Still Building America—A family affair

Mike Coleman, owner, Elite Fabrication LLC, Danville, Va..

For welder and shop owner Mike Coleman, his business, Elite Fabrication LLC, Danville, Va., is a family affair. Family inspired his interest in welding, and his wife and daughter work alongside of him. Read Mike’s story as shared in my interview with him.

JW: Could you explain what kind of work do you do? What got you started?

MC: I own and operate Elite Fabrication LLC, a full welding and fabrication shop. I got started in the welding trade as a freshman in high school taking vocational courses that were offered, but I actually started welding earlier on when my step-grandpa taught me in his own welding shop. I was constantly watching the blue light, so he put a welding hood on my head, and I was instantly hooked!

JW: Awesome! Tell me a little more about your business.

MC: I began the business in 2013. I worked for a fab shop about an hour away from my home. It was good pay and OK benefits, but I felt as if I could do more with my talent, so I turned in my notice and started working for myself the next week. It has been the best decision I ever made for me and my family. My wife helps with the office work, and my daughter enjoys filing receipts and invoices in job folders. It truly is a family business. I’m blessed for sure.

JW: Who were your career influences, and who has impacted your life?

MC: My grandfather, Billy Coleman, owned his own business in our home town for many years. His auto specialty business was a huge success, as he offered replacement automotive parts and a full-service machine shop and engine building service. He was a huge inspiration in my life. Growing up, I always looked up to him, and he always gave me good advice and told me to chase my dreams.

JW: What type of background and training do you have?

MC: I took four years of welding classes in high school and went on to obtain a two-year college degree in welding. I am AWS-certified in multiple processes, including D1, and have 20 years of on-the-job experience in all processes, and even a few made up positions; welders will know exactly what I mean.

JW: What is your favorite part of your job?

MC: I enjoy going to work every day, because it's always a new day with a new challenge. We service many industries, farmers, and walk-in customers. You never know what the next customer or phone call may bring.

JW: What is the most challenging part of your job?

MC: The most challenging part is building my team. Welding/fabrication is a dying art, in my opinion. We need more people to get into this trade as far as the younger generation goes. I’ve been fortunate enough to have put together an amazing team of guys that I very much enjoy teaching, training, and learning from each and every day.

JW: What's your future goal for your career?

MC: My future goal is to expand my machine shop, currently one manual mill and one manual lathe. I’m working on building onto my shop and want to add a few CNC machines. I'd also like to hire a few more qualified workers to help me take on bigger and better work.

JW: What advice would you give your peers if they are interested in following your path or just need a little encouragement?

MC: My advice to anyone is to take that chance, get out of your comfort zone, and just go for it. Nothing in life is easy, and if it is, chances are, you're not setting your goals high enough.

All images courtesy of Mike Coleman, Elite Fabrication LLC, Danville, Va.

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