1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Jake LeGrand joins us to talk about the grind, the grit, and the growth — both in the shop and online. By day, he’s an architectural engineer. By night, he’s building a brand with a welding torch and a sketchpad. With over 19,000 followers and clients finding him through Instagram DMs, Jake is living proof that showing your work can turn into real sales — even in metal fabrication. This episode dives into how he picked up fabrication without shop class, how social media turned into a pipeline, and what it really takes to build a following while holding down a full-time job. Episode Highlights:&amp;nbsp; 02:58 – Jake LeGrand’s journey from small-town kid to sign builder in Kansas City. 03:37 – From engineering student to hands-on researcher with a passion for welding. 06:56 – How missing shop class almost derailed his career and the shift to fabrication. 14:26 – Turning a garage hobby into a legit business and the power of creative fabrication. 29:40 – Using social media, viral posts, and Instagram DMs to grow a brand and land jobs. 42:37 – How consistency and real-world experience drive modern manufacturing success. &amp;nbsp; If you’re still treating social media like a distraction, you’re missing a serious opportunity. This episode will change how you think about showing your work — and what it can bring your shop. &amp;nbsp; Resources:&amp;nbsp; LeGrand MetalWorks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legrandmetalworks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/&amp;nbsp; Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/ &amp;nbsp; Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders https://sites.libsyn.com/540547 <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/36262685/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/187350015