Metal fabricators, remember to take pride in your trade

Nick Martin of Barnes MetalCrafters and Tom Zelickman of Inspiration Metalworks in North Carolina remind fellow metal fabricators that the work they do is important, and that it’s something you get to do, not have to do. Getty Images

Getting up in the morning can be tough for a lot of people. I for one have a hard time trying to start the daily grind. Although it may be hard to get going, I do enjoy my time at the fabrication shop. There will forever be a new challenge, major or minor, but the rewards are unmatched. Getting to do the work while appreciating the chance to do it is the tricky part.

I was on the old book of faces recently and saw a post from Tom Zelickman, owner of Inspiration Metalworks. It was a picture of his computer screen and I knew exactly what he was doing, like many in the metal fabrication industry. Nesting parts for the laser is part of my daily routine.

Many people on the internet do not read between the lines and instead look only at the pictures. I may be guilty at times, but Tom said something in that post that made me sit back in my chair and think for a few minutes.

I needed a reminder of how fortunate I am to be in this industry and to be surrounded by fun, intriguing projects and people. The simple words at the end sums it up: “I get to rather than an I have to mindset.” I literally smiled and said thank you.

We’ve all seen it in the movies or hear it from athletes. They talk about playing sports as a kid and how all they wanted to do was play professionally. Now that they’ve made it there, they take it for granted and complain about so many things that they don’t appreciate the fact that they are doing something that they enjoy or love. The glory speeches in the movies are usually followed by a barn-burning win or a championship.

I feel the same way. I was given an uplifting comment and I had to pass it on to the rest of you. I get to do some really cool stuff at work and sometimes I take it for granted. When I was around the age of 24, the former owner of Barnes MetalCrafters, Wade Barnes, told me that if I find something to do that I enjoy, then it won’t be work.

When I was that age, I already knew everything so I couldn’t put my finger on what he meant. Now there are many days when I feel like I shouldn’t be getting paid for what I am doing because I enjoy it so much. Granted, there are some hours or days in between when that is not the case, but for the most part, I do feel that way.

Seeing this small post, which I could have easily scrolled by with the flick of my thumb, made such an impact of my mental state that I had to write about it. I sent Tom an email and asked for his approval with a couple questions to answer if obliged. He replied with some more words of “Inspiration.”

Here is what he had to say in his reply:

First let me say thank you for thinking of this quote and me as one of the sources for your article. It’s an honor, my friend. By all means you can use it. I feel the same way! I was at it until 2:30 last night trying to get a job out of the door on a short timeline. It didn’t feel like work at all and I had to remind myself to stop and rest.

Facebook post by Tom Zelickman owner of Inspiration Metalworks.

What does Inspiration Metalworks do? We are a job shop that specializes in prototype and small-production-run machine and fabrication work.

How many employees? Family affair but primarily me and a helper in the shop. My wife (and the source of the “inspiration”) handles the back-office work.

Any words of “inspiration” that you would give to people in this industry? Don’t let prejudices based on an old view of manufacturing hold you back if you are interested in working with your hands. It’s so much more than that, and it requires a sharp mind with problem solving skills. Mostly what I tell people is to quit talking about all of the things they want to do and go do them.

In the end Tom went on to mention my dad, Tim Martin, and me. He said, “Also know that you and your dad really made a difference to me from that very first visit to your old shop. Your willingness to share, teach, and guide really opened my eyes to what this could be all about. Thank you.”

I told him that it never hurts to be nice and share the knowledge. I’ve found that the more I share and teach, especially at work, the easier my job gets. It makes everyone better.

Custom square to round sink with a 1-inch drop. The flange was welded and blended smooth. Notice the square to round section one piece. Image provided by Nick Martin