22-year-old Knox Carmichael left high school, got his GED, learned to weld, bought a $10K camper on Facebook Marketplace, and hit the road. He’s welded garbage trucks in Denver, aluminum Navy ships in Wisconsin, and now lives in his camper in Florida doing aerospace steel welding (UT/X-ray). He travels with his fiancée, plans to start Weld Fab Auto, and shares hard-won lessons on recruiters, test jitters, and why gatekeeping hurts the trade.

“Confidence is 90 % of welding.” – Knox

In this engaging episode, Nathan Leiter and Kevin Johnson dive into the challenges and triumphs of the welding community. Nathan shares his journey into the business side of welding, while Kevin discusses the exciting Fabricator Olympics and his goal to unite welders from all 50 states. Tune in for insights on starting your own venture and the importance of community support in the welding industry.

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of welding with Mike Krenzler, owner of KFW Welding. Discover the unique challenges faced by welders in the agricultural sector, from navigating the expectations of second-generation farmers to managing the financial demands of running a small business. Mike shares his journey from apprentice to business owner, offering insights into the importance of community, the value of investing in technology like CNC plasma tables, and the delicate balance between work and family life. Tune in for a candid discussion on the evolving landscape of welding and the strategies that keep this essential industry thriving.

Kevin and Weston discuss the journey of Weston as a welder and entrepreneur, focusing on his innovative tool, the Picket Master Pro. They explore the challenges of running a side business while maintaining a full-time job, the importance of community and social media in business, and the future of Weston's ventures. The discussion highlights the significance of adaptability, learning from experiences, and the value of side hustles in achieving financial goals.

In todays episode we revisit Bruce Stevens from Go Wild Fabrication to see how much his business has changed in the last 4 years and what journey he's on now. 

In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Dan Lischner, who shares his journey from being a welder to acquiring an established welding business. They discuss the challenges and intricacies of business acquisition, the importance of maintaining customer relationships, and the lessons learned in the first nine months of ownership. Dan emphasizes the significance of teaching and training new employees, the role of community engagement, and the upcoming Fabricator Olympics, which celebrates skills in the welding industry.

In this conversation, Cody Highfield shares his journey from being a teacher to running his own fabrication business, Trinity Fab Works. He discusses the challenges of balancing his teaching career with his growing business, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from early mistakes. Cody emphasizes the role of faith in his business decisions and the value of family time over financial gain. He also shares insights on time management, client relationships, and the evolution of his shop's services and equipment. In this conversation, Cody shares his journey of running a fabrication business while balancing a teaching job and family life. He discusses the importance of connections in acquiring larger jobs, the reliance on word-of-mouth advertising, and the challenges of managing work-life balance. Cody emphasizes the significance of delegation and setting clear expectations when hiring, as well as learning from past mistakes. He also highlights the innovative tools he has created to improve efficiency in his work and reflects on the journey of building a business without financing.

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In this conversation, Cody Highfield shares his journey from being a teacher to running his own fabrication business, Trinity Fab Works. He discusses the challenges of balancing his teaching career with his growing business, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from early mistakes. Cody emphasizes the role of faith in his business decisions and the value of family time over financial gain. He also shares insights on time management, client relationships, and the evolution of his shop's services and equipment. In this conversation, Cody shares his journey of running a fabrication business while balancing a teaching job and family life. He discusses the importance of connections in acquiring larger jobs, the reliance on word-of-mouth advertising, and the challenges of managing work-life balance. Cody emphasizes the significance of delegation and setting clear expectations when hiring, as well as learning from past mistakes. He also highlights the innovative tools he has created to improve efficiency in his work and reflects on the journey of building a business without financing.

In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Aaron from Wilson Products, discussing his unique journey from appliance repair to becoming a key player in the welding industry. Aaron shares insights into the gas distribution sector, including the complexities of cylinder rental and ownership, the supply chain of gases, and the importance of hydro testing for safety. He also delves into the factors influencing gas prices and how small distributors can compete with larger companies in a highly regulated market. In this conversation, Aaron discusses the competitive landscape of independent distributors in the welding industry, highlighting the challenges they face compared to larger companies. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with customers and dispelling misconceptions about pricing and service. Aaron shares unique customer requests and memorable experiences, showcasing the dedication and passion of Wilson Products in providing quality service and products. The discussion also touches on the advantages of being a family-owned business and the significance of having a demo room for customers to try out equipment.

If you'd like to contact Aaron, his contact info is below:

[email protected]

https://www.wilsonproducts.com/

Kevin Johnson interviews Sam Hackman, a welder and business owner, about his journey in the welding industry. Sam shares his early experiences, challenges transitioning to full-time business, and goals for the future. They discuss field vs. shop work, pricing, scheduling, and the importance of quality and customer service. Sam talks about managing employees, maintaining satisfaction, and justifying equipment purchases like his favorite tool—the press brake. He reflects on risks he wishes he’d taken, balancing work and family, delegating responsibilities, and lessons from tough jobs. The conversation highlights the value of clear communication, creating a positive work environment, and learning from business mistakes and podcasts.