Seth Feldman of Iowa-based Wertzbaugher Services joins The Fabricator Podcast to offer his take as a Gen Zer working in metal fabrication, why he turned to the skilled trades instead of the traditional college path, and thoughts on representing what's been dubbed the "toolbelt generation." Feldman explains how after high school, he pursued a traditional college route by attending Iowa University, where his parents and siblings attended, but quickly realized that wasn't for him. He talks about how Lisa Wertzbaugher recruited him to work for her fabrication, which put him 10-year success plan while learning how estimate jobs, fabricate and weld, and manage a team. Feldman adds his thoughts on the perception of the skilled trades among Generation Z and how more and more Gen Zers are exploring more career options outside of the traditional college path. The guys also talk Hawkeyes football and the best way to eat corn. This episode was recorded on location at the 2024 FMA Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Fla. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Caleb Chamberlain, co-founder and CEO of OSH Cut, discusses his company’s unique approach to sheet metal fabricating. Chamberlain explains how OSH Cut offers an online platform that allows customers to upload their designs and receive instant quotes for laser cutting and bending services. He also describes how they have developed their own software to automate the quoting and production processes, as well as their efforts to expand their capabilities to include other services such as welding. Chamberlain also discusses their use of digital advertising and their focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. He emphasizes OSH Cut’s aim to streamline the metal fabricating process and provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for their customers. Chamberlain also addresses the issue of the wage gap in the industry and stresses the importance of paying livable wages to attract and retain skilled workers. At the top, hosts Dan Davis and Tim Heston talk about the impact OSH Cut's "web shop" business model is making on the metal fabrication sector, especially with its design for manufacturing (DFM) services on top of its automated online ordering and instant quoting systems to support its laser cutting and press brake capabilities. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

In this podcast episode, Brian Steel, CEO of Cadrex Manufacturing, discusses the challenges of acquiring, merging, and integrating multiple metal fabrication businesses under one organization. He emphasizes the importance of aligning technical expertise, managing capacity, and implementing ERP systems. Steel highlights the need for speed and agility in the industry and the importance of people and culture in the integration process. He also discusses the use of data and automation in improving efficiency and decision-making. Steel sees the acquisition strategy as a way to build trusted partnerships with innovative companies and rapidly bring their ideas from concept to scale. Steel believes there is a need for large, fully integrated mechanical solution providers in North America and sees the opportunity for organic growth in the industry as well. He also emphasizes how he’s optimistic about the future of the fabrication industry and sees it as a great time to be in the business. At the top, the guys talk about Cadrex's impressive and aggressive roll-up strategy, and how's it's impacted The Fabricator's FAB 40 list. There's also a mention of Dig Dug. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

This week on The Fabricator Podcast, Jason Becker, host of the Arc Junkies Podcast and owner of Underground Metal Works, shares his journey into welding and how the trade has opened doors he never would have expected, leading him to become an ironworker, educator, podcaster, and business owner. Becker talks about how he earned his first welding certificates before he even learned how to drive, and how he carried over that trade when he joined the Marine Corps. After leaving the military, he worked as a structural steel ironworker before transitioning into teaching welding at Florida colleges and working for weld.com. Becker talks about how those opportunities eventually led him to taking over the Arc Junkies Podcast, buying Underground Metal Works, and partnering with American Welding Society (AWS). He discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching welding, the importance of hands-on instruction, and the diverse career opportunities available in the welding industry. He also shares his passion for the podcasting and the opportunity it provides to learn from and connect with experts across the metal fabrication and welding industry. At the top, a conversation about Becker working on various Florida theme parks lead to a discussion about how Austin Hargett of weld.com took to TikTok to rate welds at a Six Flags. This episode was recorded on location at the 2024 FMA Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Fla. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

Omar Nashashibi, co-founder of The Franklin Partnership and a lobbyist representing manufacturing trade associations, joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing sheet metal fabricators and other manufacturers in the current political climate. He emphasizes the importance of workforce development, stable tax policies, and understanding government regulations. Nashashibi also discusses the impact of tariffs, the need for education and advocacy on behalf of manufacturers, and the role of government incentives in promoting profitability and viability. He encourages manufacturers to stay informed, work with trade associations, and take advantage of available resources and opportunities. At the top, the guys call-back a reference Omar made to the movie "Tommy Boy" and how it depicts sheet metal stamping at Callahan Auto. It led to a conversation about other movies set in manufacturing and fabricating facilities, like "Mr. Mom" with Michael Keaton, "Nobody" with Bob Odenkirk, and "Fatman" with Mel Gibson. This episode was recorded on location at the 2024 FMA Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Fla. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

After Ludlow Manufacturing Inc. (LMI) received The Fabricator's 2024 Industry Award, Todd Ludlow, founder and president of the Waukegan, Ill.-based metal fabrication business, joined us on the podcast to expound on it all. Ludlow discusses his journey of starting and growing his own fabrication business. He reflects on his early days as a machine operator and how transitioning into sales sales role helped him learn the industry. He emphasizes three important points that helped transform his business to the success it is today: The importance of having a strong company cultureGiving up power to those better suited to serve the businessAn all-in approach on establishing a safe shop floor Ludlow also discusses the impact of automation on his operations, including the use of robotic welding and parts sorting. He shares his optimism for the future and his plans for further growth, including expanding into tube laser cutting and investing in more robotic welding. He also mentions the involvement of his family in the business and the challenges and rewards that come with it. At the top, the guys chat about a California-based welder/fabricator named Shaun Graham who was inspired enough by a previous episode to create an awesome sculpture of Garbage Pail Kids character Adam Bomb. Not to mention, he also fabricated a Michael Myers mask out of metal. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

In this episode, Michael Bennett, a welder and metal artist based in Wadsworth, Ill., joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss how an unfortunate car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down reignited his passion for working with metal, particularly scrap metal. Michael talks about how attending mechanic school helped instill a mindset of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, which he says inspired him to relearn how use his tools after he lost strength in his preferred left hand. It also gave him the skills to build robots to help assist him around his farm. He also goes into detail about his love of creating metal sculptures from recycled materials and how it led him creating Michael Bennett Designs and participating in an annual event in Lansing, Mich., called ScrapFest. At the top, a mention of a now-banned plastic toy welder that Michael said he played with as a child, sparked a conversation about other banned toys made out of metal, like sharp-tipped lawn darts and a belt buckle revolver. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, sponsored by Salvagnini America and part of the Automation Talk series, Tim Heston interviews Clay Case and Matt Humerick of Salvagnini about the role of software automation in modern precision sheet metal fabrication. They discuss the challenges and bottlenecks in the fabrication process, the importance of data flow and communication between design, engineering, and manufacturing, and the benefits of software in streamlining production and improving efficiency. They also touch on the future of software in the industry, including the potential for AI and machine learning to further automate processes and increase efficiency. Download the free e-book (Automation Talk: Focus on Software). Watch first and second episodes of the Automation Talk video series. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode, Christian Streu, CFO of The Partner Companies, and Charles Cohen, President of FotoFab, join The Fabricator Podcast to talk about the growing trend of mergers and acquisitions in manufacturing. They discuss the evolution of Chicago-based The Partner Companies and how smaller manufacturing and fabrication businesses can benefit from being part of a larger organization. The Partner Companies was formed in 1997 by founders Dan Brumlik and Scott Bekemeyer with a focus to bring together a strategic network of specialty manufacturers serving the aerospace, defense, energy, medical, technology, automotive, and telecom industries. They also touch on the challenges of running multiple companies within one fold, the importance of near-shoring, and the future of manufacturing in North America. The episode concludes with a discussion on the recruitment of young talent into the industry and the exciting opportunities in the clean energy sector. At the top, a mention of a Yugo leads to a conversation about first cars, from a 1966 Ford Galaxy to a 1989 Chevy Nova to the ultimate latch-key kid car, a 1987 Chevy Beretta. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

On this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Philadelphia-based welder and trades advocate Pa'Trice Frazier joins host Dan Davis and Josh Welton at SEMA, in partnership with Miller Electric. Pa'Trice chats about how she got her start as a welder and working Atlanta projects like the Mercedes Benz Stadium, Spanx Headquarters, Marta Buckhead Bridge, and, in Philadelphia, the River Alive Exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum. She also talks about appearing on the NBC show Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge and fabricating a 1969 Dodge Charger called "Power Charged" and using her Weldjointed platform to encourage more diversity in the welding trade as well as teaching others how to weld. At the top, Dan and Josh talk about Josh participating in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Detroit. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Emma Sauve of Mobsteel and Detroit Steel Wheel brings the energy as she joins host Dan Davis and Josh Welton on this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, in partnership with Miller Electric at SEMA 2023 in Las Vegas. Emma talks about the history of Mobsteel and how its focus on customizing Lincoln Continentals from the 1960s led to the creation of Detroit Steel Wheel in 2012, which specializes in fabricating and designing custom wheels for big-body styled cars. Emma also talks about her job as the digital creative force behind both efforts and her love of telling the stories of customers in the aftermarket industry. She also discusses the importance of creating American-made products in Detroit, her favorite Mobsteel/Detroit Steel Wheel builds (including the 1966 Motorcity Vice Lincoln Continental), and working with business co-founders Pam and Adam Genei and lead fabricator Steve Ryan. At the top, Emma joins Dan and Josh to talk about the SEMA afterparty at the Sosa Metalworks shop, lowriders, and a metal sculpture of a skull by Luis Varela-Rico. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Ryan Fielding of Ringbrothers joins hosts Dan Davis and Josh Welton on this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, in partnership with Miller Electric at SEMA 2023 in Las Vegas. Ryan goes into detail about the three builds that Wisconsin-based Ringbrothers displayed at SEMA: a 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible called “Uncaged”, a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II called “Paramount”, and a 1969 Dodge Charger called “Tusk”. Ryan also talks about how his family's background influenced his career as a fabricator, how he learned to weld when he was 8 years old, and his grandfather's stint as a stunt car performer with Jimmie Lynch and The Death Dodgers. He also talks about starting his own hotrod/motorcycle fabrication business, Paragon Customs, and how he was subsequently convinced to join Ringbrothers. He also discusses Ringbrothers winning the SEMA's 2022 Battle of Builders with its 1948 Chevy Loadmaster, his love of pinstriping, and creating goalie mask artwork for the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, and in partnership with Miller Electric, Andy Weyenberg from Miller's motorsports division and Real Garage with Andy, joins us live at SEMA 2023 in Las Vegas to discuss the welding industry and its applications in the performance racing industry. Andy talks about his love of motorsports, the science behind the various types of welding, what SEMA means for Miller, how race cars influence different welding techniques, the famous car builders at SEMA, and the future of the aftermarket sector. He also discusses building a '69 Trans Am with 800 horsepower that is designed for road courses, autocrossing, and drag racing. At the top, Dan and Josh talk about their journeys to Las Vegas for SEMA, including Josh's epic road trip in a 2024 Jeep 392 Wrangler from Detroit through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Utah, as well as stops in Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about Miller's new MIG welder: Millermatic 142.

Brothers Anthony and Rob DiVito, the founders of custom furniture shop iRcustom, make their return to The Fabricator Podcast to offer more transparent insight into small business ownership in the metal fabrication industry. This time, they brought with them a coffee table for our revamped studio. We chat about the fabrication details of that project and what's new with their Chicago-area business. The discussion covers how they've gone away from relying too much on vertical integration, exploring more outsourcing opportunities with partners like @PrecisionTubeLaser , implementing more 3D-printed prototyping and fixtures, technology advancements in the fabrication industry, the growing pains of running a small shop, and more. At the top, the guys talk about @ahrendtdirk , a Germany-based fabricator and tool maker. Dirk, who goes by The Metalist, has created an awesome line of hammers shaped like a fist and axes shaped like an open hand. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Joe Clark, CEO and founder of Architectural Elements, joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk custom fabrication, business ownership, video production, and more. He discusses the early days of his career and how he took his Seattle-area business from a garage shop to what Clark calls a multi disciplined organization that focuses design, production and installation of art, signage, architectural components and furnishings. Clark, who produces a series called “Made With Metals” with Online Metals , also talks about the the importance of storytelling in video production and why it's important to the perception of metalworking industry. Along the way, he also touches on the nuances of custom architectural fabrication, the metal fabrication scene in the Pacific Northwest, and various Architectural Elements projects. At the top, the guys talk about Chicago architecture and pop cultural references to Marina City, like Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album cover and Steve McQueen's last film, The Hunter. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Staci Martinez joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about starting her own small business in Sioux Falls, S.D. called 605 Shield Maiden, which focuses on creating metal art sculptures, fabricating handrails, and combing wood and metal to make furniture. She discusses how working briefly as a production welder and seeing all the potential in the scrap metal bin inspired her to pursue metal art. Staci eventually created her first sculpture, a gnome, and was chosen to have it on display at SculptureWalk, an exhibit of outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in downtown Sioux Falls. She also talks about her involvement with The Hooded Heroes Foundation, which serves to help provide welding equipment and PPE to those who can't afford. At the top, hosts Dan Davis and Josh Welton talk about unfortunate metal sculptures, including the infamous Cristiano Ronaldo bust at an airport in Portugal. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Tom Patsis of Cold Hard Art joins the podcast to talk about the never-ending business of designing, fabricating, and building trophies for motorsports events. Tom sits down with hosts Josh Welton and Dan Davis at FABTECH 2023 in Chicago, and opens up about how he left his job at Don Schumacher Racing as a fabricator to start his own business, as well as the pros and cons of starting a small business. He also talks about winning the first season of Metal Shop Masters on Netflix and partnering with companies like Miller Electric, Starrett, FastCut CNC, PFERD North America, Trick-Tools, and others. Tom also discusses running a business with his wife, being father, the rewards of being a metal artist, and how he would fabricate an alien space craft. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Aaron Prather, the director for the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM International, joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about the importance of robotics and automation standards in manufacturing and the metal fabrication sector. Prather emphasizes the need for input from small and medium-sized businesses in order to address their specific challenges and develop relevant standards. He also highlights the potential for Automation-as-a-Service and the importance of engaging young people in manufacturing through educational programs and facility visits. Additionally, Prather mentions his time working with FedEx, the involvement of ASTM in developing standards for the cannabis industry, and the future potential of robotics in industries such as hypersonic and space components. At the top, the guys talk about their favorite movie and TV robot characters as well as Andy Kaufman's long-forgotten movie flop, Heartbeeps. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Greg Davis of Red Beard's Garage joins hosts Josh Welton and Rafael Guerrero to talk about his wildly popular YouTube channel, which he uses to teach people how to build and fabricate small engine vehicles like go-karts, minibikes, and side-by-sides. He shares how he started this venture by wanting to build his daughter a go-kart without any prior fabrication and welding experience. He also talks about how the first Fast & Furious movie sparked his interest, fabricating tube chassis for SEMA, expanding his business, some of his most memorable builds, playing Need for Speed, and more. At the top, Josh and the guys talk about Garbage Pail Kids, sketchy go-kart tracks, and Super Mario Kart. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode of The Fabricator podcast, sponsored by Schuler Group, host Dan Davis interviews Chris McMahon of Schuler North America about tubular hydroforming and how it serves the manufacturing industry. McMahon explains that the metal forming process involves loading a tube into a die, closing the die, and using water pressure to shape the tube. He highlights the advantages of hydroforming, such as eliminating secondary processes and providing consistent part-to-part results. McMahon also discusses the success stories of using hydroforming with manufacturers like Ford Motor Company, as well as its applicability in industries beyond automotive for trailer hitches and frame components. He emphasizes the expertise and support offered by Schuler in the hydroforming process. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities.