Richard Genco, winner of the 2026 3M Abrasives Clash of the Grinders competition at FABTECH, joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss his mission to bring more students into the skilled trades. The welding instructor at Passaic County Community College shares how hands-on training, creative projects, and industry partnerships are helping students develop their skills and find careers in welding.

He also discusses his efforts to connect community colleges across New Jersey through a new welding workforce alliance to share resources, strengthen industry partnerships, and expand opportunities for students.

Also joining the episode is 3M Abrasives' Matt King, who discusses the growing demands of U.S. Navy shipbuilding and how improved surface preparation techniques could help prevent corrosion and reduce grinding time.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Find out more about 3M Abrasives. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

Jason Chiasson, co-founder of Wisconsin-based Chiasson Smoke, shares the lessons he's learned growing a metal fabrication business.

He makes his second appearance on The Fabricator Podcast, joining Dan Davis and Gareth Sleger to discuss investing in fiber lasers, expanding into a 21,000-sq.-ft. facility, improving production efficiency, and making difficult hiring and firing decisions.

Chiasson also explains how working with a business coach, learning to delegate, and building a stronger social media presence helped him transition from hands-on fabricator to business leader.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Find out more about BLM Group. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.

Metal fabrication needs more people who understand how automation actually works, not just how to run the equipment. Mark Giertych of Chicago-area Gakuto Club, which works in partnership with automation integrator ICR 247 and GennFlex, discusses how hands-on training in robotics, engineering, welding, laser cutting, vision systems, and problem solving can help close the gap between classroom education and the skills modern metal fabricators need.

Gakuto Club also held a manufacturing camp this past summer through SparkForce, the charitable foundation of FMA, to give students hands-on experience with CAD, laser cutting, metal forming, and fabrication.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Find out more about BLM Group. Learn more about podcast sponsorship opportunities.