In 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 business

Who 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 freedom

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to David and DTBFab

02:39
The Journey of a Plumber and Welder

03:12
Balancing Two Full-Time Jobs

06:03
From Passion to Business: The LLC Journey

09:16
Learning Through Experience: The Early Days

14:33
Favorite Projects: Sheet Metal Shaping

16:37
Word of Mouth and Business Growth

18:27
Balancing Family and Work Life

21:35
Influences and Mentorship in Career Development

28:09
Embracing Manual Skills and Learning from Experience

33:44
Navigating the Challenges of Business and Confidence

46:58
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Confidence and Business Acumen

55:56
Advice for Aspiring Craftsmen: The Value of Listening and Learning

Keywords

welding 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

In 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 Business Overview and Growth
05:57 Challenges and Lessons Learned
08:46 Advertising and Customer Acquisition
11:29 Sign Making and Custom Orders
14:37 Work-Life Balance and Future Plans
27:02 Preparing for Spring: Garden Markers and Equipment
28:35 Lessons from Bad Customers: Navigating Business Relationships
33:09 Essential Tools for Mobile Work: The Mag Drill
45:06 The Art of Line Boring and Auger Repairs
52:27 Business Insights: Learning from Experience and Mistakes

Keywords

welding, business, agriculture, entrepreneurship, repair, customer service, plasma table, augers, small business, Canada

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.