I grew up on a tobacco and dairy farm where my family’s mechanical skills shaped my early years. My dad and grandfather often repaired old equipment. They taught me the art of repair at a young age. With everything worn down, constant repairs became part of our daily life.

My maternal grandfather, a skilled mechanic, also strongly influenced me. He repaired everything from farm tools to heavy machinery and spent his life in the oil well drilling business while running a mechanics shop. Watching and helping him taught me invaluable lessons about metalwork and machinery.

In high school, I discovered my passion for welding. I had seen my family weld broken parts before, but it wasn’t until I took welding classes at our vocational school that I truly engaged with the craft. I excelled in welding, but I remained uncertain about my future after graduation. My dad encouraged me to follow his lead, so I enrolled in college while living at home.

My next-door neighbor, my second cousin, owned a welding business and needed help. I began working for him on days off and weekends. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I enjoyed welding far more than my college classes. Recognizing the potential for a good income, I decided to drop out after two years to pursue my passion full-time.

Initially, I worked for my cousin, but soon requests for fabrication and repairs started pouring in. Within a year, I built my own shop and took a leap of faith to start my own business. Although it was daunting, I was fortunate to have a steady stream of work that allowed me to provide for my family. For many years, I focused on oilfield equipment during a booming time in the industry. However, like any market, it eventually declined as new opportunities arose.

I became involved with a high school friend who was building his family business, Fitzgerald Glider Kits, into a success. I found myself in the right place at the right time, managing their machine and fabrication shop while also building parts in my own workspace. The workload was high, requiring long days of dedication.

To keep up, I realized I needed better equipment. I first invested in a plasma table, which significantly improved my efficiency. Within a year, I added my first laser cutter. This expansion began our rapid growth and success at Metal Workz LLC. I’m always seeking new challenges and opportunities to innovate.

I carry with me the wisdom shared by an elder when I first started my welding journey: “Good work brings more work.” These words have guided me throughout my career and continue to inspire our mission at Metal Workz.