• 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.

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• 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

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

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