Welding Business Owner Podcast

Kevin Johnson
  • 5.0 (90)
  • 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. FEB 16

    Cody Johnston - Elite Welding Innovations

    In 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 Context 03:02 Cody's Business Journey Begins 05:56 The Buyout Agreement 08:41 Challenges in Business Operations 11:48 Valuation and Ownership Dynamics 14:45 Work Acquisition and Client Relationships 17:43 The Custom Home Builder Experience 20:21 Contractual Oversights and Consequences 22:53 Conflict and Resolution with the Client 25:57 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned 29:33 Navigating Payment Challenges 30:33 Disputes and Their Consequences 32:28 The Impact of Disputes on Business 34:12 Personal Bankruptcy and Its Aftermath 36:21 The Emotional Toll of Business Failures 37:56 Legal Complications and Chargebacks 39:54 Family Challenges and Business Decisions 41:43 Dreams of Entrepreneurship 43:33 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics 48:48 Overcoming Fear of Failure 50:15 Identity and Business: The Emotional Connection 56:21 Lessons Learned: Navigating Business Challenges 01:02:37 Restarting the Journey: Insights for Future Success 01:07:47 Building a New Business: Strategies and Considerations 01:19:53 Outsourcing for Efficiency 01:26:06 Building a Support Network 01:33:29 Taking Action and Setting Goals 01:44:08 Defining Your Business Vision Takeaways Cody'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.

    1h 48m

  2. FEB 2

    Ryan - Jensen Specialty Welding

    In 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Jensen's Welding Journey 05:59 Building a Business: The Early Days 11:46 Navigating Financial Challenges 17:58 Managing Business Operations 23:31 Finding Balance: Saying No and Time Management 28:34 Building a Strong Team Culture 39:20 Financial Lessons and Cash Flow Management 44:17 Influences and Future Goals 49:31 Navigating Business Growth and Risks 54:30 Standard Operating Procedures in Welding 59:29 Fabrication of Piping Systems 01:04:35 Polishing and Finishing in Pipe Welding Keywords welding, fabrication, business journey, challenges, work-life balance, pipe welding, entrepreneurship, team dynamics, technical skills, family involvement

    1h 11m

  3. JAN 19

    Mike - Rockin 2 Industries

    In 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."Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup 02:09 Mike's Unique Journey into Welding 05:05 The Power of Networking in the Welding Community 08:35 Profit Sharing and Collaboration with Other Businesses 17:32 Managing a Team and Maintaining Work Culture 26:48 Future Aspirations for Rockin' Two Industries 33:49 Team Skills and Project Diversity 35:25 Overview of Shop Projects 42:18 Challenges of Business Growth 46:16 Learning to Say No 50:15 Customer Relations and Advertising Strategies 57:24 Financial Lessons Learned 01:09:51 The Right Tools for the Job 01:11:00 Space Constraints and Shop Organization 01:15:58 Common Pitfalls in Business Growth 01:19:54 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Owners 01:24:06 Managing Projects and Invoicing

    1h 34m

  4. JAN 5

    David - Seitz Fabrication

    In this conversation, David Seitz shares his journey from a young welder influenced by his family's legacy to becoming a business owner in the welding industry. He discusses the challenges of balancing a full-time job with his mobile welding business, the importance of time management, and the role of social media in marketing. David reflects on his experiences at the Fabricator Olympics and emphasizes the need for business acumen in addition to technical skills. He also shares insights on customer relations, pricing strategies, and the tools that have helped him succeed in his trade. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Seitz and His Journey 05:44 Transitioning from Employee to Business Owner 11:46 Challenges of Balancing Work and Business 17:42 The Importance of Content Creation 23:35 Customer Relationships and Word-of-Mouth Marketing 29:27 Work-Life Balance and Family Dynamics 30:15 The Humble Champion 32:19 Finding Pride in Accomplishments 34:24 Tools of the Trade 38:58 Navigating Equipment Choices 41:59 Future Plans and Family Balance 45:01 Lessons in Business Management 49:42 The Importance of Pricing 56:32 Continuous Learning and Growth Keywords welding, business, entrepreneurship, mobile welding, Fabricator Olympics, work-life balance, social media, content creation, customer relations, tools

    56 min

  5. 12/22/2025

    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

  6. 12/01/2025

    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

  7. 11/03/2025

    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

  8. 09/15/2025

    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.

    52 min
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5
out of 5
90 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Welding Business Owner Podcast
  • Show Website
    Welding Business Owner Podcast

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