Making Sparks

Change in manufacturing rarely comes quietly—and neither does progress. In this special episode of MakingSparks, longtime hosts Matthew Nix and Casey Velker take a moment to reflect, rewind, and ultimately pass the mic to the next voice of the show: Brendon DiVicenzo. It's not an ending—it's a handoff mid-stride.

Matthew and Casey revisit the origin story of MakingSparks, from a short-run idea built around 100x growth to a full-fledged podcast embedded in the MakingChips ecosystem. Along the way, they've built something bigger than episodes—a platform for honest conversations, shared lessons, and a growing community of fabricators willing to pull back the curtain on how they really run their businesses.

But like any good shop floor evolution, this transition is rooted in focus. Casey leans deeper into storytelling, culture, and video. Matthew explores new opportunities around family business and leadership. And stepping into the spotlight is Brendon—a manufacturing lifer with deep technical expertise, a front-row seat to shop transformation, and a passion for telling the stories that don't always get told.

As the conversation unfolds, the trio digs into what makes this industry so resilient right now—from the rise of automation and AI to the growing investment thesis around "HALO" (Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence). Through it all, one thing stays constant: manufacturing is still, and always will be, a people-first business.

This episode isn't a goodbye. It's a recalibration—and a launch point for what's next.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• (0:00) The rise of "HALO" investing and why manufacturing is gaining attention
• (1:42) Matthew and Casey reveal a major announcement
• (4:38) The "why" behind MakingSparks' creation (and it's growth)
• (7:15) The impact of storytelling and listener feedback
• (8:11) Casey shares what's next: culture, marketing, and video
• (11:00) The value of an outsider perspective on the show
• (13:32) Brendon's background in manufacturing and engineering
• (18:43) Why people are the most rewarding part of manufacturing
• (23:19) How automation and technology is leveling the playing field
• (25:29) How manufacturing skillsets are evolving (continuous learning)
• (28:44) Brendon's vision for the future: highlighting people
• (32:57) Technology enhancing—not replacing—the workforce
• (35:09) Final reflections and gratitude from Matthew, Casey, and Brendon

Resources mentioned on this episode

• MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395

Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo

• Connect on LinkedIn
• EAGLE Lasers

Connect with MakingSparks

• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on Instagram
• MakingSparks website

In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with Codie Aljets, owner and artist behind Sage Country Customs, to talk about the realities of building a business around custom metal art.

Codie shares how he turned his passion for high-detail metal artwork into a full-time career, the lessons he's learned about pricing creative work, and why relationships, storytelling, and value matter just as much as the craftsmanship itself. From navigating the business side of being an artist to building meaningful pieces that clients will treasure for generations, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to succeed in the metal art world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The hard truth about pricing your work and valuing your time

• Why many artists and fabricators undervalue what they create

• How personal relationships drive high-end custom work

• The role of storytelling and meaning in custom metal art

• Why word-of-mouth and real-world events often outperform social media

• How philanthropy and community involvement can grow your brand

• Why the metal art community is one of the most supportive in the industry

Timestamps: 00:01:05 – Introduction to Codie Aljets and Sage Country Customs 00:02:02 – Building a business around high-detail custom metal art 00:05:23 – Why Codie focuses only on art instead of general fabrication 00:08:03 – The business side of being a welding artist 00:09:55 – Building relationships with clients through in-person events 00:12:57 – Using art and philanthropy to give back to the community 00:16:04 – The hard truth about valuing your work and pricing your art 00:20:03 – Creating custom pieces that tell a client's story 00:24:59 – Turning the delivery of art into a full experience for clients 00:31:46 – The supportive community among metal artists and creators 00:38:31 – Advice for artists building a career in custom metalwork

Resources: Sage Country Customs (Codie Aljets): https://www.sagecountrycustoms.com/ Follow Codie Aljets on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagecountrycustoms/

Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

If you're a fabricator, artist, or shop owner trying to build something meaningful with your work, this episode will challenge how you think about value, pricing, and the business behind creativity.

Let's keep making sparks. 🔥

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🔥 Welcome to Making Sparks, the podcast where we ignite your passion for metal fabrication and fuel your business success! 🔥

In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with Will England of England Ironworks to explore what modern fabricators can learn from traditional blacksmithing.

From watching steel move like Play-Doh at 2,000 degrees to blending TIG welding with forged elements, Will shares how understanding heat, metallurgy, and material behavior can elevate any fabricator's skill set. The conversation dives into craftsmanship, legacy, credibility, and why pride in your work still matters in a fast-paced manufacturing world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What modern fabricators can learn from traditional blacksmithing

• How understanding heat and metallurgy improves your fabrication skills

• When to forge, when to weld, and how to balance efficiency with artistry

• Why credibility has the power to inspire belief

• How customer collaboration strengthens your work and reputation

• The importance of craftsmanship that outlives you

• Why balance matters when turning passion into a profession

Timestamps: 00:01:05 – Introduction to Will England and England Ironworks 00:04:30 – How Will got started in blacksmithing 00:10:03 – Balancing architectural fabrication with traditional forge work 00:19:20 – What blacksmithing teaches modern fabricators 00:21:10 – Applying heat and metallurgy to real-world projects 00:29:13 – Credibility, integrity, and customer relationships 00:33:42 – Celebrating blacksmithing tradition and Saint Clement's Day 00:37:15 – Passion, balance, and not turning your sanctuary into a burden

Resources: England Ironworks – Follow Will England for traditional blacksmithing and architectural metalwork insights Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

🔥 Welcome to Making Sparks, the podcast where we ignite your passion for metal fabrication and fuel your business success! 🔥

In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with executive coach Brent Rasche to unpack what strategic planning really looks like inside a growing manufacturing business. From shiny object syndrome to identifying the "critical few," this conversation dives deep into why planning isn't a one-time offsite event — it's a discipline that must be exercised consistently.

They discuss how to build a leadership rhythm that sticks, why transparency drives alignment, and how to pivot when necessary without abandoning your long-term vision. If you've ever struggled with focus, consistency, or getting your team aligned around what truly matters, this episode will challenge and sharpen your leadership approach.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why strategic planning is a muscle — not an event

• How to identify and protect your "critical few" priorities

• The difference between discipline and motivation in business execution

• When and how to adjust your plan without becoming reactive

• Why scorecards and cadence create clarity across your organization

• How transparency strengthens leadership and team trust

• Why building a balanced leadership team prevents blind spots

Timestamps: 00:00:19 – Welcome to Making Sparks and introduction of Brent Rasche 00:03:39 – Lessons from automotive manufacturing and business cadence 00:06:29 – Why strategic planning matters (even for opportunistic companies) 00:12:04 – Planning as a muscle, not just an event 00:17:10 – Transparency, alignment, and connecting roles to the bigger picture 00:22:26 – Adjusting the plan without losing the vision 00:34:43 – Simplifying priorities and focusing on the critical few 00:46:55 – Discipline vs. motivation and the compound effect in leadership

Resources: Connect with Brent Rasche: https://www.focalpointcoaching.com Follow Brent Rasche on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-rasche-focalpoint/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

If you're not making strategic plans, you're not making money. Let's keep building better businesses — and let's make sparks fly. 🔥

🔥 Welcome to Making Sparks, the podcast where we ignite your passion for metal fabrication and fuel your business success! 🔥

In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with Rob Sublette of Mountain Man Welding and Fabrication to talk about leadership, ownership transitions, smart investment in equipment, and building a business that thrives on quality and process.

In this episode, you'll learn: - Why investing in your business can inspire confidence in your team - How buying the right equipment sets up long-term growth - The importance of balancing financial realities with strategic vision - How transparency with your team strengthens leadership - Why cutting corners hurts your brand and your business culture - How building processes and investing in people creates lasting value - What manufacturers can learn from taking calculated risks outside their comfort zone

Timestamps: 00:01:23 – Hosts catch up and set the stage for Rob joining the conversation 00:05:16 – Rob Sublette joins from Denver, CO, and shares his journey 00:15:33 – Discussing leadership and the Six Types of Working Genius 00:24:17 – Transitioning ownership and investing in key equipment 00:29:12 – Budgeting for equipment and planning for business growth 00:37:47 – Leadership strategies for younger teams and investing in company culture

Resources: Mountain Man Welding and Fabrication: https://mountainmanwelding.com/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/ Follow Rob Sublette and Mountain Man Welding on LinkedIn for insights into quality-driven manufacturing

When your back is against the wall, you don't get a playbook. You get a choice.

From credit card debt and loan sharks to customs audits and six-figure B2B deals, this episode breaks down what it really looks like to build a business when you have no experience, no safety net, and no margin for error.

Host Casey Voelker and co-host Matthew Nix sit down with Nick Scrivens of Forged Fabrics to unpack how storytelling, quality, and grit turned a struggling apparel startup into a premium B2B brand serving household-name manufacturers.

This isn't just a conversation about shirts. It's about building something that lasts when quitting isn't an option.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why betting on yourself often looks irresponsible before it looks smart

• How storytelling creates real brand value in manufacturing

• What happens when you ignore process, numbers, and financial reality

• Why cutting corners kills premium brands

• How Forged Fabrics pivoted from DTC to B2B when everything was on the line

• Why quality and experience matter more than logos and cheap merch

• What manufacturers can learn from building outside their comfort zone

Timestamps:

00;01;23;11 – Why an apparel company belongs on a manufacturing podcast 00;06;43;29 – The idea that sparked the business and early failures 00;10;35;20 – Buying out a partner, stacking debt, and risking it all 00;12;48;24 – Discovering B2B demand and the birth of Forged Fabrics 00;20;06;19 – U.S. Customs audits, sanctions, and nearly losing everything 00;26;24;07 – Why logos are outdated and storytelling builds real brand value

Resources:

Forged Fabrics: https://forgedfabrics.com

Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Follow Forged Fabrics on LinkedIn and Instagram to see how storytelling shows up in real manufacturing brands.

You don't end up on the Magnolia Network by accident. You earn it through craftsmanship, discipline, and work that speaks for itself.

In this episode of Making Sparks, host's Matthew Nix and Casey Voelker sits down with Rodney Ross and Jared "Cappie" Capp, the builders, craftsmen, and storytellers behind work that blends tradition with modern visibility. From hands-on trade skills to national recognition, this conversation digs into what it really takes to build credibility that lasts.

Rodney and Cappie share their perspective on craftsmanship, leadership, and why authenticity still matters more than shortcuts or hype, especially in a world driven by social media and fast growth.

It's not just about making things. It's about making something that endures.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional craftsmanship still matters in a modern, tech-driven world

• How discipline and consistency build real credibility over time

• What most people misunderstand about success in the trades

• How to use storytelling and visibility without losing authenticity

• Why leadership is built through standards, not titles

• What it takes to create work people trust and respect

Key timestamps:

• 02:10 – Meeting Rodney Ross and Jared "Cappie" Capp

• 06:45 – Craftsmanship, discipline, and earning credibility

• 11:30 – Tradition vs trends in modern trade work

• 18:20 – Building visibility without cheapening the craft

• 24:50 – Leadership lessons learned through experience

• 32:10 – Legacy, reputation, and work that lasts

Resources:

Follow Rodney and Cappie on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-capp-2a2675113/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-ross-jr-a89410106/

Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the

Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops say they can't find good welders. Nate Bowman says that's not the real problem.

From outdated training models to unclear career pathways to leaders expecting loyalty without direction, this episode breaks down why shops struggle to hire and retain talent and what to do instead.

Live from FABTECH 2025, host Casey Voelker sits down with Nate Bowman, aka The Weld Scientist, to unpack the real science behind training welders, building sustainable career paths, and adopting technology without falling for hype. This conversation connects people, process, and innovation in a way every shop owner and leader needs to hear.

It's not just about welding technique. It's about creating an industry people actually want to stay in.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why most shops don't have a hiring problem, they have a pathway problem

• How helping new welders win early changes long-term retention

• What outdated welding education gets wrong and how shops can fix it

• Why showing up in person still matters when hiring

• How to structure clear pay and growth paths from day one

• Which welding technologies are worth the investment and which are overhyped

• Why training and culture matter more than any new piece of equipment

Timestamps:

01:05 – Meet Nate Bowman and the mission behind Weld Science 04:55 – Why early wins matter when training new welders 08:45 – The culture problem in welding education 12:10 – Teaching real-world skills vs outdated processes 15:50 – Why "apply online" isn't enough anymore 17:15 – Building clear pay and career pathways in your shop 25:20 – Cobots, laser welding, and separating hype from reality

Resources:

Follow Nate Bowman (The Weld Scientist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weldscientist/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops talk about culture. Marc and Mike Goodhart had to rebuild theirs.

From stepping into a fifth-generation family business… to confronting the hard truth that you can't "muscle" your way into leadership… to reshaping a 90-year-old company around accountability, clarity, and people—the Goodhart brothers' story is a blueprint for every shop trying to build something that lasts.

In this episode, Marc and Mike open up about the real work behind succession, culture, profit-sharing, next-gen recruiting, and running a family business with honesty and humility. Their insights are raw, practical, and grounded in decades of lessons learned the hard way.

It's not just about fabrication. It's about building a shop people are proud to be part of.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why leadership in a family business must be earned, not inherited

• How to rebuild culture by simplifying values and setting expectations

• The surprising reason employees want family succession

• How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract the next generation

• Why dignity matters—even when letting someone go

• How profit-sharing creates ownership and stability for shop-floor workers

• What it takes to sustain a 90-year legacy in a modern industry

03:30 – The Goodhart Legacy: How a 90-year-old fab shop survives into Gen4 and Gen5. 05:50 – Earning Your Place: Why ownership in a family business must be earned, not inherited. 11:47 – Next-Gen Recruiting: How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract young talent. 20:23 – Firing With Dignity: The philosophy behind treating people well—even on the way out. 26:08 – Profit Sharing Explained: How their compensation model protects jobs and builds loyalty. 29:12 – Culture Simplified: Turning 12 legacy objectives into a modern, memorable culture system.

Resources:

Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Connect with Goodhart Sons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodhart-sons-inc/ Goodhart Sons Website: https://www.goodhartsons.com/ Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most welding instructors teach technique. Santiago Rivera teaches transformation.

From learning to weld left-handed for a car… to surviving addiction… to rebuilding a welding program that changed hundreds of students' lives—Santiago's story is one of grit, redemption, and unwavering purpose.

In this episode, Santiago opens up about the journey that shaped him, the students who motivate him, and the leadership philosophy that's helping revive the trades for the next generation.

It's not just about welding. It's about building people.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How a simple deal with his mom launched his entire welding career

• The leadership mindset Santiago uses to build trust and structure in his classroom

• Why honesty and consistency matter more than talent

• How he grew a welding program from 42 to 123 students

• The role of mentors, tough love, and accountability in shaping young welders

• What today's trade students are really struggling with—and how to reach them

• How personal purpose fuels professional impact

Timestamps:

3:00 – The origin story: learning to weld left-handed for a car 9:00 – "I was a functioning crack addict": Santiago's personal turning point 14:00 – Growing the program: from 42 students to 123 and securing a $700K grant 20:30 – "I want to teach you how to do life": structure, character, and honesty 22:45 – His mother's legacy: running 105 welders in the 1970s 31:30 – Kayak Fishing with Christ: the 6,000-member ministry changing lives

Resources:

Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Connect with Santiago on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-rivera-5584b230/ Learn more about Northern Virginia Community College's Welding Program: https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/programs/welding.html

Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/