Check out our feature with Luis Santiago, lead welder at Spec Fab. We talked with Luis about his role as both a welder and leader on the shop floor, and how his team’s work with MIG welding and TIG welding are just some of the reasons Spec Fab is at the top of its game.

Read the feature below and contact us today to learn more about how our welding service can support you with your next project.

 

Question: What is your role at Spec Fab?

I do just about any job on the floor, but I spend most days welding. I also run most of our machines – our press, saw, iron worker and our PEM Machine. Overall, I’m leading our welding team on the floor, making sure everyone knows what they’re doing and answering questions so everyone is clear on what needs to get done.

Question: There are several welding shops in the area for customers to choose from. So, what is it about Spec Fab that brings your customers back time and time again?

We can weld just about any type of metal. And, we can weld large thicknesses. Right now, I’m welding 2-inch steel parts for one project. We can also get very thin and customized; as thin as 1/16-inch on stainless steel and aluminum. Not every shop can do that. We have an extremely talented team of welders.

Question: What made you decide to become a welder?

What’s funny is that I didn’t like welding when I first started. My father worked hard when I was growing up. He’d come home from his job and work as a welder at night in our garage. When I was 13 years old, he taught me how to weld and I’d help him at night. As a kid, I didn’t want to be welding in the garage, but as I learned the skill I began to love it.

Question: What is it about welding that you’re so passionate about?

I love starting with pieces of metal and using my hands to create something new and useful. TIG welding, especially, is an art. I love the artistry and the clean process. It’s not just the work, though. I come to work each day, get my tasks done, then see what others are doing and look for ways I can help them. We work as a team and I make sure my team has what they need to be successful that day. Spec Fab truly is my second family.

Question: When you’re not at Spec Fab, what are you most likely doing?

At home I’m usually with family, helping neighbors with projects, working on something – I’m always busy.