{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Reviving the Trades: Santiago Rivera on Tough Love, Structure, and Second Chances","description":"Most welding instructors teach technique. Santiago Rivera teaches transformation. From learning to weld left-handed for a car\u2026 to surviving addiction\u2026 to rebuilding a welding program that changed hundreds of students\u2019 lives\u2014Santiago\u2019s story is one of grit, redemption, and unwavering purpose. In this episode, Santiago opens up about the journey that shaped him, the students who motivate him, and the leadership philosophy that\u2019s helping revive the trades for the next generation. It\u2019s not just about welding. It\u2019s about building people.  In this episode, you\u2019ll learn:   How a simple deal with his mom launched his entire welding career   The leadership mindset Santiago uses to build trust and structure in his classroom   Why honesty and consistency matter more than talent   How he grew a welding program from 42 to 123 students   The role of mentors, tough love, and accountability in shaping young welders   What today\u2019s trade students are really struggling with\u2014and how to reach them   How personal purpose fuels professional impact    Timestamps: 3:00 \u2013 The origin story: learning to weld left-handed for a car 9:00 \u2013 \u201cI was a functioning crack addict\u201d: Santiago\u2019s personal turning point 14:00 \u2013 Growing the program: from 42 students to 123 and securing a $700K grant 20:30 \u2013 \u201cI want to teach you how to do life\u201d: structure, character, and honesty 22:45 \u2013 His mother\u2019s legacy: running 105 welders in the 1970s 31:30 \u2013 Kayak Fishing with Christ: the 6,000-member ministry changing lives  Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/g\/1Dspnz4Qt5\/ Connect with Santiago on LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/santiago-rivera-5584b230\/ Learn more about Northern Virginia Community College\u2019s Welding Program: https:\/\/www.nvcc.edu\/academics\/programs\/welding.html Lights Out Podcast:&amp;nbsp;https:\/\/makingchips.com\/show\/lights-out\/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https:\/\/makingchips.com\/show\/buy-the-numbers\/ ","author_name":"Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/540547","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39081695\/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>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/195587290"}