The Fabricator Podcast

CEO John Axelberg has led General Stamping & Metalworks for more than 30 years, guiding the century-old metal manufacturer, headquartered in South Bend, Ind., through major shifts in technology and industry demands in metal fabrication. He joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss the company’s evolution and what it takes to stay relevant in modern manufacturing. This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago in partnership with Paperless Parts. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Renowned Mexico-based metal artist David Madero joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about honoring the legacy of his father and artist, (Rogelio Madero), his love of working with oxyacetylene to create his distinctive welded sculptures, paying it forward by teaching his techniques, advice for other artists for working with welding companies to become brand ambassadors, and more. This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Welding engineer and instructor Marvin Herrera joins us on The Fabricator Podcast to talk about his interesting and non-traditional career path to welding, his work with Chicago-based manufacturer Freedman Seating Company, teaching at Triton College, collaborating with JARC Training Center, and becoming a welding automation guru. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode, we dive into the story of Motobilt with Dan DuBose and Hunter DuBose. Founded in 2012 by Dan, who began fabricating parts out of necessity when he couldn’t find what he needed. Since then, Alabama-based Motobilt has grown into a popular manufacturer of aftermarket Jeep and off-road and rock-crawling parts, earning a reputation for quality, innovation, and cutting-edge design. We explore how the company leverages advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing and robotics, to prototype and produce their products, and how they’ve expanded into structural steel fabrication through Anvil Industrial Group. We also discuss Motobilt’s close collaborations with brands like Jeep and Warn, as well as the custom off-road builds they create to showcase their latest products and design capabilities. We also talk with Dan and Hunter about rock crawling in Moab and Sand Hollow and rock bouncing in Alabama. This episode is brought to you by MC Machinery Systems, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Rae Ripple returns to The Fabricator Podcast with updates on her life, metal art, and wild adventures. She shares stories about her move from Texas to Tennessee, major projects with Hypertherm, Northern Tool, Lincoln Electric, Harley-Davidson, Northeastern Junior College, and her passion for FABTECH. You’ll also hear how she freehand plasma-cut a 1941 Cadillac hood during the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway with Build Submarines, flew upside-down in a plane, and retrofitted—then off-road-raced—a Pontiac Vibe in the O’Reilly Vibe 200. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode, James Geier, founder of Chicago-based 555 International, shares how the business has evolved into a design-driven fabrication business known for delivering immersive, high-impact brand environments all across the country. Founded in 1988, Geier developed 555 into a go-to partner for custom fabrication projects across industries—from restaurants and retail stores to stadium installations and brand activations. Geier walks us through some of the company’s most recognizable work, including its role in shaping the retail experience at SoFi Stadium, the Madhouse Team Store at Chicago’s United Center, the official store at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the Florida Panthers Flagship Pro Shop, and more. Geier also talks about starting his career designing for Niedermaier Furniture, creating and engineering the carousel bar at Francois Frankie in the Chicago Loop, and how he feels fashion fuels creativity. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Brandon Minga is an artist, welder, and entrepreneur based in Wisconsin. Minga is the creative force behind House of RAD, a Milwaukee-based collaborative workspace for over 60 resident artists and makers. Minga has a background in illustration and graphic design, which led him to work in the metal fabrication, welding, and sculpture world. Some of his notable projects include a large-scale jellyfish sculpture called Salve-Jelly made from recycled materials in Green Bay and an upcoming 22-foot wide set of metal glasses to be installed in Milwaukee's Third Ward. Minga emphasizes the importance of collaboration and supporting the local creative community through initiatives like their annual fundraiser "Feed Your Soul." As House of RAD expands to a new 67,000 square foot facility, Minga continues to push the boundaries of his metalworking skills and create unique public art installations. Brandon also talks about making props for the 2022 independent slapstick comedy film "Hundreds of Beavers", becoming a brand ambassador for Miller Electric, and his experience with Burning Man. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Jarrod Klassen is the owner of Twisted Metal Sign Company, a business in Saskatchewan focused on creating intricate metal artwork using bead rolling techniques. While working in corrections, Jarrod discovered bead rolling as a hobby and has honed his skills over the past several years. He has gone from using a homemade bead roller to upgrading to professional equipment, and now creates highly detailed automotive and other scenes (like Willem Dafoe and doom metal band Pentagram) by combining bead rolling with CNC etching. Jarrod also teaches bead rolling classes, sharing his expertise with others interested in the craft. Despite having no formal art or metalworking training, Jarrod has developed an impressive skillset and turned his passion into a successful side business. This episode was record at Baileigh Industrial's Metal Shaping Fest in Manitowoc, Wis. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

This episode of The Fabricator Podcast features a conversation with Chris Rusch, formerly of Rusch Machine & Design, and Mike Wagner of Cornfield Customs. They discuss the history and development of metal shaping equipment, particularly the power hammer, and how it has enabled a resurgence in this specialized craft. Chris and Mike describe the techniques and approaches they use to shape metal, including the importance of templates and patterns. They also share stories of their favorite projects, ranging from classic car restorations to work for aerospace museums. The episode highlights how this metal shaping technology has become more accessible to hobbyists and smaller shops, reviving interest in the art of metal fabrication. This episode was record at Baileigh Industrial's Metal Shaping Fest in Manitowoc, Wis. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Kent Brown joins The Fabricator Podcast talk about becoming CEO of O'Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) in 2018, his leadership philosophy, emphasizing safety, empowering the OMS workforce, expanding the company's geographical footprint, and what it means to be a mainstay on our annual FAB 40 list. Brown discusses how OMS has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years, going from seven to 10 locations since 2018. The company has invested heavily in new equipment, including fiber lasers, robotic press brakes, and higher-powered lasers, to stay competitive. He also emphasizes how O'Neal empowers local leadership and fostering collaboration across its facilities. The company's general managers and assistant general managers have autonomy to make decisions tailored to their customers' needs. O'Neal has also implemented regional management structures to facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources among its various locations. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Steve Kost of Chicago-based Metal Health Artwork joins us this week to talk about how he turned to creating metal sculptures to help him cope with PTSD after serving in the military, and what started as just a hobby has become full-scale effort advocating for better mental health practices among veterans and other adults. Steve talks about his time serving with the Navy Seabees, his career as an ironworker in Chicago, working through PTSD, honing his skills a metal artist, using scrap pieces of metal to create his abstract sculptures, why animals inspire him, participating in ScrapFest, partnering with Google, and his numerous collaborations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Kirk McCauley, owner of American Engineering and Metalworking (AEM) in North Canton, Ohio, shares his journey from the tool and die world to running a modern, full-service metal fabrication shop. McCauley explains how embracing automation, laser welding, and robotic material handling has helped AEM stay competitive, and why investing in people and creating a collaborative workplace culture are just as important as investing in technology. Tune in for insights on leading a small to mid-sized fab shop through innovation and adaptability. At the top, we also chat about The Fabricator's 2025 Industry Award winner Special Products & Mfg. (SPM) and Nora Harding's upcoming appearance on the Ed Talks podcast. This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

In this episode, we sit down with Hector Ortega—sculptor and founder of Ortega Sculpture and Silver Lining Metals Stamps, based in the Phoenix metro area. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving as an artist, from developing fabrication skills to exploring different materials and processes. Ortega discussed the challenges of sustaining an artistic career, the need for diversifying one's creative outlets, and the spiritual and communal aspects of his work. He also talked about influential mentors, the value of risk-taking, and his desire to create large-scale public sculptures. On top of discussing his work as a large-scale metal artist, we also dive into Hector's second venture, Silver Lining Metals Stamps, where he handcrafts custom metal stamping tools used by artists and makers around the world. We also talk about his involvement with Sculpture Tucson, working with artist Michael Anderson of Arc Form Studio, doing yoga geared towards people who work in the trades, and the power that fabricators have with modern metal fabrication equipment. This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Lucy Minturn and Liz Kloster co-own FosterWorks, a sheet metal fabrication shop in Chicago. After purchasing the business a couple of years ago, they’ve worked to shape it with their own vision, despite having no prior experience in the industry. By combining their complementary skills and building a strong team, they’ve successfully grown the manufacturing business. FosterWorks operates out of 18,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space with eight employees. Their equipment includes lasers, punches, brakes, and forming machines, allowing them to handle a range of metal fabrication projects. The shop places a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative, respectful culture that values work-life balance while retaining secure manufacturing jobs in Chicago and sustain pathways to the middle class for area residents, a core element of their mission. While FosterWorks initially specialized in lighting components, they’ve expanded into prototyping and manufacturing parts for startups and new products. Their approach focuses on clear communication and flexibility with customers. FosterWorks is WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) and WBE (Women-Business Enterprise) certified and work through Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). This episode is sponsored by Lantek. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Mike McCarthy, VP at Design Communications Ltd. (DCL), joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about how DCL is at the intersection of engineering, design, and fabrication of some of the most recognizable creative large-scale projects around the country. DCL specializes architectural custom elements like signs, sculptures, and tech installations. They work closely with designers to engineer and build unique, large-scale projects that utilize a range of materials and fabrication techniques. Some of those projects include the As We Are (aka The Ultimate Selfie Machine) in Columbus, Ohio, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Royal Caribbean's private island retreat Perfect Day at CocoCay. Established more than 25 years ago, DCL has grown to take on increasingly complex and high-profile projects for clients in the sports, entertainment, and retail industries. Their in-house team of over 50 fabricators collaborates closely with engineers and project managers to bring complex creative visions to life, often overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions through the fabrication process. McCarthy and DCL also actively engages with students to promote STEM and STEAM education, offering facility tours and speaking at schools to inspire the next generation of designers and manufacturers. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

This episode of The Fabricator Podcast features an interview with Professor Jo Mackiewicz, an English professor at Iowa State University who also happens to be a welder. Mackiewicz discusses her research on communication and learning in the welding and fabrication trades, as well as her experience working part-time at Howe's Welding & Metal Fabrication, a small job shop in Ames, Iowa. She shares her insights on women working in metal fabrication, insights on the challenges of learning a skilled trade like welding, the importance of mentorship and support for underrepresented groups in the trades, and her plans to start her own welding shop. The also conversation explores the disconnect between the academic and "hands-on" worlds, and how Mackiewicz's experience in the fabrication industry has made her a more well-rounded individual. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Mike Finnegan joins The Fabricator Podcast live from the PRI Show in Indianapolis. The long-time host of Motor Trend's Roadkill series on YouTube, discusses his background in journalism and media, how he taught himself welding and fabrication skills, and his current focus on his Finnegan's Garage YouTube channel. The conversation also includes insights from guest co-host Tom Patsis of Cold Hard Art on his experience working with specialized materials like titanium and the time he build a trophy that Finnegan won in a drag race against Jon Chase of Hoonigan. The episode covers topics ranging from boat racing to the ingenuity of the manufacturing industry, highlighting the breadth of knowledge and passion for hands-on work that exists in the fabrication community. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

On this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Aaron Montello of Jet Edge Waterjet Systems joins us with Paxton Shantz of Beckhoff to talk about water jet cutting machines in the sheet metal fabrication industry and how automation is helping drive the technology. This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando, Fla. Learn more about our sponsor Beckhoff. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

This episode of The Fabricator Podcast features a conversation with Dustin De Haan of Trick-Tools, a company that distributes tube benders and other metal fabrication tools. The discussion covers Trick-Tools' experience serving a wide range of customers from hobbyists to large manufacturers, and the role of tube bending and fabrication in the racing and automotive industries. The podcast also touches on Trick-Tools' history, the growing demand for in-house fabrication capabilities, and how the company works with small shops, race teams, and large corporations. This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando, Fla. Learn more about our sponsor Pro-Tools. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Chris Zeppieri of Make Everything joins us on this episode of The Fabricator Podcast to talk about his fabrication shop in New York, his popular YouTube channel, and educating people interested in working with their hands. He goes into detail about his early days working in construction and how that led to growing his business with creating how-to videos, social media, digital marketing, and becoming a respected brand ambassador. He also talks about his growing vise collection and his appearance on the short-lived show Assembly Required with Tim Allen with Richard Karn. At the top, Josh Welton talks about an unfortunate workplace injury and how he bounced back from it. This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando, Fla. Learn more about our sponsor Paperless Parts. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.