Discover how Knapheide, a sixth-generation family-owned company in Quincy, Ill., evolved from building wagons in 1848 to designing highly customized service trucks today. Greg Schutte, director of fabrication, shares insights on managing over 2 million SKUs, modernizing the shop floor with automation and precision equipment, and attracting a new generation of problem-solving talent. Learn how a company with deep roots in agriculture became a leader in custom fabrication, all while maintaining rapid lead times and embracing innovation.

This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago in partnership with Salvagnini America. Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

CEO John Axelberg has led General Stamping & Metalworks for more than 30 years, guiding the century-old metal manufacturer, headquartered in South Bend, Ind., through major shifts in technology and industry demands in metal fabrication. He joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss the company’s evolution and what it takes to stay relevant in modern manufacturing.

This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago in partnership with Paperless Parts. Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Renowned Mexico-based metal artist David Madero joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about honoring the legacy of his father and artist, (Rogelio Madero), his love of working with oxyacetylene to create his distinctive welded sculptures, paying it forward by teaching his techniques, advice for other artists for working with welding companies to become brand ambassadors, and more.

This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago. Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Welding engineer and instructor Marvin Herrera joins us on The Fabricator Podcast to talk about his interesting and non-traditional career path to welding, his work with Chicago-based manufacturer Freedman Seating Company, teaching at Triton College, collaborating with JARC Training Center, and becoming a welding automation guru.

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

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.