Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy North.
Hi Billy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I stumbled into the welding industry by way of ACC, Austin community college. I was looking to go back to school and was interested in the trades, specifically building motorcycles. I knew welding was one of the most important components in building so I signed for some welding classes knowing nothing about it. Building motorcycles quickly became a dim light in my rearview mirror as I learned more about the industry. I was in total awe of all the different processes. I had no idea the depth of this trade, I was hooked. After school, I ventured into mechanical/pipefitting welding stainless pipe. I bounced around from semiconductor plants to oil and gas and eventually back to mechanical before starting my own company. In between jobs, I would take small fabrication/welding jobs on my own. This is what eventually led me into starting North Fabrication. North Fab came from a combination of industry monotony and drive to accomplish more. Working for big companies can be great and rewarding over time but time was the issue for me. They wanted too much time. I was driven and ready to do more but that was not the process, so I left and started my own company. North Fabrication was established in 2016 and we have seen constant growth every year. We have had the privilege to work with some amazing architectural firms and GCs to help build some great things here in Austin.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s a roller coaster. Emotionally and financially. Starting out can be hard. The biggest issue we would run into, and continue to, is getting paid. The bigger the jobs, the longer it takes to collect your money. Net 30s turn into 60s, 60s sometimes to 90s. Emotionally, for me, it’s managing the weight of a company with employees. You have to make sure your employees are taken care of. This is the most important part of running a successful business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about north Fabrication?
North Fabrication is a steel fabrication/welding company focusing on Misc. steels, structural steels and pipe fitting and welding. We provide steel for Multifamily projects, commercial buildings, residential homes, solar companies, industrial plants and more. Piping division has working on a number of buildings downtown providing everything from cooling tower swaps to chiller replacements. We pride ourselves on being responsive and knowledgeable of our trade. We want our customers to feel comfortable knowing their projects are in the hands of professionals.
Any big plans?
We have big plans for the future. We are currently in the middle of an expansion. We have a new partner joining us in 2022 and looking to grow our piping division. Austin is a growing city and we plan on being a big part of its growth.
Contact Info:
- Email: sales@northfabrication.com
- Website: www.northfabrication.com
- Instagram: @northfabrication
