Steve Leili (@brazenironllc)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Steve from @brazenironllc 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!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Steve Leili
Business Name: Brazen Iron LLC
Location: Monroe Township, NJ
Specialties: TIG welding and fabrication
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I started welding with a 50A buzz box around the age of eight. I was building chopper bikes and side-by-sides, the forks sometimes twenty feet long. I’ve always enjoyed creating something from nothing.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I’ve wanted my own company ever since I could count. I recently formed my LLC and am determined to deliver quality services and become a successful business owner. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool is my welding machine. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite piece would be an aluminum access ladder for a gas turbine. It was one of my first bigger jobs and I was able to fabricate every part from start to finish. |
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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 would become a business owner and offer welding services to residential and commercial customers. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I use more flap discs than anything. A close second would be the thin cut-off wheels.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
I really enjoyed the first flap discs that I received from a promotion. They continue to cut until the disc is totally spent. I have since used BA for all of my abrasive purchases.
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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?
Don’t sand where you should be grinding. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with one person it would be Jesse James. That man is a master of metal.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Work smarter, not harder. Take the time to study and perfect a skill, then study and perfect another, and so on.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My future plans for the shop are unknown as I need business to continue and so far I’ve got none.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Steve! Work smarter, not harder is a mantra I go by every single day.