Welding Business Owner Podcast

Kevin Johnson
  • 5.0 (88)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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! 

  1. 2D AGO

    Dylan - Haas Fabrication

    In this conversation, Dylan Haas shares his journey from high school welding to becoming a successful business owner in the fabrication industry. He discusses his military service, the challenges of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, and the importance of communication and customer service. Dylan emphasizes the role of technology in modern fabrication and shares valuable financial lessons learned along the way. He also highlights the significance of work-life balance and the tools that have made his business successful. In this engaging conversation, Dylan Haas and Kevin Johnson explore various topics related to equipment management, innovative crane technology, and the challenges of running a business without employees. They discuss the pros and cons of different types of cranes and telehandlers, share insights on finding good deals at auctions, and reflect on the importance of family time amidst their entrepreneurial pursuits. The conversation also touches on personal aspirations, including flying and the significance of learning from others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dylan Haas and His Journey 02:22 From Welding to Military Service 05:17 Transitioning to Full-Time Business Owner 08:07 Building a Customer Base 10:45 Challenges of Cold Calling and Networking 13:35 The Importance of Reliability in Business 16:44 Managing Workload and Technology 19:36 Collaborating with Other Contractors 22:25 Overcoming Challenges in Fabrication 25:20 Navigating Business Software and Operations 32:24 The Importance of Asking Questions 33:12 Building Business Confidence 34:23 Gradual Growth and Customer Relationships 36:23 Navigating Customer Challenges 37:36 Work-Life Balance in Home-Based Businesses 40:52 Future Plans and Property Considerations 45:14 Financial Lessons Learned 50:45 Common Mistakes in the Welding Business 53:56 Dealing with Difficult Customers 01:00:48 Favorite Tools and Innovations 01:03:52 Exploring Wireless Crane Technology 01:07:36 Choosing Between Cranes and Telehandlers 01:10:27 The Importance of Equipment Versatility 01:12:35 Navigating the Auction Scene 01:15:29 Finding Value in Equipment Resale 01:19:29 The Future of Equipment in Welding 01:23:25 Power Requirements for Laser Equipment 01:29:22 Cutting Techniques and Gas Usage 01:31:18 Equipment Management and Selling Unused Tools 01:33:14 Efficiency in Business Operations 01:38:11 Advice on Business Growth and Employee Management 01:43:00 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations Keywords welding, fabrication, business, entrepreneurship, customer service, work-life balance, financial lessons, technology, tools, networking, crane technology, telehandlers, equipment management, auctions, equipment flipping, welding tools, business advice, family time, aviation, entrepreneurship

    1h 57m

  2. DEC 1

    Charles - McCarthy Fabrication

    In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Charles McCarthy, a welding business owner who shares his journey from starting a small welding operation to managing a large fabrication company. Charles discusses the importance of keeping processes in-house to maintain quality and timelines, the challenges of scaling his business, and the strategies he employs for customer acquisition and hiring. He emphasizes the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way and his vision for future growth. In this conversation, Charles McCarthy shares his journey from a welding job to becoming a successful business owner. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of building the right team, and the lessons learned from experience. He emphasizes the need for effective management, the significance of understanding customer needs, and the thrill of continuous improvement in business processes. The discussion also touches on common mistakes made by small business owners in the welding industry and highlights a unique success story involving hand sanitizer stands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, Charles McCarthy shares his experiences of building a business during a crisis, navigating the challenges of selling on Amazon, and the importance of automation and technology in driving business growth. He emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and the impact of investing in the right tools and processes to enhance efficiency and profitability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Charles' Business 03:01 Charles' Journey into Welding and Business Growth 07:20 Scaling the Business: From Garage to 21,000 Square Feet 10:38 Team Dynamics and In-House Processes 14:02 Customer Acquisition and Reputation Management 19:00 Challenges of In-House Operations and Learning Experiences 25:21 Hiring Practices and Employee Growth 32:00 Future Aspirations and Business Vision 41:13 From Welding to Business Owner 44:15 The Sprint to Business Independence 46:46 Navigating Growth Challenges 49:55 Building the Right Team 54:21 Key Roles for a Small Shop 01:01:24 Learning from Experience 01:04:47 Managing Expectations and Emotions 01:07:45 The Thrill of Business Ownership 01:12:26 Common Mistakes in the Welding Business 01:17:56 The Hand Sanitizer Stand Success 01:23:17 Building a Business During Crisis 01:28:01 Navigating Amazon's Marketplace Challenges 01:33:42 Automation and Estimation in Business 01:45:09 Investing in Technology for Growth 01:51:09 Data-Driven Decision Making

    2h 1m

  3. NOV 3

    Knox Carmichael

    22-year-old Knox Carmichael left high school, got his GED, learned to weld, bought a $10K camper on Facebook Marketplace, and hit the road. He’s welded garbage trucks in Denver, aluminum Navy ships in Wisconsin, and now lives in his camper in Florida doing aerospace steel welding (UT/X-ray). He travels with his fiancée, plans to start Weld Fab Auto, and shares hard-won lessons on recruiters, test jitters, and why gatekeeping hurts the trade. “Confidence is 90 % of welding.” – Knox

    1h 34m

  4. SEP 15

    Nathan - NMT Welding and Industrial maint.

    In this engaging episode, Nathan Leiter and Kevin Johnson dive into the challenges and triumphs of the welding community. Nathan shares his journey into the business side of welding, while Kevin discusses the exciting Fabricator Olympics and his goal to unite welders from all 50 states. Tune in for insights on starting your own venture and the importance of community support in the welding industry. I want to hear from you guys! I'm blocking out a bunch of time over the next two months to record podcasts And I want to hear from you guys! I want to hear the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, and everything in between. Reach out to me on Instagram or shoot me an email at Kevin@JMWfabrication.com From there I'll reach out and send you a link to our Google Calendar to pick out what time is best for you to ho on a call. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

    53 min

  5. AUG 26

    Mike - Krenzler Fabrication and Welding

    In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of welding with Mike Krenzler, owner of KFW Welding. Discover the unique challenges faced by welders in the agricultural sector, from navigating the expectations of second-generation farmers to managing the financial demands of running a small business. Mike shares his journey from apprentice to business owner, offering insights into the importance of community, the value of investing in technology like CNC plasma tables, and the delicate balance between work and family life. Tune in for a candid discussion on the evolving landscape of welding and the strategies that keep this essential industry thriving. I want to hear from you guys! I'm blocking out a bunch of time over the next two months to record podcasts And I want to hear from you guys! I want to hear the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, and everything in between. Reach out to me on Instagram or shoot me an email at Kevin@JMWfabrication.com From there I'll reach out and send you a link to our Google Calendar to pick out what time is best for you to ho on a call. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

    2h 12m

  6. AUG 11

    Weston Spencer - Salt City Steel

    Kevin and Weston discuss the journey of Weston as a welder and entrepreneur, focusing on his innovative tool, the Picket Master Pro. They explore the challenges of running a side business while maintaining a full-time job, the importance of community and social media in business, and the future of Weston's ventures. The discussion highlights the significance of adaptability, learning from experiences, and the value of side hustles in achieving financial goals. I want to hear from you guys! I'm blocking out a bunch of time over the next two months to record podcasts And I want to hear from you guys! I want to hear the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, and everything in between. Reach out to me on Instagram or shoot me an email at Kevin@JMWfabrication.com From there I'll reach out and send you a link to our Google Calendar to pick out what time is best for you to ho on a call. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

    1h 6m

  7. JUL 28

    Bruce - Go Wild Fabrication (revisited)

    In todays episode we revisit Bruce Stevens from Go Wild Fabrication to see how much his business has changed in the last 4 years and what journey he's on now.  I want to hear from you guys! I'm blocking out a bunch of time over the next two months to record podcasts And I want to hear from you guys! I want to hear the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, and everything in between. Reach out to me on Instagram or shoot me an email at Kevin@JMWfabrication.com From there I'll reach out and send you a link to our Google Calendar to pick out what time is best for you to ho on a call. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

    2h 28m

  8. JUL 14

    Dan - Facchiano Iron Works

    In this conversation, Kevin Johnson interviews Dan Lischner, who shares his journey from being a welder to acquiring an established welding business. They discuss the challenges and intricacies of business acquisition, the importance of maintaining customer relationships, and the lessons learned in the first nine months of ownership. Dan emphasizes the significance of teaching and training new employees, the role of community engagement, and the upcoming Fabricator Olympics, which celebrates skills in the welding industry. I want to hear from you guys! I'm blocking out a bunch of time over the next two months to record podcasts And I want to hear from you guys! I want to hear the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, and everything in between. Reach out to me on Instagram or shoot me an email at Kevin@JMWfabrication.com From there I'll reach out and send you a link to our Google Calendar to pick out what time is best for you to ho on a call. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

    1h 13m
See All (102)

5
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

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! 

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Johnson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Welding Business Owner Podcast
  • Show Website
    Welding Business Owner Podcast

You Might Also Like