Staci Martinez (IG: 605_shieldmaiden)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Staci from @605_shieldmaiden and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly showcase (100% FREE) please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These showcases are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Staci Martinez Business Name: 605 Shield Maiden Country/State Location: Sioux Falls, SD. USA Socials: IG: @605_shieldmaiden Specialties: Metal Fabrication, Metal Art |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade (backstory)? And how long? I started welding 7 years ago while working at a metal fabrication shop. At the time I was inventory management, shipping and receiving and staging jobs for the Welders. They needed more Welders and were willing to train me and I was able to earn my certifications. I fell in love with it instantly and knew that's what I wanted to do with my life. I left that shop, started a Wood Flooring business with my husband and as soon as I could jump back into welding, I did. I started my own fabrication shop in my 4 stall garage almost 2 years ago.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? My love for what I do keeps me going. I absolutely love to be challenged and to weld. Being able to utilize my creativity and be an inspiration for my daughters and other women is more than I could ever ask for. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I have a couple favorite tools, but I'd have to say my welder first obviously. But my second favorite is my plasma cutter! |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite or the piece that I'm most proud of is the outside handrail I made for a customer! It challenged me more than anything I've ever created. |
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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? I'd love to travel and weld. I love to explore and see different places and learn new things. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why? I love BA flap discs! Finished work is important, the durability and longevity of these products amaze me! |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? Benchmark Abrasives flap discs pricing and quality set them a notch or two above their competitors! |
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product? I don't have any tricks, but my only tip is to always give a damn about the work you put out.. you're only as good as your last job and always be willing to learn new things. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? evcometalworks, Evan Hall. Because he's an amazing artist and I know I'd grow from the experience. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? Don't be afraid because as Barbie the Welder would say, Fate does favor the fearless. |
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What are your future plans for your shop? Growth. More tools, more knowledge and a CNC machine. |
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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 would like to add that just because other people have done whatever it is you are doing or want to do, doesn't mean that you can't do it too. Just remember that there's no one in this world like you and that's something no one else has. |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Staci! Love seeing someone fall in love with welding when they're given the chance. I've seen a few friends who recently tried it out and were blown away. It really is something special.