Life & Work with Sam Reed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Reed.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For many years, I was living somewhat of a troubled life, in 2016 I told myself I was going to clean my life up and learn how to weld. I needed something to fill the void. Shortly after that, I took a job in a fabrication shop at an oilfield service company.

While I was there, I spent several years honing my skills as a fabricator working under a close friend. I started building little things on the side like fire pits and keychain holders to make some extra money. In 2019, I was in an accident and had to take a leave of absence from work. Two weeks after I returned to work I was laid off, the price of oil was dropping and covid was starting to spread around town. I had no idea what I was going to do. I decided to put it out on Facebook and Instagram that I was looking for work and I was starting my own business.

A friend I cherish dearly Lindsay Ray called me and told me she had a friend that needed some metal work done at a new restaurant being built. She put us in contact and things really took off from there. I owe her a lot. After that first restaurant, I was able to start putting my work out there on social media. I’ve been grateful to work at many bars and restaurants around the city, I seriously love that kind of work.

I also do some oilfield work, work in private residences and so on. I was very nervous about going out on my own and being self employed but things are going pretty good so far.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This being my first full year in business Id say things have gone surprisingly smooth. The biggest challenge is just figuring out how to do all of the paperwork and business related stuff. Networking with friends and business owners and social media have kept me very busy.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a welder fabricator. I build various things out of primarily steel but I also work with stainless steel and aluminum. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in a short time. I’ve got several great repeat clients. I build a lot of bar and restaurant furniture, hand rails and banisters in homes and places of business. My most interesting job has probably been building doors on an airplane hangar. I’m not real sure what sets me apart from most, I always answer the phone, I always show up, and I always do my best to be honest about how long something is going to take.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Social media! It’s free! Especially in my industry, I’ve met so many people on Instagram all around the country that do what I do, or have been in my shoes. And usually, they’re always happy to answer any questions.

Contact Info:

• Email: RRCFabrication@gmail.com
• Instagram: @rrcfabrication
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Metal-Fabricator/RRC-Fabrication-106584884450374/