The Cap (for October 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 October, we connected our listeners with fascinating guests who shared compelling stories. In addition, the CWB Association attended FABTECH in Orlando, Florida this year. While we were there, we recorded a number of special episodes on-site and in-person 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 190 with Eric Pleil and Max Ceron (October 9)

Ever wondered how a passion for welding can transform into a thriving business? Our first episode of the month was an inspiring conversation with Eric Pleil from Elite Welding Business. From his humble beginnings in Torrington, Connecticut, to establishing a successful enterprise, Eric shares how his family's trade background and his technical school education ignited his love for welding. We chat about the challenges and rewards he faced while growing his company, and the fulfillment that comes from supporting employees and their families.

Eric shares lessons he learned on perseverance and balancing multiple roles to sustain a new business. He recounts his transition from an initial vehicle-related venture – which taught Eric the importance of learning from failure – to the successful custom motorcycle fabrication business. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and continuous learning, shedding light on how he leveraged Connecticut's industrial landscape for expansion. We also talked about the evolution of his business into consulting and digital marketing, along with the importance of scaling up and the impact of the pandemic.

Our conversation continues into the significance of mentorship and community support, as we explore Eric's journey of sharing his expertise through platforms like Upwork and Podia. Through his Blue Collar Business Coaching Program, he assists small business owners in enhancing customer acquisition strategies and implementing effective systems.

From discussing financial prudence to the role of social media in engaging the welding community, Eric's story is filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Aspiring entrepreneurs in the trades, take note! You can listen to the episode here.

Episode 191 with Arianna Dyck and Max Ceron (October 16)

Our next guest has managed to balance welding with the world of rodeo. Meet Arianna Dyck, who has forged an impressive dual career as a welder and rodeo queen. From her beginnings in Canmore, Alberta, to overcoming hurdles in White City, Saskatchewan, Arianna's journey demonstrates determination and passion. In this episode, she shares her experiences of breaking into the welding industry without a formal certificate and the importance of persistence in the face of adversity.

Arianna's story goes beyond welding; it's also about her deep-rooted love for rodeo. She shares pivotal moments that defined her rodeo queen experience, including the heartwarming tale of Ava, the horse that changed everything. As Miss Rodeo Agribition, Arianna sheds light on the vibrant world of rodeo events, like the Canadian Western Agribition, and the significance of representing women in both the rodeo and trades industries. Her unique perspective offers valuable insights into the balance between two seemingly different worlds.

This episode drives home the value of embracing your own multifaceted identity. Whether you're intrigued by her advocacy for inclusivity in trades or fascinated by her tips for young girls considering careers in welding, Arianna's story is an inspiration.

Tune in to hear more about the camaraderie within the welding community, her contributions to events like Skills Canada, and her invaluable advice for pursuing a fulfilling dual career. Listen here.

Replay with Alisyn Palla and Max Ceron

Ever wonder what happens when a lawyer trades her briefcase for a welding torch? Let’s find out with Alisyn Palla , a guest who’s taken a truly inspiring path from the courtroom to the world of metal art. Her journey kicked off with a second-hand welder, and in this episode, we dive into the magic of following your passion, no matter where you’re coming from. Alisyn opens up about her shift from a fast-paced litigation career to the creative world of welding, honoring her dad’s legacy while discovering a whole new side of herself.

Alisyn walks us through her artistic transformation – from conquering her fears to embracing metal art through hands-on classes, especially those taught by women she admires. She’s dreaming big, too, with her sights set on public art installations and commission work. You’ll hear about her drive to balance this fresh, creative identity with the demands of her day job, and how opportunities like FABTECH have been game-changers in her journey.

Alisyn took a bold leap into metalwork, which now includes amazing projects like her vine sculpture for an Italian restaurant. Her dedication to authentic, hands-on work shines through, as she tackles everything from plasma cutting to crafting delicate grape clusters. With each project, Alisyn’s excitement for learning and trying new things is seriously contagious.

As the episode wraps up, we reflect on the role of community and mentorship, and how staying connected with the welding world can spark inspiration and creativity for us all. Catch Alisyn’s story here.

Episode 192 with Aaron Brandt and Max Ceron (October 30)

For our last episode in October, we welcomed Aaron Brandt, President and COO of Hypertherm Associates . On-site at FABTECH Orlando, Aaron shares Hypertherm's vibrant display of automated and handheld plasma products, emphasizing the resilience and optimism of industry professionals. He also offers insights from past industry hurdles like the 2008-2009 downturn and the COVID-affected FABTECH of 2019. We talk about how, through it all, the welding sector continues to innovate and push forward.

Aaron and I dive deep into the culture at Hypertherm. The company has created an enriching and supportive environment that fosters career growth and empowerment. Aaron's own path within the company highlights the importance of bridging communication gaps and gaining essential business insights for effective leadership in the welding industry.

Innovation and community engagement go hand-in-hand at Hypertherm. Explore how this forward-thinking company is shaping the cutting technology landscape with revolutionary products and strategic acquisitions. Alongside this growth, Hypertherm is committed to community impact, supporting educational institutions and inspiring future generations through partnerships. Hypertherm's robust distribution network ensures their cutting-edge products are backed by strong customer support, delivering success in today's competitive market.

Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about personal and business success.

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

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.

Thank you to our Podcast Advertisers:

• Canada Welding Supply
• Miller
• Canaweld

Fabtech is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event! Schedule the next event in your calendar: September 8-11th, 2025 in Chicago, IL. https://www.fabtechexpo.com/

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)

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!