In this episode, host Beau Wigington pulls together the most practical, hard-won business advice shared on WELD over the past three years—everything from getting your first customers and pricing your time, to choosing insurance, building a team, and using short-form video to keep orders flowing.
Key Topics Covered
Why reliability beats “stacking dimes” perfectionism for business growth (show up, do what you say)
Budgeting and bootstrapping: paying down debt, selling online, and reinvesting in tools
Social media that sells: consistent short-form posting, showing your face, and treating content as a product
Getting legal and protected: LLCs, accountants, business banking, and choosing the right insurance broker
Knowing when to hire: escaping burnout, delegating office work, and building a small, capable team
Culture that retains welders: safe shops, good lighting, respect, and clear values people can rally around
Mobile welding startup basics: van setup, Google Ads, word of mouth, and keeping a “day-job safety net”
Skill growth for beginners: daily reps, letting learning compound, and not chasing “perfect”
Sales fundamentals: websites, clear branding, phone numbers on trucks, and simple prospecting habits
Memorable Quotes
- “You don’t have to be the best welder on earth. Show up on time, do what you say, and be a person of your word.” — Anthony (Melton Metal Anthony)
“If you’re a maker on YouTube, the video is the product—not the project.” — John Malecki
“We couldn’t afford marketing—so we posted. Consistently.” — Jason & Miranda (Shass on Smoke)
“File the LLC, hire a good accountant, and stop trying to do it all alone.” — Luke Labdie
“Get decent insurance and learn the terms they want to hear—answer only what’s asked.” — Kevin Johnson (JMW Fabrication)
“If you want a world-class team, create the kind of place world-class people want to work.” — Matthew Nix (Nix Industrial)
Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses
Use code WELD20 - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Connect With The Guests
- Anthony James
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/kal9F3kNUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meltinmetalmobile/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHt5K7OkaBivUMvwn9W9ppw
Website - https://meltinmetal.com/
Jason & Miranda Chiasson
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LQanfTINUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chiassonsmoke/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmthizFiUZOPJGHSDLQl4-A
Website - https://www.chiassonsmoke.com/
John Malecki
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZYAlnNONUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/john_malecki/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@John_Malecki
Website - johnmalecki.com
Luke Labdie
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8mb48DwOUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aaweldfab/
Website - https://aaweldfab.com/
Kevin Johnson
Full EP - htt
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