EJ Naegeli moved across the country for a welding job, and two years later she’s building custom hot rods, race cars, and a whole new level of confidence.

If you’re a welder starting a new job, learning fabrication on the clock, or wondering whether taking a big career leap is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what that growth actually feels like.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How EJ handled the first month at Chuckles Garage while learning the tools, shop flow, and expectations of a professional custom car shop.

• Why fabrication confidence takes time even when your welding skills are already solid.

• What EJ learned about speed, fit-up, and efficiency when working on professional-level builds where time matters.

• How custom engine swaps and race car projects force fabricators to problem-solve without a perfect template.

• Why working on your own project car can build the confidence and reps you need to grow faster at work.

EJ Naegeli is a metal fabricator and welder at Chuckles Garage in Northern California, where she works on custom hot rods, race cars, engine swaps, exhaust systems, chassis modifications, and one-off fabrication projects. Since her last appearance on WELD, she’s grown from preparing for a big career move to building her own fabrication style inside a high-level custom shop. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who are learning how to balance quality, speed, confidence, and pressure in a real shop environment.

Sponsors:

Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.org

Connect with EJ Naegeli:

Instagram: @ej_was_here

YouTube: @ej_was_here

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejnaegeli

TikTok: @ej_was_here_

Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

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