The Cap (for July 2024)

A monthly recap of the CWB Association Welding Podcast

Welcome to The Cap, a review of the guests and highlights from the past month on the CWB Association Welding Podcast.

The CWB Association hosted this year's annual CanWeld Conference in collaboration with FABTECH Canada in Toronto. Throughout July, we presented special podcast episodes recorded on-site at the conference to keep our members on top of what’s new and exciting in the steel and welding industry.

If you missed any of last month’s episodes, you can revisit them anytime to hear from passionate and inspiring people from all corners of the world of welding.

Episode 177 with Beau Wigington and Max Ceron (July 3)

In this episode, we chat with Beau Wigington from Greensboro, North Carolina, who offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Beau and I both have music backgrounds, and we’re also both involved in podcasts. We’ve known each other for a while and had a lot to talk about.

Beau’s story highlights all the possibilities that exist within the welding field. Take his role at Weld.com, which involves wearing many hats – from creating videos and podcasts to managing social media and overseeing the YouTube channel. He shares how the challenges and learning curve of entering the welding field from a non-traditional background helps him produce content that resonates with welders.

Another topic we explore is the complexity of welding certification systems in the U.S. and Canada. The idea of being a "cert dragon" – accumulating certifications without necessarily practicing the skills extensively – is a concept that Beau and I unpack. We also dig into the future of leadership in the industry and the resurgence of the trades as a viable career path. Beau agrees that it’s important to promote and even “glamorize” the welding industry so we can attract more young people, but he also feels that inspiring teachers and hands-on learning experiences are important factors.

Our conversation covers a range of topics. I appreciated how Beau finds parallels between sports, music, and welding, highlighting how competition and precision in these fields translate well into the welding world. From personal experiences in football, baseball, and music, Beau emphasizes the importance of competitiveness, discipline, and attention to detail.

I had a great time chatting with Beau and can’t wait to connect with him again. Check out the podcast episode yourself to hear what Beau has to say.

Episode 178 with Patricia Robinson and Max Ceron (July 10)

Next up, we welcomed Patricia Robinson, whose story is all about transformation and following one’s passion. Patricia grew up in a small town near Barrie, Ontario, and later moved to Burlington. Initially, Patricia studied sociology at university, but the academic path didn’t resonate with her. After a bumpy first year, she decided to reevaluate her career goals. This marked the beginning of her journey into the trades.

A significant turning point in Patricia's career was her enrollment in a government-funded pre-apprenticeship program. This program introduced her to various construction skills and ignited her passion for welding. The hands-on experience and the satisfaction of learning new skills were much more fulfilling than any office job she’d had.

Mentorship and community played a crucial role in Patricia's journey. Her experience working alongside a skilled team in the shipyard was transformative. Despite initial skepticism, she found a sense of family and mutual respect within the team. The Hamilton chapter for Women in Trades was another key support network. These monthly meetups provided space for women to share their experiences, network, and support each other. Patricia's involvement in this community showed her the value of solidarity and shared experiences in empowering women.

Patricia and I talk about her move from a carpentry job to working at a shipyard. She shares that the structured progression within the shipyard allowed her to rotate through various teams before finding her fit. This dynamic and demanding setting provided her with a sense of excitement and fulfillment. But no matter what she’s doing, Patricia's drive for excellence is evident. She is focused on mastering her skills and leaving her mark on the world.

Whether you're considering a career change or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Check it out here.

Episode 179 with Scott Fong and Max Ceron (July 17)

In this episode, we delve into the world of welding and heat treatment with Scott Fong , the CEO of Gallant-Fong Group Inc. and Director of Copperheat Equipment. Scott's journey from a field heat treatment technician to a journeyman welder and ultimately to the helm of a successful enterprise is fascinating.

Scott begins by recounting his early days in the field, providing a glimpse into the experiences that shaped his career. He discusses the nuances of high-temperature local heat treating applications, particularly in the petrochemical and power generation sectors. Scott's expertise in this area is evident as he shares practical considerations and solutions. In one segment of this episode, we explore induction heating versus electrical resistance heating. Scott demystifies these two technologies, highlighting their differences, applications, and control mechanisms.

Our conversation shifts to the broader industry landscape, with Scott sharing his impressions of FABTECH Canada, an event he describes as “a welder's paradise.” He emphasizes the importance of trade shows like FABTECH Canada for industry professionals, noting the massive and expensive machinery on display and the networking opportunities they provide. We also dive into the topic of career transitions. Scott talks about some of the challenges and opportunities he encountered in his journey and highlights the importance of certifications and managing the shift from fieldwork to managerial roles.

Later in the episode, Scott and I talk about issues related to business ownership in the welding industry. Scott shares his own experiences, as well as the history and changing trajectory of Cooperheat. Our discussion touches on the future of Cooperheat in an evolving technological landscape, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and adaptation.

Scott is a treasure trove of insights and knowledge about the welding and heat treatment industry. If you haven’t heard this episode yet, you can catch it here.

Episode 180 with Ed Youdell and Max Ceron (July 24)

Ed Youdell is President and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). With over 17 years of experience, Ed has built up profound knowledge on various transformative aspects of the advanced manufacturing industry. In this episode, Ed and I take a comprehensive look at the current landscape and future trends.

We kick off our conversation by exploring the rapid technological advancements in metal fabrication and how these innovations have revolutionized manufacturing processes. The integration of robotics and collaborative robots (cobots) has further streamlined operations, enhancing precision and efficiency. Ed highlights the growing popularity of laser welding, a technology that is not only increasing productivity but also enhancing quality in fabrication. Ed also explains how the industry has made significant strides in making workplaces safer for employees and more environmentally responsible.

The focus then shifts to workforce development, a cornerstone of FMA’s mission. Ed and I talk about initiatives in the works to attract, develop, and engage the next generation of manufacturing talent. Innovative programs like scholarships and summer manufacturing camps for kids are pivotal in shaping the future workforce, as well as peer-to-peer engagement, networking, and industry events like FABTECH Canada. Ed shares inspiring stories of how these initiatives have impacted participants, helping to cultivate a skilled and motivated workforce for the future.

Reshoring manufacturing to North America is a topic that has gained urgency, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. Ed delves into the complexities of this process, emphasizing the need to evaluate the total cost of ownership, supply chain reliability, and quality management. He shares his thoughts on the political and economic considerations involved, including the importance of fair trade and the national security aspects of critical industries.

Ed’s knowledge and passion for the industry shine through in this episode, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of manufacturing. Listen to Ed’s insights here.

Episode 181 with Charlie Griffin and Max Ceron (July 31)

Our final guest of the month, Charlie Griffin , the VP of Sales at Exocor, takes us on an insightful journey through his career in the welding industry. Now with an 18-year tenure at Exocor, Charlie shares the ups and downs of his professional path, offering invaluable lessons for industry enthusiasts and professionals alike.

One of the core themes of this episode is the importance of quality assurance. Charlie emphasizes that in a market with stringent specifications and informed customers, comprehensive certification and a dedicated QA department are essential. Exocor has built its reputation on having the highest standards of quality and performance. This commitment to excellence has been a cornerstone of the company's success.

Shifting gears, we next explore Exocor's growth in the U.S. market. Charlie discusses the challenges and opportunities of marketing a Canadian company in the U.S., emphasizing how important it is to adapt to client needs. Charlie makes a point of saying that Exocor’s focus will always be on providing a high standard of service for its clients.

Charlie and I took a moment to reflect on the value of industry events and community engagement. Events like FABTECH Canada are essential to building connections within the welding community, and provide opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing new products and technologies.

Did you miss this episode? Check it out here.

Thank you to all the amazing guests who joined the podcast in July!

The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that covers what’s new and what’s happening in the world of welding. Next month, we will continue to share inspiring and informative stories from the people who are building the future of the industry.

Thank you to our Podcast Advertisers, who helped to make these episodes possible:

• Canada Welding Supply
• Miller

A special thank you to Cooperheat for sponsoring our Podcast Booth at 2024 FABTECH Canada!

You can download our weekly episodes wherever you get your podcasts, or catch them on YouTube or the CWB Association website.

Thanks for listening!

Sebastian Max Ceron (Max)

Executive Director, CWB Association

P.S. If you’re not a member of the CWB Association, there’s no better time to join! Membership is free, and offers a full suite of amazing benefits. Join today!