The Cap (for November 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.
Throughout November, we shared special episodes recorded on-site and in-person at Fabtech in Orlando, Florida, 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 193 with Haley Kontenis and Max Ceron (November 6)
Haley Kontenis is a Canadian welder whose passion for welding has become a remarkable career. In this episode, Haley’s excitement for attending Fabtech is infectious. She says that attending events like this can be both thrilling and daunting, and I agree. Haley offers practical strategies for navigating the event without getting overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and engaging with the community.
Haley shares the inspiring story of her career progression, from her start in small machinery to tackling large structural projects, all while pursuing her Red Seal certification. She talks about how social media played a big role in her career and helped her foster connections and open doors in the welding industry. From the excitement of encountering new technology like robots to the comforting presence of familiar companies, our conversation touches on the importance of community and shared growth in the welding industry. This episode is packed with advice on balancing professional advancement while exploring new opportunities.
The welding industry is full of potential, and we explore these opportunities throughout the episode. We discuss the dual roles of being both practitioners and advocates, especially when it comes to empowering the next generation of welders. With Haley's experiences, we highlight the importance of student-focused initiatives and the satisfaction derived from teaching. Balancing workloads and industry commitments can be challenging, but Haley’s journey shows how long-term collaborations with reputable companies can provide stability and open doors.
Join us as we explore everything the vibrant and supportive welding community has to offer. Check out the episode here.
Episode 194 with Brittany Fichter and Max Ceron (November 13)
Next, Brittany Fichter from Superflash Compressed Gas Equipment joins us to share how she went from a professional photographer to a prominent figure in the welding and industrial gases industry. Broadcast amidst the energy of Fabtech, Brittany's story is one of resilience and passion, sparked by an unexpected event that led her to a fulfilling career. Her insights reveal the dynamic nature of her role, the importance of industry events, and how Superflash and its sister company, IBEDA, are making global strides in compressed gas equipment.
Brittany reflects on the environment she has encountered as woman in the trades, sharing personal experiences about the hurdles and the support she’s faced in achieving equitable representation. The spotlight is on women-led companies like Superflash, where the female leadership is reshaping company culture. Our conversation delves into the collective effort needed to create an inclusive industry.
Brittany's story further explores the relationship between creativity and welding. Supported by her workplace, she embarks on creative projects like crafting metal dinosaurs using plasma cutting techniques. The episode uncovers the artistic and therapeutic aspects of welding, along with technological advancements like cobots. With a focus on safety protocols and personal protective equipment, we discuss how safety rules are sometimes learned the hard way.
Brittany's enthusiasm for education and her creativity shines through in this episode. Hear her story here.
Special Episode – Fabtech Podcaster’s Forum 2024
In this episode, I welcome Jason Becker from Arc Junkies Podcast, Kevin Johnson from Welding Business Owner Podcast, and Frank Vargas from Torch Tales Podcast for a lively conversation from the action-packed Fabtech show floor.
We discuss the evolution of Fabtech and the latest in welding technology while we share personal stories of travel and the camaraderie built through years of attending these events. Our dynamic discussion paints a vivid picture of the balance we strike between show activities and podcasting duties. Listeners get a front-row seat to this insight-filled reunion.
Together, we dive into the complexities of entrepreneurship within the welding and fabrication industry, highlighting the need for experience and the reality of managing client relationships. We share personal anecdotes about being entrepreneurs and highlight the contrast between financial freedom and the relentless demands of owning a business. You’ll gain insights from our stories of burnout, the importance of clear contracts, and the critical lessons learned from handling financial transactions. It’s a candid conversation with a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating an entrepreneurial path.
As we explore business growth strategies, we share our perspectives on leveraging reviews and social media to enhance local business presence while maintaining financial stability. We discuss the fine line between handling demanding clients and knowing when to expand your team. Plus, we talk about innovative customer service incentives and creative marketing tactics that entrepreneurs can use to propel their business forward.
This episode is packed with essential takeaways for welding professionals eager to refine their business acumen and connect with the wider community. Make sure you catch it here.
Episode 195 with Patricia Carr and Max Ceron (November 27)
Patricia Carr, National Account Manager at Miller Electric Mfg. LLC , guides us through the innovative integration of augmented reality (AR) in welding training in this episode. During our conversation, Patricia shares valuable insights on bridging the skills gap in education and the industry, and on using AR technology to foster muscle memory and technique development. This episode shows how these advancements offer cost-effective solutions that address the industry's pressing needs.
Patricia talks about the global impact of welding technology, where AR systems play a transformative role in both educational and commercial settings. These systems are instrumental in reducing costs and enhancing skill accuracy, with features like gamification and realistic training experiences. The adoption of new technologies poses challenges for educators and industry veterans alike, but with the support of associations and grant assistance, underfunded schools are finding it easier to integrate AR into their programs.
Our conversation turns towards the future of welding, with a focus on the fields of collaborative robots and laser welding. Patricia highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and leveraging industry partnerships with leaders like John Deere and Caterpillar to integrate these tools into educational environments. Collaborations like these are essential for aligning emerging technologies with the evolving demands of modern manufacturing, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed for future challenges.
The rapid growth of automation is pushing the entire industry to adapt. Patricia and I agree that, through advocacy for educational funding and collaboration with industry giants, we can connect emerging technologies with the evolving needs of modern manufacturing, and ensure a skilled workforce ready for tomorrow's challenges. Hear Patricia’s insights into the future of the industry here.
Thank you to all the amazing guests who joined the podcast in November!
The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that covers what’s new and what’s happening in the world of welding. Stay tuned for more inspiring and informative stories from the people who are building the future of the industry.
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You can download our weekly episodes wherever you get your podcasts, or catch them on YouTube or the CWB Association website.
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Thanks for listening!
Sebastian Max Ceron (Max)
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!