Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

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.

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

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:

Aaronschaffer@wilsonproducts.com

https://www.wilsonproducts.com/

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

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.

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Steven Sainsbury discuss the journey of building a fabrication business, FlyFab, from its early influences to current operations. They explore the challenges of transitioning from part-time to full-time work, the importance of quality control, and the lessons learned in business. Steven shares insights on mentorship, skill development, and hiring strategies, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to growth and quality management. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Steven Sainsbury discuss various aspects of running a small business, particularly in the welding industry. They delve into hiring strategies, interview processes, employee retention, benefits, and the importance of work-life balance. The discussion highlights the challenges of finding the right candidates, the significance of creating a positive work environment, and the necessity of providing benefits to retain employees. They also touch on their future business goals and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson shares his insights on effective email management, the importance of streamlined communication through JobTrade, and the significance of job costing and accountability in the welding business. He discusses pivotal business decisions, the value of outsourcing, and the lessons learned throughout his journey in managing a welding company. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, understanding costs, and the importance of focusing on what one should do rather than what one can do. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Steven Sainsbury discuss the importance of financial management in business, the need for accurate overhead cost calculations, and the significance of hiring the right people. They also explore future equipment investments and the planning of the Fabricator Olympics, emphasizing community engagement and the potential for growth in the fabricating industry.

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Jon discuss Jon's journey as a professional problem solver in the welding and fabrication industry. Jon shares insights about his business, the challenges he faced in hiring employees, and how he has navigated the complexities of pricing and estimating work. They also touch on the importance of work-life balance and Jon's daily routine, emphasizing the need for focus and efficiency in his work. In this conversation, Jon and Kevin discuss the challenges of balancing work and family life, the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals, and the necessity of standard operating procedures for efficiency. They explore the concept of continuous improvement in business practices and share organizational tips to enhance productivity. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of career choices and the desire for personal fulfillment. In this conversation, Kevin Johnson and Jon discuss various aspects of equipment ownership, particularly focusing on spider cranes and their capabilities. They delve into the modifications and innovations in hydraulic systems, the pros and cons of battery versus engine power, and the challenges of deciding whether to keep or sell equipment. The discussion also touches on lessons learned from their experiences in business management, including the importance of hiring help, navigating payment terms, and maintaining customer relationships. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the construction and welding industries, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making and resource management.

@The.Shop.Incorporated

www.weburnforaliving.com

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

In this episode we discuss a different side of the welding business. Codie is a metal artist from Colorado and we discuss the business side of metal art.

Follow along with what he does at Sage Country Customs

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

Austin owns Dirt Road Metal Works out of Amite, Louisiana. He is the creator and admin of the Handrail & Gate Fabrication Tips and Tricks and CNC Plasma Tips and Tricks Uncensored.

You can find his pages here:

https://www.facebook.com/DRMWLLC

https://www.facebook.com/groups/406542684902002

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2126268564275506

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

We sit down with Jason from the Arc Junkies Podcast, Max from the CWB podcast and Frank from the Torch Tales podcast to discuss starting and running a business.