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Still Building America: Florida-based welding instructor and TikTok star Matthew Stewart

The man behind Northwest Florida State College’s welding program and social media's “GB and Me”

Matthew Stewart might be best known for his endearing and often hilarious relationship with his Grandma Bobbe (a.k.a. GB, TikTok Grandma, Gas Money Grandma) on social media channels like TikTok and Instagram, but he’s also a well-respected welding instructor within the Florida College System.

He’s equally passionate about his family as he is about helping others learn to weld.

We recently sat down for a Zoom interview with Matthew to discuss the welding program he leads at the Defuniak Springs campus at Northwest Florida State College. Dishing out quality advice for aspiring welding students and describing how welding makes him feel like Thor, Matthew also shared a bit of his welding career journey.

After years of waiting tables and feeling stuck, Matthew signed up for welding school at the age of 27. Striking his first arc ignited a new purpose and a zeal for learning the trade. His welding education paved the way for a job as a field welder, then as a night instructor at the college where he honed his skills.

Follow Matthew and his Grandma Bobbe on Instagram at @stewiez71 and on TikTok at @gbandme. Find out more about the welding program at Northwest Florida State College.

Editor's note: Speaking of welders making a name for themselves on social media, watch our interview with Sean Flottmann, aka Dabs Wellington. Also check out the rest of the Still Building America series.