Sean Flottmann (IG: @dabswellington)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Sean from @dabswellington 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!
This week's #WELDERSHOWCASE is...
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Name: Sean Flottmann
Business Name: Dabswellington / Dabwell Industries Country/State Location: USA/ Missouri Etsy: Dabs Wellington
Your Specialties: Tig-fanatic specializes in Stainless Pharmaceutical/food Fabrication and Mirrored Artwork
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade (backstory)? And how long? I found my way into the trade by fortunate happenstance. I was taking my parents and counselors advice, barreling down the path of academia. Luckily I stumbled into Washington Metal Fabricators as a temporary employee. That is where my passion for welding saw its first sparks. |
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? For the longest time I just watched as others were building their dreams. Once I put a plan into action, I became addicted to the grind. My shop time keeps me sane, I get out of my head by getting into my hands. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite tool is easily my phone. No other tool in my arsenal has the ability, reach, and promotional value of this handy little device. It gives me the ability to showcase the skills I have toiled over all these years. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Early on I was part of a Project at the Herman Riverfront. We built a Stainless Steel Paddle wheel that is showcased at the Riverfront Park. It was my first large installation project, and was an experience that opened my eyes to the fact that welding can be more than just making part for industry. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why? Easily the polishing kit, Mirrors are kind of my things. Benchmark makes it easy to touch-up any areas with their Step-by-step polishing kit. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? The flap discs are surprisingly robust, long life, plenty of mileage. |
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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 (insert product)?
The grinder hood is a great addition to my PPE collection. I get to save face, and look stylish in the process.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? I am fascinated by David Madero’s work. The scale, the detail, he really captures emotion with his sculptures. His work continues to marvel and amaze me. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Every successful tradesman has pushed through the struggles you are facing today. So are you gonna quit? Or Rise to the Occasion? Remember, it's only a failure if you stop trying again. |
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What are your future plans for your shop? I will continue to make custom orders, artwork and sculptures. I will let my eager attitude continue to open doors, and hope that my talent can follow suit. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Follow your passion, whatever it may be. Life’s too short to be living someone else’s dream. So get out there and make this day yours!
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Sean! Thanks for always taking the time to share your knowledge in welding as well. It goes a long way in helping those starting out and understanding the technical aspects of their welding machines. Keep on dabbing my friend!