In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Frank Vargas from Uniweld Products to discuss the fascinating cross-section of welding, sales, and everything in between. From Frank’s journey into the welding industry to the unique ways he approaches sales, this conversation shows how having technical skills can be just as crucial as knowing how to close a deal. Frank also shares his passion project, Torch Tales, and talks about how building relationships—on both the manufacturing and distributor sides—can shape a fulfilling career in the trades.

Quotable Moments

On Adapting Communication Styles in Sales:

“Learn how to read people and communicate the way they want to be communicated with, not just how you prefer to communicate.”

On Bringing Value Beyond Price:

“You’re not just buying the product—you’re getting the experience, the support, the follow-up. That’s what sets us apart.”

On Finding Mentors:

“Pick someone who’s strong where you’re weak. That’s how you add a new tool to your belt.”

On Torch Tales:

“I wanted to show people there are so many different paths in this industry—welding is the highway, but it has countless exits.”

Resources

Books Mentioned

Leadership Gold by John C. Maxwell

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Industry Organizations & Shows

Fabtech: Major trade show highlighting metal fabrication and welding innovations

IOMA: International Oxygen Manufacturers Association show (global scale)

GAWDA (Gases and Welding Distributors Association): Spring, Regional, and Annual Conferences

Connect with Frank Vargas

LinkedIn: Frank Vargas on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vargas-0273a173/

Instagram: @torch_tales https://www.instagram.com/torch_tales/

Torch Tales YouTube - @TorchTales https://www.youtube.com/@TorchTales

Connect with Beau

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

WELD App: @beaudidit

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Travis Field, a Canadian rig welder now living and working in the United States on a specialized work visa. Travis shares how he “fell into” welding in Alberta, Canada, completing the Red Seal apprenticeship program and eventually adding a vast number of specialized welding certifications to his repertoire. He highlights the pivotal role of his mentor, whose encyclopedic knowledge and private welding school exposed Travis to an array of exotic metals—like titanium and zirconium—and fueled his desire to keep learning.

Travis explains key differences between welding in Canada and the U.S., the nuances of welding thick-wall titanium for highly corrosive applications, and the importance of thoroughly shielding exotic alloys from oxygen. He also discusses the visa process, emphasizing how crucial it is to collect documentation, build a rare and valuable skill set, and thoroughly prove one’s qualifications when seeking a work permit in the States. Finally, Travis offers practical advice for new welders—encouraging them to learn from experienced mentors, document every skill gained, and continually expand their expertise to remain competitive and open doors to international opportunities.

Notable Quotes

• “I kept welding because my mentor had all these courses in titanium, zirconium, copper-nickel. I just never stopped wanting to learn.”

• “Any part of the metal that’s heated has to be protected away from the atmosphere—titanium has zero forgiveness for oxygen exposure.”

• “If you want to work abroad, document everything. Every skill, every certification, every job. Prove your value at every step.”

Connect with Travis

• Instagram: @travisfield_tx

• WeldTube Channel: WeldTube on YouTube

Connect with Beau

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

• Weld App: @beaudidit

• Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington sits down with metal artist and part-time attorney, Alisyn Palla of Meraki Metalworks. She takes us through her unconventional journey from a 16-year career in high-stakes business litigation to discovering her passion for welding and creative metalwork. Alisyn shares the story behind the name “Meraki,” a spin on the Greek word “Meraki,” which means doing something with your heart, soul, and full creative energy. She talks candidly about facing her initial fears of failure, the humble beginnings of her very first Harbor Freight welder, and how she slowly pivoted from the legal world to metal art—ultimately finding a new sense of fulfillment and a thriving creative business.

Alisyn’s approach is deeply rooted in experimentation—what she affectionately calls “FAFO” (fool around and find out). She illustrates how that process has led to stunning, large-scale art pieces that beautify both public spaces and private galleries, while teaching her invaluable lessons about resilience and problem solving. Throughout the conversation, Alisyn highlights her investment in learning through hands-on workshops (like those hosted by Stephanie Hoffman, Sosa Metalworks, and Bailey Industrial) and the power of building relationships at events like Fabtech. She also reveals her passion for giving back: from speaking at local high schools and AWS chapters to empowering others—especially women—to explore the vast opportunities in welding and fabrication. 

Memorable Quotes

• “My worst day in the shop is still better than my best day as a litigation attorney.”

• “Every project is literally a puzzle. You figure out the pieces, make them, and glue it all together.”

• “There’s no such thing as failure—only lessons learned for the next project.”

Resources & Mentions

• Meraki Metalworks

• Website: merakimetalworks.net

• Instagram: @meraki.metal.works

• Facebook & TikTok: meraki.metal.works

• Workshops & Events

• Underground Metal Works @underground_metal_works

• Sosa Metalworks (Las Vegas)

• Bailey Industrial’s Metal Shaping Workshop

• Fabtech Conference (Networking & Industry Trends)

• Book Recommendation:

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Connect with Alisyn

• Instagram: @meraki.metal.works

• Contact Form: merakimetalworks.net

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Upgrade your plasma cutter to a Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx 

Learn more about the Lincoln Electric Sprinter 180 Si - https://foxly.link/taIiwU 

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with self-taught fabricator and structural engineer Jake LeGrand about his journey from college research labs to hand-cutting custom metal signs and flatbeds in his Kansas City–area shop. Jake shares how learning a broad range of skills—from plasma cutting to welding—opened new doors and fueled his passion for “collecting” techniques. If you’ve been curious about taking on sign-making, turning your hobby into paid work, or just leveling up your fabrication game, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. Jake’s Beginnings

• How a college job in a research lab led Jake to discover a love for welding and fabrication.

• The crucial first “yes” moments that sparked his passion for fabrication.

2. From Hobby to Side Business

• Making pheasant silhouettes and farm signs for friends and professors—and how word-of-mouth grew his clientele.

• Balancing a day job as a structural engineer with an after-hours metalworking hustle.

3. All About Plasma Cutting

• Going from a compact Hobart unit with an internal compressor to setting up a larger shop space.

• Why dry air and proper equipment maintenance can save you money on consumables.

• Hand-cutting vs. CNC: Why Jake still loves the artistry and freedom of freehand plasma cutting.

4. Building Large-Scale Projects & Shipping

• Creating oversized signs and the shipping challenges that come with them (including freight costs and oversize fees).

• Safety tips for cutting into tanks, including thorough cleaning and venting.

5. Sign-Making Logistics

• How Jake sketches sign designs using an iPad and overhead projector to achieve accurate proportions.

• Lighting options (like Govee LED strips) for durable, easy-to-control sign backlighting.

• Simple mounting solutions that help customers install heavy metal signs.

6. Tool Talk & New Adventures

• Jake’s recent partnership with ESAB and how it aligns with his preference for genuine, “non-salesy” endorsements.

• Venturing into building custom truck flatbeds and the opportunities on social media platforms (like TikTok) for new projects.

7. Mindset & Advice for New Fabricators

• Keeping the passion alive and avoiding burnout: why loving what you do is key.

• The importance of doing your own research and respecting others’ time when asking for help.

• Embracing a “skills collector” mentality—never know which skill you’ll need next!

Connect with Jake

• Instagram: @LeGrandMetalWorks

• TikTok: @LeGrandMetalWorks

• Facebook: LMW LeGrand Metal Works

• YouTube: LeGrand Metal Works (Shorts & upcoming full-length project videos)

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Upgrade your plasma cutter to a Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx 

Learn more about the Lincoln Electric Sprinter 180 Si - https://foxly.link/taIiwU 

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this episode, Beau sits down with Lucas D’Angelo—better known as “MannMadeInMA”—to explore his one-of-a-kind path in fabrication, welding, and machinery rebuilding. Lucas operates a full-blown machine and fabrication shop right in the basement of his home in Massachusetts, turning small-run and often overlooked jobs into his specialty. He reveals how he got hooked on metalworking and why he never shies away from a new challenge—even if it means rebuilding massive vintage machines and hoisting a Bridgeport mill into his basement with a DIY crane setup.

Join us as Lucas shares his best tips for:

• Building a Personal Brand: How social media helped him showcase his range of skills—and why being genuine and excited on camera can make all the difference.

• Taking on “Odd Jobs”: Why small-scale fabrication and custom repair work is surprisingly lucrative, and how your most valuable tool might just be a simple bracket or weld-on trailer part.

• Vintage Machine Rebuilds: How Lucas scores old industrial machinery on the cheap, then breathes new life into it with a little elbow grease (and sometimes a bucket of sand for welding cast iron!).

• Embracing the Side Hustle: Balancing a full-time day job with a thriving “second shift” business—and the freedom that comes from being able to say “no” when he needs a break.

• Dealing with Haters: Why he posts his mistakes just as often as his wins, and the surprising upside to going viral for a shop-fail video.

Connect With Lucas D’Angelo

Instagram @mannmadeinma https://www.instagram.com/mannmadeinma/ 

TikTok - @mannmadeinma https://www.tiktok.com/@mannmadeinma 

YouTube - @MannMadeinMA https://www.youtube.com/@MannMadeinMA/videos 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mannmadeinma?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Check out the Everlast RedSabre 2000 Laser Welder - https://foxly.link/xsSqBz 

Upgrade your plasma cutter to a Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx 

Learn more about the Lincoln Electric Sprinter 180 Si - https://foxly.link/taIiwU 

Stop welding fumes at the source with the Abicor Binzel x-FUME Advanced - https://foxly.link/lUVEtV 

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠⁠[email protected]

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s episode, Austin and Beau recap the past year, including trips across the country to check out different shops and schools and all the lessons they learned along the way. They talk about some of their biggest failures and learning moments, some of their favorite experiences, and some goals for videos to make next year. 

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Watch 3M Abrasives Clash Of The Grinders Season 2 out now! - https://foxly.link/62t60v 

Stop fumes at the source with the Abicor Binzel xFume Advanced - https://foxly.link/lUVEtV 

Harness the power of Laser welding with the Everlast RedSabre 2000 - https://foxly.link/xsSqBz 

Upgrade your plasma cutter to the Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx 

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with Austin

Weld App @austinhargett

Instagram @dr.weldz

Email - [email protected] 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s episode, Beau explores three different ways to learn how to weld: attending school, learning on the job, or teaching yourself. He begins by sharing his own experience of going through a welding program at a local community college, offering insights into what you can expect from trade school.

Next, we dive into the world of on-the-job learning with a clip from Stan Sherwin, who honed his welding skills working alongside his father, practicing on scrap metal during lunch breaks and after hours. We also hear from Laura King, who started her welding journey after a chance conversation at her liquor store job led to a helper position.

Finally, we delve into self-taught welding with Hayden Barnes, who mastered the craft using YouTube tutorials and the support of an online community.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of each path and which one might be the best fit for you. Tune in and find the inspiration to start your welding journey!

Listen to Stan Sherwin’s Full episode 

WELD EP 154: Never Say No To A Weld with Stan Sherwin https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/dxWWQ37yiPb

Listen to Laura King’s Full Episode

WELD EP 145: The Long Journey To The Steam Fitters Union with Laura King

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/IzNgm87yiPb

Listen to Hayden Barnes's Full Episode

WELD EP 153: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know with Hayden Barnes

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/dl3dp536qPb

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Lincoln Electric Sprinter 180 Si - https://foxly.link/taIiwU

Abicor Binzel xFUME Advanced - https://foxly.link/lUVEtV

Everlast Welders RedSabre 2000 - https://foxly.link/xsSqBz

Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx

Connect With Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email [email protected]

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s episode, Beau chats with Dan Lucianek & Jakub Stawinski from Markal celebrating 90 years in the marker business about the different types of markers they have to fit a number of applications. They talk about the types of feedback they hear from welders in the industry that have lead to them developing markers that can cut through grease or oil, show up under a welding hood, or even glow in the dark.

Find the perfect marker for you using the Find A Marker Tool www.markal.com

Connect with Markal

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/markalmarkers/ 

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/markalmarkers/ 

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

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/LacoMarkal 

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s podcast, Beau stops by the IPG Photonics booth at Fabtech to talk to Dean Brennan, the National Sales Manager for LightWELD, and Rex Alexandre, the President and Principal Engineer for The Handheld Laser Institute, about the future of laser welding in the industry and different applications that might become more commonplace. They talk about the benefits of laser welding, the pathway to laser welding certifications, and advice for people interested in adopting the process in their business. 

Learn More About The IPG Photonics LightWELD Systems

https://www.lightweld.com/

Learn More About The Handheld Laser Institute https://foxly.link/U1bLUV

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Speed up your cutting and grinding with the 3M Abrasives Cubitron 3 - https://foxly.link/O77QxM

Upgrade your plasma-cutting game with the Thermacut EX-TRAFIRE - https://foxly.link/KnrZrx

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

In this week’s episode, Beau chats with Matthew Nix, President and CEO of Nix Companies INC., about scaling their family business from 4 people to over 200 employees. He talks about his company's history, starting in 1092, the unique strategies they used to grow through acquisitions, creating a workplace culture that attracts world-class employees, and his upcoming book, “Forging Ahead,” which will be released next week.

Connect with Matthew Nix

Link to Pre-Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Forging-Ahead-Generations-Small-Town-Fastest-Growing/dp/B0DJDP67ZN

Nix Companies Purchase Options: https://www.nixcompanies.com/forging-ahead-book-order/

Matthew's Personal Website: https://bebigactsmall.com/

Matthew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-nix-b8132687/

MakingSparks: https://makingchips.com/show/making-sparks/

MakingSparks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/making-sparks

Nix Industrial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nix-industrial/

Nix Companies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nixcompanies/ 

Nix Companies: https://www.nixcompanies.com/ 

Thank You To Our Trusted Partners

Watch the full season of 3M Abrasives Clash Of The Grinders season 2 - https://foxly.link/62t60v

Stop fumes at the source with the Abicor Binzel xFume Advanced - https://foxly.link/lUVEtV

Learn more about the compact Lincoln Electric Sprinter 180Si - https://foxly.link/taIiwU

Weld anywhere with the battery-powered ESAB Renegade Volt - https://foxly.link/EcZEEi

Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Download the weld app today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/WeldDotCom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠