Today we’d like to introduce you to Brock Clements.
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?
Welding wasn’t always something I knew I’d want to do. I was fresh out of high school and extremely unsure about what was next for me. Starting my welding business was a very winding road, but I’m glad it’s where I ended up.
I signed up for welding classes at ACC just to see if I would like it. Being handy and crafty is something that always came naturally to me, so it just made sense. I graduated with my structural certificate, and that was great and all, but I was still unsure if welding was the right path. That’s when I decided to pursue a graphic design education at Texas State. As it turns out, college is expensive, and all I really wanted to do was create things that were beautiful and permanent, so I dropped out and headed back home.
Most of my skills were honed at a shop in downtown Austin. My time there was great, and I learned so much. I’m incredibly grateful for my experience there, but as time went on, I realized how toxic and draining shop life can be. I started leaving for work an anxious mess and coming home upset and beaten down every day. After being yelled at and belittled one too many times, I left.
This is when I decided to start my own business and run it exactly how I wanted to. No bosses to berate me with insults, nobody to put me in harm’s way with unsafe work practices, and no more angry and sexist coworkers.
All I want is to do the work I’m passionate about and create a safe and positive work environment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to start a business during covid was extremely unnerving and difficult. Material and delivery prices were through the roof, the risk of hired helpers testing positive was high, and the uncertainty of my next job was ever-present.
Not to mention, shop life at my previous job was nearly impossible to get used to. In my experience, shop culture tends to rely heavily on a macho, toxically masculine vibe. The lack of mutual respect between coworkers created a very tense environment, and I just didn’t seem to fit in.
How could any of us remain excited about our craft when we were all so worried about who was going to set off who next? I knew I had to do this differently.
My journey navigating a healthy work/life balance, a safe and fun experience for workers, and how to make enough money to stay afloat was certainly rough but so worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an independent metal worker under the name Artisan Iron Austin. I specialize in “high-end fabrication”, or in other words, I create beautiful custom pieces for homes and businesses. I can make anything from a gorgeous and functional entry gate to the metal signage at your favorite coffee shop. Also, I can always make time for any odd-end repair. I’m no stranger to quick fixes on your restaurant’s chairs or your door that closes funny.
I’m very passionate about leaving behind work that I can always be proud of, offering a great customer experience with clients, and being able to do that at a fair cost.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Austin is booming and there’s already more than enough work to go around. A majority of welders are retiring and there just aren’t enough new tradespeople to replace them. The workload will only get heavier, but I just plan on doing my part to support the industry by training new like-minded people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artisanironaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisan_iron_austin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brockclementsdesign
