Jarrod Klassen is the owner of Twisted Metal Sign Company, a business in Saskatchewan focused on creating intricate metal artwork using bead rolling techniques.

While working in corrections, Jarrod discovered bead rolling as a hobby and has honed his skills over the past several years. He has gone from using a homemade bead roller to upgrading to professional equipment, and now creates highly detailed automotive and other scenes (like Willem Dafoe and doom metal band Pentagram) by combining bead rolling with CNC etching. Jarrod also teaches bead rolling classes, sharing his expertise with others interested in the craft. Despite having no formal art or metalworking training, Jarrod has developed an impressive skillset and turned his passion into a successful side business.

This episode was record at Baileigh Industrial's Metal Shaping Fest in Manitowoc, Wis. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

This episode of The Fabricator Podcast features a conversation with Chris Rusch, formerly of Rusch Machine & Design, and Mike Wagner of Cornfield Customs.

They discuss the history and development of metal shaping equipment, particularly the power hammer, and how it has enabled a resurgence in this specialized craft. Chris and Mike describe the techniques and approaches they use to shape metal, including the importance of templates and patterns.

They also share stories of their favorite projects, ranging from classic car restorations to work for aerospace museums. The episode highlights how this metal shaping technology has become more accessible to hobbyists and smaller shops, reviving interest in the art of metal fabrication.

This episode was record at Baileigh Industrial's Metal Shaping Fest in Manitowoc, Wis. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Kent Brown joins The Fabricator Podcast talk about becoming CEO of O'Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) in 2018, his leadership philosophy, emphasizing safety, empowering the OMS workforce, expanding the company's geographical footprint, and what it means to be a mainstay on our annual FAB 40 list.

Brown discusses how OMS has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years, going from seven to 10 locations since 2018. The company has invested heavily in new equipment, including fiber lasers, robotic press brakes, and higher-powered lasers, to stay competitive.

He also emphasizes how O'Neal empowers local leadership and fostering collaboration across its facilities. The company's general managers and assistant general managers have autonomy to make decisions tailored to their customers' needs. O'Neal has also implemented regional management structures to facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources among its various locations.

Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.