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Embracing the Family Aspect of Business with Tad Dickel Part 2

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Release Date: 07/30/2024

How to Build a Culture While the Last Generation Lets Go

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

What does it really look like to step in as 2nd Generation & a lead a fabrication shop when the 1st Generation is still helping run it? In this episode, Jason Hayes, President of Top Coat Fabrication, shares his journey as a 2nd generation leader navigating the slow handoff of full responsibility from his parents, while carrying nearly all of the day-to-day load. Jason shares what it's taken to build a culture that people want to return to even AFTER a layoff. This episode covers how even during market shifts & team fluctuations, they have a focus on scaling without losing...

People Buy from People They Trust with Meaghan Ziemba

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Meaghan Ziemba, founder of Mavens of Manufacturing, for a conversation that goes way beyond marketing tactics. We’re talking about what really builds trust in this industry—and spoiler alert: it’s not perfectly polished sales pitches. We get into why showing up as your real self matters, how content can turn customers into loyal fans, and what it means to expand the table instead of trying to replace people in the chairs. Meaghan shares powerful insight on visibility, mentorship, and how women are carving out space—and confidence—in male-dominated...

After the Merger: Building a Shared Future in the Fab Shop | Part 2

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In Part 2 of our chat with Parker Huncilman, we get into what happened after the deal was done. From day-one chaos to tough conversations with employees, Parker walks us through what it really looked like to merge two long-standing fab shops. We talk through lessons learned, missteps along the way, and how they worked to bring two teams together without losing what made each one special. If you’re thinking about a merger—or in the middle of one—this is the kind of honest conversation that’s hard to come by. Episode Highlights: [01:35] – Parker shares how he tried to keep the...

Preparing for a Merger: Hard Decisions to Preserve Legacy in the Fab Shop | Part 1

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode of MakingSparks, we dive what went into a first-of-its-kind merger between two 5th generation Metal Fabrication shops: NIX® Industrial and Huncilman Sheet Metal. Hosts Casey and Matthew sit down with Parker Huncilman to unpack the strategic, emotional, and operational decisions that made this merger a win for both sides. From growth limitations to risk mitigation, and from legacy ownership to forward-thinking leadership, this is a real-world case study in smart, respectful consolidation. Episode Highlights: [02:35] – Parker shares Huncilman’s 100+ year history...

How To Turn Influence into Metal Fabrication Sales

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Jake LeGrand joins us to talk about the grind, the grit, and the growth — both in the shop and online. By day, he’s an architectural engineer. By night, he’s building a brand with a welding torch and a sketchpad. With over 19,000 followers and clients finding him through Instagram DMs, Jake is living proof that showing your work can turn into real sales — even in metal fabrication. This episode dives into how he picked up fabrication without shop class, how social media turned into a pipeline, and what it really takes to build a following while holding down a full-time job. Episode...

The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Most small manufacturers don’t realize they’re being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But recent Federal decisions to defund these programs—without clear communication or reasoning—have sparked confusion and alarm among industry insiders. In this episode, a passionate roundtable of manufacturers and advocates reveals just how...

How to Reach the Next Generation in Trades

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Nush Ahmed, better known as 'Miss Swiss' joins us to discuss her journey in the machining world, her massive growth through social media, and how she is encouraging the next generation to give the Manufacturing Industry a shot. From massive growth on LinkedIn to creating a community where hundreds of women in trades interact & encourage each other, Nush is reaching the next generation. You don't want to miss out on how you can be apart of it! Episode Highlights: 05:30 - Introduction to MakingSparks + Nush 07:31 - Nush's Background & How She Got into Manufacturing 12:32 -...

What Fuels the World's Largest Metal Fabrication Projects

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode of MakingSparks, we sit down with John King, owner of JK Welding, whose story of grit, perseverance, and passion for the trade embodies the spirit of metal fabrication. From starting as a janitor in a welding shop to running a thriving Texas-based business known for tackling massive, unique projects—like the world’s largest wind chime and a pirate ship for a Royal Caribbean cruise line in the Bahamas—John shares the culture and mindset that have fueled his success. We dive into the challenges of building and sustaining a team in today’s workforce, the importance of...

How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Most fabrication shops struggle with quoting—whether it’s using outdated spreadsheets, clunky ERP systems, or just not having the time to do it right. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Ray, CEO and co-founder of Paperless Parts, to talk about how modern software can make quoting faster, more accurate, and actually help your shop make more money. Jason breaks down why so many shops have ERP trauma, how to fix broken quoting workflows, and why AI isn’t the magic bullet everyone thinks it is. He also shares insights on the massive reshoring wave happening in US manufacturing and what...

How Weld.com is Bringing Welding Education Online

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode, Casey and Matthew sit down with Beau Wigington from Weld.com to explore how digital content is reshaping welding education and career growth. Beau shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a full-time content creator in the welding industry. They dive into the impact of social media, YouTube, and online learning in making welding knowledge more accessible than ever. Episode Highlights: [00:00:47] Beau’s Journey to Weld.com – From a career in music to discovering welding during the pandemic and competing in a welding competition that changed everything....

More Episodes

Communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations?

Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all.

– Matthew Nix

If you missed part 1, go back and listen HERE.

Segments

[0:56] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
[4:38] Casey’s dad joke
[5:30] Common challenges family businesses face
[7:28] Spark of Knowledge: Social media
[8:40] How to have hard conversations
[10:07] Tad’s thoughts on family governance
[16:50] The purpose of the family council
[19:49] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
[21:24] Open communication is the goal
[26:08] When a small business should start
[31:10] Think about the future now
[32:30] Thomasnet programs

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