Welding Business Owner Podcast

Hosted by Kevin Johnson

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Episodes

113

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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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!

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60 recent

June 8, 202628 min

How AI Will Change Welding Businesses Forever

Send us Fan MailArtificial 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 everIf 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 #SmallBusinessSeptember 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.comwww.FabricatorOlympics.com

May 18, 20261 hr 26 min

Josh Hutie - Tradesman Experience Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn 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 cultureHiring people who actually careWhy most trades businesses stay stuckJob costing and understanding your numbersCustomer experience and communicationBuilding systems that scaleSales without feeling “salesy”Managing teams and accountabilityWhy being busy does NOT always mean profitableThe Welding Business Summit & Fabricator OlympicsCheck out Josh Hewitt:Instagram: @bluecollarinsidersBlue Collar InsidersTradesmen Experience PodcastLearn more about the Welding Business Summit:WeldingBusinessSummit.comSeptember 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.comwww.FabricatorOlympics.com

May 5, 202649 min

Dan - DC Built

Send us Fan MailTrying 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 businessHow to decide which jobs are actually worth your timePricing when you can’t afford to waste hours on low-profit workThe biggest mistakes guys make when starting on the sideWhat’s helping him build real momentum without going full-timeIf 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 jobSide hustle welders trying to growFabricators 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 #SmallBusinessSeptember 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.comwww.FabricatorOlympics.com

April 20, 20261 hr 51 min

Tyson - Fine Iron

Send us Fan MailWhat 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.

April 6, 20261 hr 21 min

Steve Devers - Perfect Fab

Send us Fan MailMost 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 MattersThere’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.

March 23, 202658 min

David - DTB Fab

Send us Fan MailIn 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 businessWho 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 freedomChapters00:00Introduction to David and DTBFab02:39The Journey of a Plumber and Welder03:12Balancing Two Full-Time Jobs06:03From Passion to Business: The LLC Journey09:16Learning Through Experience: The Early Days14:33Favorite Projects: Sheet Metal Shaping16:37Word of Mouth and Business Growth18:27Balancing Family and Work Life21:35Influences and Mentorship in Career Development28:09Embracing Manual Skills and Learning from Experience33:44Navigating the Challenges of Business and Confidence46:58Lessons Learned: The Importance of Confidence and Business Acumen55:56Advice for Aspiring Craftsmen: The Value of Listening and LearningKeywordswelding 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

March 9, 202657 min

James - Stubby's Welding

Send us Fan MailIn 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:59 Business Overview and Growth05:57 Challenges and Lessons Learned08:46 Advertising and Customer Acquisition11:29 Sign Making and Custom Orders14:37 Work-Life Balance and Future Plans27:02 Preparing for Spring: Garden Markers and Equipment28:35 Lessons from Bad Customers: Navigating Business Relationships33:09 Essential Tools for Mobile Work: The Mag Drill45:06 The Art of Line Boring and Auger Repairs52:27 Business Insights: Learning from Experience and MistakesKeywordswelding, business, agriculture, entrepreneurship, repair, customer service, plasma table, augers, small business, Canada

February 16, 20261 hr 48 min

Cody Johnston - Elite Welding Innovations

Send us Fan MailIn 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 Context03:02 Cody's Business Journey Begins05:56 The Buyout Agreement08:41 Challenges in Business Operations11:48 Valuation and Ownership Dynamics14:45 Work Acquisition and Client Relationships17:43 The Custom Home Builder Experience20:21 Contractual Oversights and Consequences22:53 Conflict and Resolution with the Client25:57 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned29:33 Navigating Payment Challenges30:33 Disputes and Their Consequences32:28 The Impact of Disputes on Business34:12 Personal Bankruptcy and Its Aftermath36:21 The Emotional Toll of Business Failures37:56 Legal Complications and Chargebacks39:54 Family Challenges and Business Decisions41:43 Dreams of Entrepreneurship43:33 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics48:48 Overcoming Fear of Failure50:15 Identity and Business: The Emotional Connection56:21 Lessons Learned: Navigating Business Challenges01:02:37 Restarting the Journey: Insights for Future Success01:07:47 Building a New Business: Strategies and Considerations01:19:53 Outsourcing for Efficiency01:26:06 Building a Support Network01:33:29 Taking Action and Setting Goals01:44:08 Defining Your Business VisionTakeawaysCody'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.

February 2, 20261 hr 11 min

Ryan - Jensen Specialty Welding

Send us Fan MailIn 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ryan Jensen's Welding Journey05:59 Building a Business: The Early Days11:46 Navigating Financial Challenges17:58 Managing Business Operations23:31 Finding Balance: Saying No and Time Management28:34 Building a Strong Team Culture39:20 Financial Lessons and Cash Flow Management44:17 Influences and Future Goals49:31 Navigating Business Growth and Risks54:30 Standard Operating Procedures in Welding59:29 Fabrication of Piping Systems01:04:35 Polishing and Finishing in Pipe WeldingKeywordswelding, fabrication, business journey, challenges, work-life balance, pipe welding, entrepreneurship, team dynamics, technical skills, family involvement

January 19, 20261 hr 36 min

Mike - Rockin 2 Industries

Send us Fan MailIn 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.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."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setup02:09 Mike's Unique Journey into Welding05:05 The Power of Networking in the Welding Community08:35 Profit Sharing and Collaboration with Other Businesses17:32 Managing a Team and Maintaining Work Culture26:48 Future Aspirations for Rockin' Two Industries33:49 Team Skills and Project Diversity35:25 Overview of Shop Projects42:18 Challenges of Business Growth46:16 Learning to Say No50:15 Customer Relations and Advertising Strategies57:24 Financial Lessons Learned01:09:51 The Right Tools for the Job01:11:00 Space Constraints and Shop Organization01:15:58 Common Pitfalls in Business Growth01:19:54 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Owners01:24:06 Managing Projects and InvoicingSeptember 11th and 12th. www.WeldingBusinessSummit.comwww.FabricatorOlympics.com