by Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
<a href="https://www.thefabricator.com/podcast/channel/the-fabricator-podcast">The Fabricator Podcast</a> brings you conversations with people who make things out of metal. We speak with manufacturing leaders, metal fabricators, welders, job shop owners, small business entrepreneurs, artists, marketers, educators, and more. Host Dan Davis, Editor-in-Chief of The Fabricator, and a rotating co-hosts also go beyond discussing just manufacturing and the skilled trades, and chats about pop culture, current events, food, music, movies, comedy, and, of course, robots. The Fabricator Podcast is presented by the <a href="https://fmamfg.org"> Fabricators and Manufacturers Association</a> and part of the FMA Podcast Network.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/1/2022
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April 10, 2025
<p>In this episode, we sit down with Hector Ortega—sculptor and founder of <a href="https://www.ortegasculpture.com/" target="_blank">Ortega Sculpture</a> and <a href="https://silverliningmetalstamps.com/" target="_blank">Silver Lining Metals Stamps</a>, based in the Phoenix metro area.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>We also talk about his involvement with <a href="https://www.sculpturetucson.org/" target="_blank">Sculpture Tucson</a>, 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.</p> <p>This episode was recorded during the <a href="https://www.fmamfg.org/annualmeeting" target="_blank">FMA Annual Meeting</a> at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona.</p> <p>Learn more about podcast <a href="https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/advertise#how-we-reach-them-podcast" target="_blank">sponsorship opportunities</a>.</p>
March 27, 2025
<p>Lucy Minturn and Liz Kloster co-own <a href="https://fosterworks.org/home" target="_blank">FosterWorks</a>, 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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).</p> <p>This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.lantek.com/us" target="_blank">Lantek</a>. Email us at <a href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a> with any comments, questions, or suggestions.</p>
March 12, 2025
<p>Mike McCarthy, VP at <a href="https://www.designcommunicationsltd.com/" target="_blank">Design Communications Ltd. (DCL)</a>, 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Email us at <a href="[email protected]">[email protected]</a> with any comments, questions, or suggestions.</p>
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