In this episode, we dive into the story of Motobilt with Dan DuBose and Hunter DuBose. Founded in 2012 by Dan, who began fabricating parts out of necessity when he couldn’t find what he needed. Since then, Alabama-based Motobilt has grown into a popular manufacturer of aftermarket Jeep and off-road and rock-crawling parts, earning a reputation for quality, innovation, and cutting-edge design.

We explore how the company leverages advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing and robotics, to prototype and produce their products, and how they’ve expanded into structural steel fabrication through Anvil Industrial Group. We also discuss Motobilt’s close collaborations with brands like Jeep and Warn, as well as the custom off-road builds they create to showcase their latest products and design capabilities.

We also talk with Dan and Hunter about rock crawling in Moab and Sand Hollow and rock bouncing in Alabama.

This episode is brought to you by MC Machinery Systems, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Rae Ripple returns to The Fabricator Podcast with updates on her life, metal art, and wild adventures.

She shares stories about her move from Texas to Tennessee, major projects with Hypertherm, Northern Tool, Lincoln Electric, Harley-Davidson, Northeastern Junior College, and her passion for FABTECH. You’ll also hear how she freehand plasma-cut a 1941 Cadillac hood during the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway with Build Submarines, flew upside-down in a plane, and retrofitted—then off-road-raced—a Pontiac Vibe in the O’Reilly Vibe 200.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode, James Geier, founder of Chicago-based 555 International, shares how the business has evolved into a design-driven fabrication business known for delivering immersive, high-impact brand environments all across the country.

Founded in 1988, Geier developed 555 into a go-to partner for custom fabrication projects across industries—from restaurants and retail stores to stadium installations and brand activations.

Geier walks us through some of the company’s most recognizable work, including its role in shaping the retail experience at SoFi Stadium, the Madhouse Team Store at Chicago’s United Center, the official store at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the Florida Panthers Flagship Pro Shop, and more.

Geier also talks about starting his career designing for Niedermaier Furniture, creating and engineering the carousel bar at Francois Frankie in the Chicago Loop, and how he feels fashion fuels creativity.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Brandon Minga is an artist, welder, and entrepreneur based in Wisconsin. Minga is the creative force behind House of RAD, a Milwaukee-based collaborative workspace for over 60 resident artists and makers.

Minga has a background in illustration and graphic design, which led him to work in the metal fabrication, welding, and sculpture world. Some of his notable projects include a large-scale jellyfish sculpture called Salve-Jelly made from recycled materials in Green Bay and an upcoming 22-foot wide set of metal glasses to be installed in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

Minga emphasizes the importance of collaboration and supporting the local creative community through initiatives like their annual fundraiser "Feed Your Soul." As House of RAD expands to a new 67,000 square foot facility, Minga continues to push the boundaries of his metalworking skills and create unique public art installations.

Brandon also talks about making props for the 2022 independent slapstick comedy film "Hundreds of Beavers", becoming a brand ambassador for Miller Electric, and his experience with Burning Man.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Jarrod Klassen is the owner of Twisted Metal Sign Company, a business in Saskatchewan focused on creating intricate metal artwork using bead rolling techniques.

While working in corrections, Jarrod discovered bead rolling as a hobby and has honed his skills over the past several years. He has gone from using a homemade bead roller to upgrading to professional equipment, and now creates highly detailed automotive and other scenes (like Willem Dafoe and doom metal band Pentagram) by combining bead rolling with CNC etching. Jarrod also teaches bead rolling classes, sharing his expertise with others interested in the craft. Despite having no formal art or metalworking training, Jarrod has developed an impressive skillset and turned his passion into a successful side business.

This episode was record at Baileigh Industrial's Metal Shaping Fest in Manitowoc, Wis. Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

This episode of The Fabricator Podcast features a conversation with Chris Rusch, formerly of Rusch Machine & Design, and Mike Wagner of Cornfield Customs.

They discuss the history and development of metal shaping equipment, particularly the power hammer, and how it has enabled a resurgence in this specialized craft. Chris and Mike describe the techniques and approaches they use to shape metal, including the importance of templates and patterns.

They also share stories of their favorite projects, ranging from classic car restorations to work for aerospace museums. The episode highlights how this metal shaping technology has become more accessible to hobbyists and smaller shops, reviving interest in the art of metal fabrication.

This episode was record at Baileigh Industrial's Metal Shaping Fest in Manitowoc, Wis. Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Kent Brown joins The Fabricator Podcast talk about becoming CEO of O'Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) in 2018, his leadership philosophy, emphasizing safety, empowering the OMS workforce, expanding the company's geographical footprint, and what it means to be a mainstay on our annual FAB 40 list.

Brown discusses how OMS has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years, going from seven to 10 locations since 2018. The company has invested heavily in new equipment, including fiber lasers, robotic press brakes, and higher-powered lasers, to stay competitive.

He also emphasizes how O'Neal empowers local leadership and fostering collaboration across its facilities. The company's general managers and assistant general managers have autonomy to make decisions tailored to their customers' needs. O'Neal has also implemented regional management structures to facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources among its various locations.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Steve Kost of Chicago-based Metal Health Artwork joins us this week to talk about how he turned to creating metal sculptures to help him cope with PTSD after serving in the military, and what started as just a hobby has become full-scale effort advocating for better mental health practices among veterans and other adults.

Steve talks about his time serving with the Navy Seabees, his career as an ironworker in Chicago, working through PTSD, honing his skills a metal artist, using scrap pieces of metal to create his abstract sculptures, why animals inspire him, participating in ScrapFest, partnering with Google, and his numerous collaborations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Kirk McCauley, owner of American Engineering and Metalworking (AEM) in North Canton, Ohio, shares his journey from the tool and die world to running a modern, full-service metal fabrication shop.

McCauley explains how embracing automation, laser welding, and robotic material handling has helped AEM stay competitive, and why investing in people and creating a collaborative workplace culture are just as important as investing in technology. Tune in for insights on leading a small to mid-sized fab shop through innovation and adaptability.

At the top, we also chat about The Fabricator's 2025 Industry Award winner Special Products & Mfg. (SPM) and Nora Harding's upcoming appearance on the Ed Talks podcast.

This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode, we sit down with Hector Ortega—sculptor and founder of Ortega Sculpture and Silver Lining Metals Stamps, based in the Phoenix metro area.

He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving as an artist, from developing fabrication skills to exploring different materials and processes. Ortega discussed the challenges of sustaining an artistic career, the need for diversifying one's creative outlets, and the spiritual and communal aspects of his work. He also talked about influential mentors, the value of risk-taking, and his desire to create large-scale public sculptures.

On top of discussing his work as a large-scale metal artist, we also dive into Hector's second venture, Silver Lining Metals Stamps, where he handcrafts custom metal stamping tools used by artists and makers around the world.

We also talk about his involvement with Sculpture Tucson, working with artist Michael Anderson of Arc Form Studio, doing yoga geared towards people who work in the trades, and the power that fabricators have with modern metal fabrication equipment.

This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.