Steve Kost of Chicago-based Metal Health Artwork joins us this week to talk about how he turned to creating metal sculptures to help him cope with PTSD after serving in the military, and what started as just a hobby has become full-scale effort advocating for better mental health practices among veterans and other adults.

Steve talks about his time serving with the Navy Seabees, his career as an ironworker in Chicago, working through PTSD, honing his skills a metal artist, using scrap pieces of metal to create his abstract sculptures, why animals inspire him, participating in ScrapFest, partnering with Google, and his numerous collaborations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Kirk McCauley, owner of American Engineering and Metalworking (AEM) in North Canton, Ohio, shares his journey from the tool and die world to running a modern, full-service metal fabrication shop.

McCauley explains how embracing automation, laser welding, and robotic material handling has helped AEM stay competitive, and why investing in people and creating a collaborative workplace culture are just as important as investing in technology. Tune in for insights on leading a small to mid-sized fab shop through innovation and adaptability.

At the top, we also chat about The Fabricator's 2025 Industry Award winner Special Products & Mfg. (SPM) and Nora Harding's upcoming appearance on the Ed Talks podcast.

This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona.

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In this episode, we sit down with Hector Ortega—sculptor and founder of Ortega Sculpture and Silver Lining Metals Stamps, based in the Phoenix metro area.

He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving as an artist, from developing fabrication skills to exploring different materials and processes. Ortega discussed the challenges of sustaining an artistic career, the need for diversifying one's creative outlets, and the spiritual and communal aspects of his work. He also talked about influential mentors, the value of risk-taking, and his desire to create large-scale public sculptures.

On top of discussing his work as a large-scale metal artist, we also dive into Hector's second venture, Silver Lining Metals Stamps, where he handcrafts custom metal stamping tools used by artists and makers around the world.

We also talk about his involvement with Sculpture Tucson, working with artist Michael Anderson of Arc Form Studio, doing yoga geared towards people who work in the trades, and the power that fabricators have with modern metal fabrication equipment.

This episode was recorded during the FMA Annual Meeting at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona.

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Lucy Minturn and Liz Kloster co-own FosterWorks, a sheet metal fabrication shop in Chicago. After purchasing the business a couple of years ago, they’ve worked to shape it with their own vision, despite having no prior experience in the industry. By combining their complementary skills and building a strong team, they’ve successfully grown the manufacturing business.

FosterWorks operates out of 18,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space with eight employees. Their equipment includes lasers, punches, brakes, and forming machines, allowing them to handle a range of metal fabrication projects.

The shop places a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative, respectful culture that values work-life balance while retaining secure manufacturing jobs in Chicago and sustain pathways to the middle class for area residents, a core element of their mission. While FosterWorks initially specialized in lighting components, they’ve expanded into prototyping and manufacturing parts for startups and new products. Their approach focuses on clear communication and flexibility with customers.

FosterWorks is WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) and WBE (Women-Business Enterprise) certified and work through Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the official representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).

This episode is sponsored by Lantek. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Mike McCarthy, VP at Design Communications Ltd. (DCL), joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about how DCL is at the intersection of engineering, design, and fabrication of some of the most recognizable creative large-scale projects around the country.

DCL specializes architectural custom elements like signs, sculptures, and tech installations. They work closely with designers to engineer and build unique, large-scale projects that utilize a range of materials and fabrication techniques. Some of those projects include the As We Are (aka The Ultimate Selfie Machine) in Columbus, Ohio, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Royal Caribbean's private island retreat Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Established more than 25 years ago, DCL has grown to take on increasingly complex and high-profile projects for clients in the sports, entertainment, and retail industries. Their in-house team of over 50 fabricators collaborates closely with engineers and project managers to bring complex creative visions to life, often overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions through the fabrication process.

McCarthy and DCL also actively engages with students to promote STEM and STEAM education, offering facility tours and speaking at schools to inspire the next generation of designers and manufacturers.

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This episode of The Fabricator Podcast features an interview with Professor Jo Mackiewicz, an English professor at Iowa State University who also happens to be a welder.

Mackiewicz discusses her research on communication and learning in the welding and fabrication trades, as well as her experience working part-time at Howe's Welding & Metal Fabrication, a small job shop in Ames, Iowa. She shares her insights on women working in metal fabrication, insights on the challenges of learning a skilled trade like welding, the importance of mentorship and support for underrepresented groups in the trades, and her plans to start her own welding shop.

The also conversation explores the disconnect between the academic and "hands-on" worlds, and how Mackiewicz's experience in the fabrication industry has made her a more well-rounded individual.

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Mike Finnegan joins The Fabricator Podcast live from the PRI Show in Indianapolis. The long-time host of Motor Trend's Roadkill series on YouTube, discusses his background in journalism and media, how he taught himself welding and fabrication skills, and his current focus on his Finnegan's Garage YouTube channel. The conversation also includes insights from guest co-host Tom Patsis of Cold Hard Art on his experience working with specialized materials like titanium and the time he build a trophy that Finnegan won in a drag race against Jon Chase of Hoonigan.

The episode covers topics ranging from boat racing to the ingenuity of the manufacturing industry, highlighting the breadth of knowledge and passion for hands-on work that exists in the fabrication community.

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On this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Aaron Montello of Jet Edge Waterjet Systems joins us with Paxton Shantz of Beckhoff to talk about water jet cutting machines in the sheet metal fabrication industry and how automation is helping drive the technology.

This episode was recorded at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando, Fla. Learn more about our sponsor Beckhoff.

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