Austin Hixson (@hicky fab)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Austin from @hicky_fab and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
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Name: Austin Hixson
Business Name: HickyFab LLC & CrestPerformanceDynamics
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Website: CrestPerformanceDynamics.com
Specialties: Custom Automotive Turbo Kits and Exhaust Systems
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I've been a welder fabricator coming up on 9 years . I've been interested in welding since high-school. I've always wanted to just build cool stuff that nobody else can. I'm a hands on visual learner so being able to create with my hands is a dream .
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Being able to provide for my family and just getting to express myself through my work. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Hmm favorite tool has to be my restored powermatic 6x48 and 12" belt sander disc sander combo . Purchased it years ago for $200 . Restored it myself, it has to be my most handy tool . |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Here's a picture of a 3.5" Stainless steel pie cut exhaust I built for a 1200 hp Tatum Sandcar . |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? Doing exactly what I'm doing now is building my exhaust company @CrestPerformanceDynamics into a home business. To provide for my family and also to allow me to be home to help with my almost 4 yr old son who has Autism and is non verbal. Being home to help my wife with his day to day. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Your 12" disc sander abrasive disc's. Have by far impressed me the most with how long they last especially with Stainless steel prep.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
@frankfleurquin hands down has been my idol since I was introduced to welding.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Shut your mouth and simply listen and keep ego out of the shop . Always be respectful to the old timers they will give you the invaluable information that could help you along the way. And you don't know everything. Never judge a book by its cover cuz that 18 yr old kid you're talking to could one day be your boss.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My plans next year is to expand my 240sq ft 10x24 one car garage home shop onto my rv pad that's on my side yard. Then a 4 post lift with ac in the shop. AZ summers are brutal here.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
I appreciate your time. Thanks for giving me the opportunity.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Austin!!