You don't end up on the Magnolia Network by accident.
You earn it through craftsmanship, discipline, and work that speaks for itself.

In this episode of Making Sparks, host's Matthew Nix and Casey Voelker sits down with Rodney Ross and Jared "Cappie" Capp, the builders, craftsmen, and storytellers behind work that blends tradition with modern visibility. From hands-on trade skills to national recognition, this conversation digs into what it really takes to build credibility that lasts.

Rodney and Cappie share their perspective on craftsmanship, leadership, and why authenticity still matters more than shortcuts or hype, especially in a world driven by social media and fast growth.

It's not just about making things.
It's about making something that endures.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional craftsmanship still matters in a modern, tech-driven world

• How discipline and consistency build real credibility over time

• What most people misunderstand about success in the trades

• How to use storytelling and visibility without losing authenticity

• Why leadership is built through standards, not titles

• What it takes to create work people trust and respect

Key timestamps:

• 02:10 – Meeting Rodney Ross and Jared "Cappie" Capp

• 06:45 – Craftsmanship, discipline, and earning credibility

• 11:30 – Tradition vs trends in modern trade work

• 18:20 – Building visibility without cheapening the craft

• 24:50 – Leadership lessons learned through experience

• 32:10 – Legacy, reputation, and work that lasts

Resources:

Follow Rodney and Cappie on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-capp-2a2675113/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-ross-jr-a89410106/

Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the

Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops say they can't find good welders.
Nate Bowman says that's not the real problem.

From outdated training models to unclear career pathways to leaders expecting loyalty without direction, this episode breaks down why shops struggle to hire and retain talent and what to do instead.

Live from FABTECH 2025, host Casey Voelker sits down with Nate Bowman, aka The Weld Scientist, to unpack the real science behind training welders, building sustainable career paths, and adopting technology without falling for hype. This conversation connects people, process, and innovation in a way every shop owner and leader needs to hear.

It's not just about welding technique.
It's about creating an industry people actually want to stay in.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why most shops don't have a hiring problem, they have a pathway problem

• How helping new welders win early changes long-term retention

• What outdated welding education gets wrong and how shops can fix it

• Why showing up in person still matters when hiring

• How to structure clear pay and growth paths from day one

• Which welding technologies are worth the investment and which are overhyped

• Why training and culture matter more than any new piece of equipment

Timestamps:

01:05 – Meet Nate Bowman and the mission behind Weld Science
04:55 – Why early wins matter when training new welders
08:45 – The culture problem in welding education
12:10 – Teaching real-world skills vs outdated processes
15:50 – Why "apply online" isn't enough anymore
17:15 – Building clear pay and career pathways in your shop
25:20 – Cobots, laser welding, and separating hype from reality

Resources:

Follow Nate Bowman (The Weld Scientist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weldscientist/
Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/
Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops talk about culture.
Marc and Mike Goodhart had to rebuild theirs.

From stepping into a fifth-generation family business… to confronting the hard truth that you can't "muscle" your way into leadership… to reshaping a 90-year-old company around accountability, clarity, and people—the Goodhart brothers' story is a blueprint for every shop trying to build something that lasts.

In this episode, Marc and Mike open up about the real work behind succession, culture, profit-sharing, next-gen recruiting, and running a family business with honesty and humility. Their insights are raw, practical, and grounded in decades of lessons learned the hard way.

It's not just about fabrication.
It's about building a shop people are proud to be part of.

• Why leadership in a family business must be earned, not inherited

• How to rebuild culture by simplifying values and setting expectations

• The surprising reason employees want family succession

• How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract the next generation

• Why dignity matters—even when letting someone go

• How profit-sharing creates ownership and stability for shop-floor workers

• What it takes to sustain a 90-year legacy in a modern industry

03:30 – The Goodhart Legacy: How a 90-year-old fab shop survives into Gen4 and Gen5.
05:50 – Earning Your Place: Why ownership in a family business must be earned, not inherited.
11:47 – Next-Gen Recruiting: How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract young talent.
20:23 – Firing With Dignity: The philosophy behind treating people well—even on the way out.
26:08 – Profit Sharing Explained: How their compensation model protects jobs and builds loyalty.
29:12 – Culture Simplified: Turning 12 legacy objectives into a modern, memorable culture system.

Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/
Connect with Goodhart Sons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodhart-sons-inc/
Goodhart Sons Website: https://www.goodhartsons.com/
Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/
Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/