Welding Business Owner Podcast

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What happens when your welding business starts succeeding… but your life starts falling apart?

In this episode, Tyson from Fine Iron breaks down the reality most shop owners don’t talk about. He went from a high school biology teacher to building a fast-growing fabrication business—but the growth came at a cost. Long days, constant pressure, and a business that completely took over his life.

Eventually, he hit a breaking point.

Instead of pushing harder like most guys would… he did the opposite.

He downsized.

Cut the team in half, rebuilt his systems, and started focusing on efficiency instead of just more work. What came out of that decision is a completely different kind of welding business—leaner, more profitable, and built to actually support his life instead of consume it.

We also get into:

•  How he rebuilt his shop after burnout 
•  Why “more employees” isn’t always the answer 
•  Using tech like laser welding and 3D scanning to do more with less 
•  The shift from chaos to systems that actually work 
•  How he turned new tech into a second revenue stream 
•  And what most welding shop owners are doing wrong when they try to grow 

If you’re running a welding business and feel like you’re constantly chasing your tail… this one’s going to hit home.

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Most welding business owners think the goal is to grow—more employees, bigger shop, more overhead.

But what if that’s exactly what’s holding you back?

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Devers, a one-man shop owner running a 6,000 square foot operation, landing serious jobs, and building a business that actually gives him freedom instead of stress.

We break down:

•  How he turned a $50 Google ad into a $175,000 job 
•  Why he chose NOT to scale his business 
•  The biggest financial mistake that almost cost him 
•  How tools like a mini crane replaced the need for employees 
•  What it really takes to run a profitable one-man welding business 

If you’re tired of chasing growth and starting to realize your business feels more like a job… this episode will change the way you think.

⚡ What You’ll Learn

•  How to build a welding business that doesn’t own you 
•  When hiring actually hurts your business 
•  The truth about buying equipment too fast 
•  How to stay booked without relying on ads 
•  Why efficiency beats size every time 

💥 Why This Matters

There’s a lot of noise out there about scaling, hiring, and building big.

But nobody talks about building a business that actually gives you your life back.

This episode does.

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In this episode of The Welding Business Owners Podcast, I sit down with David from DTB Fab—a guy running a successful welding business while still working a full-time job… actually two full-time jobs.

We break down how he went from fixing his own car because he couldn’t afford a body guy… to becoming the go-to shop for anything from bikes and cars to structural work.

If you’re trying to start or grow a welding business on the side, this episode is packed with real-world lessons you won’t hear anywhere else.

What You’ll Learn:

•  How to start a welding business with little money 
•  How to balance a full-time job, family, and side work 
•  Why confidence (not skill) holds most welders back 
•  The biggest mistakes that cost time and money early on 
•  How word-of-mouth can build your entire business

Who This Is For:

•  Welders who want to start a side hustle 
•  Fabricators trying to grow their business 
•  Anyone stuck between a job and going all-in 
•  Skilled tradesmen who want more income and freedom

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to David and DTBFab

02:39
The Journey of a Plumber and Welder

03:12
Balancing Two Full-Time Jobs

06:03
From Passion to Business: The LLC Journey

09:16
Learning Through Experience: The Early Days

14:33
Favorite Projects: Sheet Metal Shaping

16:37
Word of Mouth and Business Growth

18:27
Balancing Family and Work Life

21:35
Influences and Mentorship in Career Development

28:09
Embracing Manual Skills and Learning from Experience

33:44
Navigating the Challenges of Business and Confidence

46:58
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Confidence and Business Acumen

55:56
Advice for Aspiring Craftsmen: The Value of Listening and Learning

Keywords

welding business, welding side hustle, how to start a welding business, fabrication business, welding entrepreneur, welding shop, make money welding, welding jobs, welding tips, welding podcast

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In this conversation, Kevin interviews James Williams, the owner of Stubby's Welding, who shares his journey of starting a welding business focused on agricultural repairs and custom sign making. James discusses the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the value of mentorship in the welding industry. He also highlights the significance of customer relationships, the tools he uses, and the lessons learned about business management and advertising.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 Business Overview and Growth
05:57 Challenges and Lessons Learned
08:46 Advertising and Customer Acquisition
11:29 Sign Making and Custom Orders
14:37 Work-Life Balance and Future Plans
27:02 Preparing for Spring: Garden Markers and Equipment
28:35 Lessons from Bad Customers: Navigating Business Relationships
33:09 Essential Tools for Mobile Work: The Mag Drill
45:06 The Art of Line Boring and Auger Repairs
52:27 Business Insights: Learning from Experience and Mistakes

Keywords

welding, business, agriculture, entrepreneurship, repair, customer service, plasma table, augers, small business, Canada

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In this conversation, Cody Johnston shares his journey of starting a business with his father, the challenges he faced during a buyout, and the emotional toll of navigating client relationships and financial struggles. He reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, including the importance of contracts and the fear of failure that holds him back from pursuing entrepreneurship again. Despite the setbacks, Cody expresses a desire to return to business, driven by a passion for his work and a longing for freedom in his professional life. In this conversation, Kevin and Cody discuss the emotional ties between personal identity and business success, the importance of disconnecting from business-related emotions, and the lessons learned from past business challenges. They explore the dynamics of partnerships, customer relationships, and financial insights that can help in building a successful side hustle. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear goals, operational strategies, and the importance of a solid business plan for future endeavors.

00:00 Introduction and Context
03:02 Cody's Business Journey Begins
05:56 The Buyout Agreement
08:41 Challenges in Business Operations
11:48 Valuation and Ownership Dynamics
14:45 Work Acquisition and Client Relationships
17:43 The Custom Home Builder Experience
20:21 Contractual Oversights and Consequences
22:53 Conflict and Resolution with the Client
25:57 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned
29:33 Navigating Payment Challenges
30:33 Disputes and Their Consequences
32:28 The Impact of Disputes on Business
34:12 Personal Bankruptcy and Its Aftermath
36:21 The Emotional Toll of Business Failures
37:56 Legal Complications and Chargebacks
39:54 Family Challenges and Business Decisions
41:43 Dreams of Entrepreneurship
43:33 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics
48:48 Overcoming Fear of Failure
50:15 Identity and Business: The Emotional Connection
56:21 Lessons Learned: Navigating Business Challenges
01:02:37 Restarting the Journey: Insights for Future Success
01:07:47 Building a New Business: Strategies and Considerations
01:19:53 Outsourcing for Efficiency
01:26:06 Building a Support Network
01:33:29 Taking Action and Setting Goals
01:44:08 Defining Your Business Vision

Takeaways

Cody's journey into business began with a partnership with his father.
The buyout agreement was a significant financial burden for Cody.
Cody faced challenges with a custom home builder that led to financial losses.
The emotional impact of business failure was profound for Cody.
Cody learned the importance of having contracts in place.
Despite setbacks, Cody still dreams of running his own business.
The fear of failure is a major barrier for Cody in pursuing entrepreneurship again.
Cody values the freedom to work on his own schedule.
He enjoys the challenges of handrail work and structural projects.
Cody's experiences highlight the complexities of client relationships in business. We tie our personal identity to our business success.
Disconnecting from business emotions is crucial.
Not every customer is a good fit for your business.
Financial management is key to business sustainability.
Building a side hustle requires strategic planning.
Defining clear business goals is essential for success.
Learning from past mistakes can guide future decisions.
Having a supportive partner is important in business.
Cash flow management is critical for business health.
Outsourcing tasks can save time and increase efficiency.

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In this conversation, Ryan Jensen shares his journey as a welding fabricator, detailing his transition from working for others to starting his own business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including financial management, customer relationships, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Ryan also delves into the technical aspects of pipe welding, emphasizing the precision required in his work. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the lessons learned and his aspirations for the future of his business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Jensen's Welding Journey
05:59 Building a Business: The Early Days
11:46 Navigating Financial Challenges
17:58 Managing Business Operations
23:31 Finding Balance: Saying No and Time Management
28:34 Building a Strong Team Culture
39:20 Financial Lessons and Cash Flow Management
44:17 Influences and Future Goals
49:31 Navigating Business Growth and Risks
54:30 Standard Operating Procedures in Welding
59:29 Fabrication of Piping Systems
01:04:35 Polishing and Finishing in Pipe Welding

Keywords

welding, fabrication, business journey, challenges, work-life balance, pipe welding, entrepreneurship, team dynamics, technical skills, family involvement

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• In this engaging conversation, Kevin and Mike delve into the evolution of Mike's welding business, Rockin' Two Industries, which he started in 2012 with no prior experience. Mike shares his unique journey from a novice welder to a successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of networking and collaboration within the welding community. He discusses how he built connections through social media and local groups, which have been instrumental in his growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing a team, maintaining a positive work culture, and the significance of saying 'no' to unprofitable projects to ensure sustainable growth.

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• As they explore the intricacies of running a welding shop, Mike reflects on the importance of building a network within the industry and the value of collaboration over competition. He stresses that many welding business owners make the mistake of trying to grow too quickly without establishing a solid foundation. The episode wraps up with insights on project management tools and the necessity of adapting to the evolving needs of the business, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the welding industry.

Takeaways

• "I didn't know what I was doing. Got on YouTube and 13 years later, here I am."
• "Saying no has been the hardest thing for you to do in business."
• "The internet for the welding business has been really, really helpful for a lot of us."
• "If you're not thinking, if you're like the old school mindset of competition, you better rewire it or you're just going to fizzle out."
• "I will protect the culture of this shop at all costs." "It's tough to balance that out."
• "You have to have that base in place."
• "It's better to stay small and perfect what you're doing."
• "If you can justify that, go get it."
• "You need to get out there and knock on some doors."
• "You can't get rid of that."
• "There's a cost to changing gears."
• "You have to charge for that or else it catches up to you."
• "Creating that network is a pretty big deal."
• "You need to have the will to make it work."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup
02:09 Mike's Unique Journey into Welding
05:05 The Power of Networking in the Welding Community
08:35 Profit Sharing and Collaboration with Other Businesses
17:32 Managing a Team and Maintaining Work Culture
26:48 Future Aspirations for Rockin' Two Industries
33:49 Team Skills and Project Diversity
35:25 Overview of Shop Projects
42:18 Challenges of Business Growth
46:16 Learning to Say No
50:15 Customer Relations and Advertising Strategies
57:24 Financial Lessons Learned
01:09:51 The Right Tools for the Job
01:11:00 Space Constraints and Shop Organization
01:15:58 Common Pitfalls in Business Growth
01:19:54 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Owners
01:24:06 Managing Projects and Invoicing

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In this conversation, David Seitz shares his journey from a young welder influenced by his family's legacy to becoming a business owner in the welding industry. He discusses the challenges of balancing a full-time job with his mobile welding business, the importance of time management, and the role of social media in marketing. David reflects on his experiences at the Fabricator Olympics and emphasizes the need for business acumen in addition to technical skills. He also shares insights on customer relations, pricing strategies, and the tools that have helped him succeed in his trade.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Seitz and His Journey
05:44 Transitioning from Employee to Business Owner
11:46 Challenges of Balancing Work and Business
17:42 The Importance of Content Creation
23:35 Customer Relationships and Word-of-Mouth Marketing
29:27 Work-Life Balance and Family Dynamics
30:15 The Humble Champion
32:19 Finding Pride in Accomplishments
34:24 Tools of the Trade
38:58 Navigating Equipment Choices
41:59 Future Plans and Family Balance
45:01 Lessons in Business Management
49:42 The Importance of Pricing
56:32 Continuous Learning and Growth

Keywords

welding, business, entrepreneurship, mobile welding, Fabricator Olympics, work-life balance, social media, content creation, customer relations, tools

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In this conversation, Dylan Haas shares his journey from high school welding to becoming a successful business owner in the fabrication industry. He discusses his military service, the challenges of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, and the importance of communication and customer service. Dylan emphasizes the role of technology in modern fabrication and shares valuable financial lessons learned along the way. He also highlights the significance of work-life balance and the tools that have made his business successful. In this engaging conversation, Dylan Haas and Kevin Johnson explore various topics related to equipment management, innovative crane technology, and the challenges of running a business without employees. They discuss the pros and cons of different types of cranes and telehandlers, share insights on finding good deals at auctions, and reflect on the importance of family time amidst their entrepreneurial pursuits. The conversation also touches on personal aspirations, including flying and the significance of learning from others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dylan Haas and His Journey
02:22 From Welding to Military Service
05:17 Transitioning to Full-Time Business Owner
08:07 Building a Customer Base
10:45 Challenges of Cold Calling and Networking
13:35 The Importance of Reliability in Business
16:44 Managing Workload and Technology
19:36 Collaborating with Other Contractors
22:25 Overcoming Challenges in Fabrication
25:20 Navigating Business Software and Operations
32:24 The Importance of Asking Questions
33:12 Building Business Confidence
34:23 Gradual Growth and Customer Relationships
36:23 Navigating Customer Challenges
37:36 Work-Life Balance in Home-Based Businesses
40:52 Future Plans and Property Considerations
45:14 Financial Lessons Learned
50:45 Common Mistakes in the Welding Business
53:56 Dealing with Difficult Customers
01:00:48 Favorite Tools and Innovations
01:03:52 Exploring Wireless Crane Technology
01:07:36 Choosing Between Cranes and Telehandlers
01:10:27 The Importance of Equipment Versatility
01:12:35 Navigating the Auction Scene
01:15:29 Finding Value in Equipment Resale
01:19:29 The Future of Equipment in Welding
01:23:25 Power Requirements for Laser Equipment
01:29:22 Cutting Techniques and Gas Usage
01:31:18 Equipment Management and Selling Unused Tools
01:33:14 Efficiency in Business Operations
01:38:11 Advice on Business Growth and Employee Management
01:43:00 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Keywords

welding, fabrication, business, entrepreneurship, customer service, work-life balance, financial lessons, technology, tools, networking, crane technology, telehandlers, equipment management, auctions, equipment flipping, welding tools, business advice, family time, aviation, entrepreneurship

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In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Charles McCarthy, a welding business owner who shares his journey from starting a small welding operation to managing a large fabrication company. Charles discusses the importance of keeping processes in-house to maintain quality and timelines, the challenges of scaling his business, and the strategies he employs for customer acquisition and hiring. He emphasizes the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way and his vision for future growth. In this conversation, Charles McCarthy shares his journey from a welding job to becoming a successful business owner. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of building the right team, and the lessons learned from experience. He emphasizes the need for effective management, the significance of understanding customer needs, and the thrill of continuous improvement in business processes. The discussion also touches on common mistakes made by small business owners in the welding industry and highlights a unique success story involving hand sanitizer stands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, Charles McCarthy shares his experiences of building a business during a crisis, navigating the challenges of selling on Amazon, and the importance of automation and technology in driving business growth. He emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and the impact of investing in the right tools and processes to enhance efficiency and profitability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Charles' Business
03:01 Charles' Journey into Welding and Business Growth
07:20 Scaling the Business: From Garage to 21,000 Square Feet
10:38 Team Dynamics and In-House Processes
14:02 Customer Acquisition and Reputation Management
19:00 Challenges of In-House Operations and Learning Experiences
25:21 Hiring Practices and Employee Growth
32:00 Future Aspirations and Business Vision
41:13 From Welding to Business Owner
44:15 The Sprint to Business Independence
46:46 Navigating Growth Challenges
49:55 Building the Right Team
54:21 Key Roles for a Small Shop
01:01:24 Learning from Experience
01:04:47 Managing Expectations and Emotions
01:07:45 The Thrill of Business Ownership
01:12:26 Common Mistakes in the Welding Business
01:17:56 The Hand Sanitizer Stand Success
01:23:17 Building a Business During Crisis
01:28:01 Navigating Amazon's Marketplace Challenges
01:33:42 Automation and Estimation in Business
01:45:09 Investing in Technology for Growth
01:51:09 Data-Driven Decision Making