling your shop’s capabilities, and why a strong culture of creativity and accountability is the key to handling “Texas-sized” projects. John also discusses the power of investing in marketing in the welding and fabrication world, sharing how it has elevated his business and brand visibility.

Key Takeaways:  05:41 – How investing in marketing transformed the business and its brand  09:42 – John’s journey of growth from garage startup to industry leader  15:38 – How to grow your personal brand and your company  18:19 – Building your dream team to tackle big projects  25:04 – The 3 P’s that lead to success in any shop  28:25 – Tackling cash flow, hiring struggles, and other shop owner realities  35:51 – Stories behind iconic projects like the world’s largest wind chime

Whether you’re a shop owner or an industry leader, this episode is packed with real-world insights to inspire your next move.

Resources: 

• Simplify your quoting process with Paperless Parts: https://www.paperlessparts.com/
• Get expert guidance for growing your fab shop: https://www.profaballiance.com/ 
• Follow JK Welding on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkwelding?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 
• Follow JK Welding on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jk-welding-llc 

Most fabrication shops struggle with quoting—whether it’s using outdated spreadsheets, clunky ERP systems, or just not having the time to do it right. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Ray, CEO and co-founder of Paperless Parts, to talk about how modern software can make quoting faster, more accurate, and actually help your shop make more money.

Jason breaks down why so many shops have ERP trauma, how to fix broken quoting workflows, and why AI isn’t the magic bullet everyone thinks it is. He also shares insights on the massive reshoring wave happening in US manufacturing and what it means for fabricators trying to scale.

[00:00:47] Why Shops Hate ERP and Software Implementations – Jason explains why so many fabricators have PTSD from bad ERP rollouts and how to avoid the same mistakes.

[00:05:55] The Real Goal of Quoting – It’s not just about winning jobs—it’s about quoting efficiently, pricing correctly, and protecting your margins.

[00:12:08] How Paperless Parts is Changing the Game – Why their quoting software is built to integrate with your workflow, not replace your team.

[00:23:06] The Reshoring Boom and What It Means for Fabricators – Trillions of dollars in work are coming back to the U.S.—but only the most prepared shops will benefit.

[00:27:03] Triage Your Quotes or Get Buried – How leading shops are prioritizing the right jobs instead of wasting time on low-value RFQs.

[00:30:10] AI in Manufacturing – The right and wrong ways to use AI in quoting, plus the security risks no one’s talking about.

This episode is a must-listen for metal fabrication leaders looking to streamline their front office, improve quoting accuracy, and position their shop for growth.

Resources:

🔧 Simplify your quoting process with Paperless Parts: https://www.paperlessparts.com/ 📈 Get expert guidance for growing your fab shop: https://www.profaballiance.com/

In this episode, Casey and Matthew sit down with Beau Wigington from Weld.com to explore how digital content is reshaping welding education and career growth. Beau shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a full-time content creator in the welding industry. They dive into the impact of social media, YouTube, and online learning in making welding knowledge more accessible than ever.

[00:00:47] Beau’s Journey to Weld.com – From a career in music to discovering welding during the pandemic and competing in a welding competition that changed everything.

[00:05:55] How Weld.com Helps Welders Learn and Grow – The platform’s role in providing high-quality welding education, from beginner tips to advanced techniques.

[00:12:08] Expanding the Perception of Welding Careers – Why many people misunderstand the opportunities in welding and how Weld.com is showcasing exciting career paths.

[00:23:06] The Power of Social Media in Welding Education – How YouTube and digital content are replacing old-school methods of learning the trade.

[00:27:03] Weld.com’s New Direction – Taking education on the road by filming inside real shops and job sites to show welding in action.

[00:30:10] Why Every Fabricator Should Be Creating Content – How shops can use digital media to attract talent, land customers, and grow their business.

This episode is packed with insights on the future of welding education and how digital platforms are transforming the trade. Whether you're a fabricator, shop owner, or welding enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on leveraging content for business and career growth.

• Simplify your quoting process with the #1 quoting and collaboration software for manufacturers: Paperless Parts
• Enhance leadership and business operations with ProFab Alliance
• Learn welding from the best with WeldDotCom

In this episode, Matthew and Casey sit down with Lee from Bryzos to dive into how the company is reshaping the steel pricing landscape and offering innovative solutions to fabricators. They dive into the word of instant pricing and streamlined procurement in the metal industry. 

Episode Highlights: 

• [00:00:07] Lee explains how Bryzos is transforming the way fabricators buy and sell material with real-time pricing that challenges the traditional metal quoting process. 
• [00:03:10] A deep dive into Bryzo's journey from it's creation to current desktop app
• [00:07:06] Discover how a feature eliminates endless quoting and delivers instant pricing in under a minute
• [00:11:27] Insights from FabTech and the growing impact of cutting-edge technology on the Metal Fabrication Industry
• [00:14:33] Lee reflects on his background in the steel industry and the inspiration behind launching Bryzos
• [00:17:05] Forward-thinking conversation on the future of automation and efficiency in steel procurement

This episode is packed with industry insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for fabricators and steel buyers alike. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in metal fabrication, this conversation with the tools to revolutionize your approach to buying and selling steel. 

Resources: 

Simplify your quoting process with the #1 quoting and collaboration software for manufacturers: https://www.paperlessparts.com

Trusted for over 75 years, Pacific Press delivers high-quality hydraulic presses, press bakes, and shears tailored for the metal fabrication industry. Explore solutions: https://www.pacific-press.com/ 

Enhance your leadership and business operations with resources from ProFab Alliance: https://www.profaballiance.com/ 

Instant Steel Pricing with Bryzos: https://www.bryzos.com/ 

In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Nick Goellner and Mike Payne to explore the value of conferences like FABTECH for driving business growth, building relationships, and planning for the future of metal fabrication.

🎙 Episode Highlights:

[0:28] Why building relationships at FABTECH is more than just networking—it's planting seeds for long-term success. [6:10] The importance of stepping away from the grind and focusing on working on your business instead of in it. [12:40] How having the right team allows leaders to grow their companies and explore new opportunities. [17:50] Preparing for the future: the value of building a talent pipeline, even when you’re not hiring right away. [23:15] Why investing in industry events pays off, even in a challenging year for the fabrication business.

Packed with practical advice and real-world stories, this episode is a must-listen for fabricators, business leaders, and anyone looking to spark new growth in the metalworking industry.

Tune in now to discover how to make the most of Tradeshows!

Resources: 

• Simplify your quoting process with the #1 quoting and collaboration software for manufacturers: https://www.paperlessparts.com/
• Enhance your leadership and business operations with resources from ProFab Alliance: https://www.profaballiance.com/

In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with two incredible guests, Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stotk, to dive into the artistry, resilience, and transformative power of welding.

🎙 Episode Highlights:

🔹 [2:00] Meet Barbie and Sarah, two trailblazing welding artists turning raw metal into breathtaking sculptures.  🔹 [5:30] Sarah shares her inspiring journey of turning a sexist comment into a masterpiece. 🔹 [10:45] Barbie reflects on the challenges of launching her career and the doubters who fueled her success. 🔹 [18:20] A heartfelt conversation about processing grief through art and how welding became their emotional outlet. 🔹 [28:00] Behind the scenes of their creative process, including the patience and dedication required to sculpt intricate works. 🔹 [35:45] The importance of community in welding and how social media brought these artists together.

This episode is packed with personal stories, empowering lessons, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a welder, a creator, or just someone looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated to spark your own creativity. Watch now and get ready to see welding in a whole new light! 

Resources - Simplify your quoting process with the #1 quoting and collaboration software for manufacturers: https://www.paperlessparts.com/ - Trusted for over 75 years, Pacific Press delivers high-quality hydraulic presses, press brakes, and shears tailored for the metal fabrication industry. Explore their solutions at https://www.pacific-press.com/ - Enhance your leadership and business operations with resources from ProFab Alliance: https://www.profaballiance.com/ - Connect with Barbie the Welder: https://www.barbiethewelder.com/ - Connect with Sarah Stork: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stork-a8435a127/