Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks.

Preparing for a Merger: Hard Decisions to Preserve Legacy in the Fab Shop | Part 1 05/07/2025

How To Turn Influence into Metal Fabrication Sales 04/23/2025

The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing 04/21/2025

How to Reach the Next Generation in Trades 04/09/2025

What Fuels the World's Largest Metal Fabrication Projects 03/26/2025

How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop 03/12/2025

How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop Most fabrication shops struggle with quoting—whether it’s using outdated spreadsheets, clunky ERP systems, or just not having the time to do it right.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 it means for fabricators trying to scale. Episode Highlights: [00:00:47] Why Shops Hate ERP and Software Implementations – Jason explains why so many fabricators have PTSD from bad ERP rollouts and how to avoid the same mistakes. [00:05:55] The Real Goal of Quoting – It’s not just about winning jobs—it’s about quoting efficiently, pricing correctly, and protecting your margins. [00:12:08] How Paperless Parts is Changing the Game – Why their quoting software is built to integrate with your workflow, not replace your team. [00:23:06] The Reshoring Boom and What It Means for Fabricators – Trillions of dollars in work are coming back to the U.S.—but only the most prepared shops will benefit. [00:27:03] Triage Your Quotes or Get Buried – How leading shops are prioritizing the right jobs instead of wasting time on low-value RFQs. [00:30:10] AI in Manufacturing – The right and wrong ways to use AI in quoting, plus the security risks no one’s talking about. This episode is a must-listen for metal fabrication leaders looking to streamline their front office, improve quoting accuracy, and position their shop for growth. Resources: 🔧 Simplify your quoting process with Paperless Parts: 📈 Get expert guidance for growing your fab shop: /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/35631500

How Weld.com is Bringing Welding Education Online 02/26/2025

How Weld.com is Bringing Welding Education Online 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. [00:05:55] How Weld.com Helps Welders Learn and Grow – The platform’s role in providing high-quality welding education, from beginner tips to advanced techniques. [00:12:08] Expanding the Perception of Welding Careers – Why many people misunderstand the opportunities in welding and how Weld.com is showcasing exciting career paths. [00:23:06] The Power of Social Media in Welding Education – How YouTube and digital content are replacing old-school methods of learning the trade. [00:27:03] Weld.com’s New Direction – Taking education on the road by filming inside real shops and job sites to show welding in action. [00:30:10] Why Every Fabricator Should Be Creating Content – How shops can use digital media to attract talent, land customers, and grow their business. This episode is packed with insights on the future of welding education and how digital platforms are transforming the trade. Whether you're a fabricator, shop owner, or welding enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on leveraging content for business and career growth. Resources: Simplify your quoting process with the #1 quoting and collaboration software for manufacturers: s Enhance leadership and business operations with Learn welding from the best with /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/35421335