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 confidence in selling your shop’s capabilities, and why a strong culture of creativity and accountability is the key to handling “Texas-sized” projects. John also discusses the power of investing in marketing in the welding and fabrication world, sharing how it has elevated his business and brand visibility.

Key Takeaways: 05:41 – How investing in marketing transformed the business and its brand 09:42 – John’s journey of growth from garage startup to industry leader 15:38 – How to grow your personal brand and your company 18:19 – Building your dream team to tackle big projects 25:04 – The 3 P’s that lead to success in any shop 28:25 – Tackling cash flow, hiring struggles, and other shop owner realities 35:51 – Stories behind iconic projects like the world’s largest wind chime

Whether you’re a shop owner or an industry leader, this episode is packed with real-world insights to inspire your next move.

Resources:

• Simplify your quoting process with Paperless Parts: https://www.paperlessparts.com/
• Get expert guidance for growing your fab shop: https://www.profaballiance.com/
• Follow JK Welding on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkwelding?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Follow JK Welding on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jk-welding-llc