Welding and ironwork–while considered a rough and male-dominated career–requires skill and artistry to create with such precision. According to the American Welding Society, only about 5 percent of welders are women.

Here in our own little shop, we noticed women welders are oftentimes the hardest working people we have. Logan and Veronica are two of our Star-welders who have been making big waves in the All Things Metal Fabrication Shop. We decided to interview them to see what got them into welding, and why they stick around with us.

What made you apply at All Things Metal (ATM)?

Logan: I’ve seen some of the stuff that ATM has built, and it was actually my boyfriend who suggested that I apply to work here. He has always been a huge support of my welding career, especially as a welder himself.

What made you get into welding?

Veronica: I love the idea of a challenge, and I’ve never been the kind of person to want to sit in an office all day.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working as a welder?

Veronica: Well to be honest, I would still be doing welding type things like welding art or try to become a Certified Weld Inspector, which is a career goal of mine.

Logan: I would probably get into blacksmithing. I love working with fire and metal!

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

Logan: I like to volunteer with a local bird sanctuary. Once I get a place, I want to build my own aviary for my Macaw.

Veronica: I like rollerblading. There are a lot of cool places around town with big sidewalks that are perfect for rollerblading.

What is something that makes ATM stand out from other jobs you’ve had in the past?

Logan: I’ve worked at other places that have claimed to be all about family, but in reality, they never truly acted that way. When All Things Metal says family is a core value here, they truly mean it.

---

We asked Mark Thomas, a seasoned All Things Metal Employee what he had to say about these two women and their work ethic.

“They are both fantastic ladies. Absolutely wonderful work. They are hardworking, and great to have in our shop.”

Jeff Rock, the Director of Operations at ATM had this to add:

“They are both fantastic and do some really great work. While we’re on the subject, out of about 20 people in the shop, Veronica is one of only 3 who took the initiative and strived to get her CJP Certification when we offered it through one of our Career Development Incentive Programs we have in the shop. She has a clear career path, and we look forward to helping her get there.”

Martin Newton, Estimator, has been with All Things Metal since 2002. We decided to interview him to learn about more about him and what motivates him after 19 years.

---

What got you to join this little company after only being in business for 1 month?

I resigned from my previous iron company when my friend Greg started All Things Metal. I didn’t even think twice about joining him on this journey.

You’ve been in almost every position throughout this company. What has been your favorite & why?

My favorite position was as a welder because I was creating and accomplishing something tangible.
We started out doing residential work; people would come to me with drawings on a napkin and ask, “Can this be built?” and I did it for them.
Using my abilities and creativity, I was able to build something that most people can’t do.

You’ve stuck with ATM through all the ups and downs & never gave up. What made you believe in this company enough to stay during the rough times?

I believed in the founder of the company and knew that he would never give up on this company. I felt that staying with him would help build a company we could both be proud of.

• 

• 

• 

Since our Founder, Greg MacLiver, retired back in March, Martin is now the longest serving employee in ATM’s history. When asked when he is thinking about retiring, he says we are stuck with him for at least another 7 years!