Welding Business Owner Podcast

Hosted by Kevin Johnson

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

116

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

We discuss with other business owners how to start and grow your welding business. Our guests range from single owner operators up to people who manage teams of 50+ with decades of experience. We discuss how they got started, strategies for growth, team management, bidding and winning jobs, downfalls to avoid and lots more!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 20262 hr 29 min

Down to His Last $10: How an ADD Kid Built an Aerospace Welding Empire

Send us Fan Mail From being told he would fail without college to welding pure gold for GE Aerospace and running a nation-wide fabrication business, Josh Wolfe’s story is a masterclass in blue-collar grit. In this episode of the Welding Business Owners Podcast, Josh Wolfe (host of the Speaking of Skilled Trades podcast) sits down with Kevin to share his journey from an ADD high schooler struggling to fit into standard classrooms to building a successful career in high-stakes TIG welding and metal fabrication. We dive deep into taking pay cuts to chase experience, surviving the absolute rock-bottom moments of business ownership, passing the trade down to his three kids, and a candid, unfiltered discussion on how AI, automation, and robotics are coming for small-town fab shops. If you are a welder, fabricator, trade student, or blue-collar business owner looking to scale, this conversation is packed with real-world advice you can't afford to miss. 🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: Finding Peace in Chaos: How struggling with ADD in traditional high school led Josh straight into career-technical education and welding. Experience Over Dollars: Why taking a $3/hr pay cut early on unlocked massive opportunities in aerospace TIG welding for GE. The $10 Turning Point: Putting his last $10 into his Ford Focus to beg for a job while struggling to heat his house. Passing the Torch: How Josh trained his kids to become aerospace welders making top-dollar right out of high school. The AI Threat to Fab Shops: A real debate on automation, $100k welding robots, and what small shop owners need to do to survive. 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & The Reality of Skilled Trades 1:30 - Struggling with ADD & Finding Welding in High School 6:42 - My First Production Job & "Chasing Experience, Not Dollars" 9:30 - Taking a $3 Pay Cut to Master TIG Welding 12:55 - Landing a GE Aerospace Welding Job (Welding Pure Gold) 17:41 - Stepping Out on My Own: Starting a Miscellaneous Steel Business 23:33 - Down to My Last $10: The Turning Point in Business 35:20 - Leaving Business to Become a Welding Instructor 45:35 - Flying Across the Country & Losing Passion for the Game 55:00 - Raising 3 Aerospace Welders & Reopening the Shop 1:17:40 - Has Social Media Helped or Hurt the Trades? 1:23:00 - AI & Robotics: Is Automation Coming for Your Fab Shop? 2:12:10 - The Value of Human Craftsmanship & Advice for Young Welders 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOSH WOLFE: Instagram & TikTok: @wolf_cte Podcast: Speaking of Skilled Trades (Available on Spotify) 📲 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THE SHOW: Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for weekly welding business advice! Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://www.weldingbusinessownerspodcast.com/ Follow on Instagram: WeldingBusinessOwnersPodcast #WeldingBusiness #SkilledTrades #Welder #Fabrication #TIGWelding #AerospaceWelding #BlueCollar #AIinTrades #BusinessOwner #CareerTechEd www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

July 27, 20261 hr 24 min

Is AI About to Replace Welders? (What Fabrication Will Look Like in 5 Years) with Adam Heffner from Hero Machine

Send us Fan Mail The rules of metal fabrication are changing faster than ever. Between AI estimators, computer vision for welders, and cobots running production lines, traditional shops are facing a massive crossroads: adapt now or get left behind. In this episode, Adam Heffner (Hero Machine Co. & Maker Table) breaks down what’s coming next for fabrication, why plasma cutting is losing the battle to fiber lasers, and how smart shop owners are using AI to scale their output without adding massive overhead. ⏱️ Video Chapters 00:00 - The 3-Second Reality Check on Automation 01:30 - Trade Show World Tour: FabTech & Ag Fair Plans 06:40 - Why Hero Machine Co. Paused in 2020 (And the Comeback) 15:20 - Laser vs. Plasma: The Brutal Financial Math 20:20 - Importing Machinery: Scams, Tariffs, & Support Traps 34:30 - What Overseas AI & Robotics Labs are Building Right Now 42:00 - Computer Vision, Weld Puddle Tracking, & Cobots 56:00 - How Adam Trained ChatGPT to Do the Work of 3 Estimators 01:01:30 - SEO Secrets: Why Gemini Beats Chat GPT for Website Traffic 01:05:00 - Building Custom CAD Plugins & In-House AI Data Centers 01:16:00 - What the Modern 3-Man Fabrication Shop Will Look Like

June 29, 20261 hr 1 min

Scott - Yellowstone Metal

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the dream of owning your own welding business starts feeling more like a nightmare? This week, Kevin sits down with Scott, owner of Yellowstone Metal (formerly Splice Welding & Design), to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship that nobody posts on social media. After building a successful architectural metal business, Scott made the rare decision to leave business ownership and become an employee—only to discover he simply couldn't do it. The conversation dives into burnout, rebuilding from scratch, moving fabrication shops, pricing custom work, and why being a welding business owner is equal parts problem-solving and perseverance. Whether you're growing your shop, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to build—and rebuild—a business. In This Episode: Why Scott moved his fabrication shop six different times The hidden costs of relocating a welding business Leaving entrepreneurship to become an employee—and why it didn't last Lessons learned from rebuilding a business from scratch How marketing has changed over the past decade Why specializing too much can actually hurt your business The biggest mistakes shop owners make when pricing work Dealing with customers who think every repair is "just a five-minute weld" Why custom fabrication will never compete with mass-produced products Managing cash flow during major business transitions The mindset every welding business owner needs to survive the ups and downs If you've ever questioned your pricing, your business decisions, or whether you're the only one dealing with these challenges, this conversation will remind you you're not alone. Connect with Scott: Instagram: @salvation_garage YouTube: Salvation Garage Facebook: Yellowstone Metal 🎙 The Welding Business Owners Podcast is dedicated to helping welding and fabrication shop owners build more profitable businesses through real-world conversations, practical advice, and lessons learned from people who've been in the trenches. www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

June 8, 202628 min

How AI Will Change Welding Businesses Forever

Send us Fan Mail Artificial Intelligence is changing faster than most of us can keep up with—and whether you love it or hate it, it's already starting to impact the welding and fabrication industry. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cocks from DC Built to talk about how we're actually using AI in our businesses today. From creating customer renderings and speeding up design work to building software, solving problems, and automating repetitive tasks, we share the tools and workflows that are helping us get more done with less effort. But the conversation doesn't stop there. We dive into the future of fabrication and discuss what happens when AI starts working alongside robotics, cobots, laser welders, CNC equipment, and automated material handling systems. Could a small shop one day have the output of a much larger company? How close are we really to that becoming reality? Whether you're already experimenting with AI or you're still trying to figure out what all the hype is about, this episode will give you a practical look at where the technology is today—and where it's headed next. Topics we cover: • Using AI to create customer renderings and concepts • Chat GPT, Claude, and other AI tools • Prompting techniques that get better results • Building software and automations with AI • AI agents and workflow automation • The future of robotic welding and fabrication • How AI could impact small welding businesses • Why technology is becoming more accessible than ever If you're a welding business owner, fabricator, shop manager, or anyone interested in where the trades are headed, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. #WeldingBusinessOwnersPodcast #WeldingBusiness #Fabrication #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ChatGPT #WeldingShop #Manufacturing #Automation #Robotics #SmallBusiness www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

May 18, 20261 hr 26 min

Josh Hutie - Tradesman Experience Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Welding Business Owners Podcast, I sit down with Josh Hewitt — entrepreneur, HVAC company owner, host of the Tradesmen Experience podcast, and cofounder of Blue Collar Insiders and True Pros. This conversation goes way deeper than just welding or HVAC. We talk about what actually makes a blue-collar business succeed long term: leadership, culture, communication, job costing, hiring, sales, customer experience, and learning how to think like a business owner instead of just a technician. Josh shares hard lessons from growing multiple companies, getting stuck in the same problems most trades business owners face, and what it really takes to build a team that cares about the customer as much as you do. We also dive into why so many businesses stay chaotic even when they’re busy, the danger of “out-earning” your mistakes, and how systems and leadership completely change the game. If you own a welding business, fabrication shop, HVAC company, or any blue-collar business, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. Topics we cover: Leadership and company culture Hiring people who actually care Why most trades businesses stay stuck Job costing and understanding your numbers Customer experience and communication Building systems that scale Sales without feeling “salesy” Managing teams and accountability Why being busy does NOT always mean profitable The Welding Business Summit & Fabricator Olympics Check out Josh Hewitt: Instagram: @bluecollarinsiders Blue Collar Insiders Tradesmen Experience Podcast Learn more about the Welding Business Summit: WeldingBusinessSummit.com www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

May 5, 202649 min

Dan - DC Built

Send us Fan Mail Trying to build a welding business while working a full-time job? That’s exactly what Dan from DC Built is doing—and in this episode, we break down what it really takes to grow a welding business on nights and weekends. This isn’t theory. This is what it looks like when you’re juggling a day job, limited time, and still trying to build something that actually makes money. We get into: How Dan balances a full-time job while growing his welding business How to decide which jobs are actually worth your time Pricing when you can’t afford to waste hours on low-profit work The biggest mistakes guys make when starting on the side What’s helping him build real momentum without going full-time If you’re trying to turn your welding skills into a real business—but you’re stuck working a job during the day—this episode will give you a more realistic path forward. — 🎯 This episode is for: Welding business owners working a full-time job Side hustle welders trying to grow Fabricators looking to make more money with limited time — Subscribe for more real-world advice on building a profitable welding business, pricing your work, and growing without wasting time. #WeldingBusiness #SideHustle #WeldingLife #Fabrication #TradesBusiness #SmallBusiness www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

April 20, 20261 hr 54 min

Tyson - Fine Iron

Send us Fan Mail 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. www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

April 6, 20261 hr 25 min

Steve Devers - Perfect Fab

Send us Fan Mail 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. www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

March 23, 20261 hr 1 min

David - DTB Fab

Send us Fan Mail 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 www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com

March 9, 20261 hr 0 min

James - Stubby's Welding

Send us Fan Mail 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 www.FabricatorOlympics.com www.WeldingBusinessSummit.com