Get ready to trade the life you are living for the one you were meant to live with The Traded Life! In this episode, host Greg Michelman introduces us to his guest, Jason Labrash, owner of Grizzly Iron Inc., and an expert in architectural ironwork. Jason shares how he got into the business, growing up around it as his father started the business a year before he was born, and he started by sweeping the floors. They discuss the importance of finding talented employees and nurturing their skills. They go on to discuss the challenges of working with family, communication within the company, and balancing work and family life. They emphasize the importance of communication in solving business problems and making clients happy. Don't miss out on this informative and engaging podcast episode!
Timestamps
[00:00:05] Interview with Jason Labrash - Owner of Grizzly Iron Inc
[00:04:00] Advancing in Construction: Finding Talent, Encouraging Creativity
[00:07:14] Balancing Artistic Freedom and Client Requests in a Family Business
[00:10:46] Succeeding in Family Business
[00:13:54] Inclusive Leadership: Embracing Different Perspectives
[00:16:58] Adapting to Technology in Business and Family
[00:20:14] Spouses Working Together in Business and Marriage
[00:23:18] Learning and Sharing in Business Groups
[00:26:44] Benefits of Running a Family Business
[00:29:48] Balancing Work and Parenting with Young Children
[00:33:09] Effective Communication with Children
[00:36:03] The Role of Communication in Business
[00:39:22] Guest's Website Promotion and Call to Action
Best Quotes
[00:00:41] I do want to say it before we even start. Like, I was cruising through your website. Some of this shit is so cool, man. Like, I was just looking at the railroad spike with the knife on it. I'm like, guys are creative over there.
[00:00:09] You can trade the life you have, for the life you were born to live.
[00:08:20] But they came up when they, you know, they said they wanted these specific elements, but they also wanted some artistic input.
[00:10:40] The biggest thing is we end up finding we think the same way, but sometimes we communicate it differently.
All Quotes
[00:11:24] Early on, he took it very personally. You know, and so but for me, it was the honest like, I was just being genuinely honest with him. And that took a while for him to adjust to
[00:09:37] But like, I would say it started rougher than it is now. Yeah. And now it's actually fairly smooth, and it's because we found our rolls and our end but the biggest challenge.
[00:10:40] The biggest thing is we end up finding we think the same way, but sometimes we communicate it differently.
[00:10:21] But when it came to business, we found that we would argue over things because we were trying to say the same thing in a different way.
[00:15:08] You know, sometimes I look at these guys, like, I don't know what your father's background is. Was he always in, like, metalwork his whole life? And then, like, you know, when you're an old salty dog, you know, like a different generation sometimes, They're like, no. This is I've been doing this longer than you.
[00:07:53] And so they came up and said, here, this is what we want. And how can we do it? And so, we kind of, you know, showed them some other snakes that we've happened to build.
[00:07:15] I mean, a lot of our projects, an architect or designer has already come up with an idea, a design. And it's pretty much there.
[Unknown] It's honestly, you have the feeling you have, you see somebody that can do those things with their hands.
[00:00:09] You can trade the life you have, for the life you were born to live.
[00:14:27] And it goes both ways. I can see the way those types of conversations go too. Like, it's not like you're just sitting quietly and you're having, like, a little back with Panther. It's like, usually, it's in the heat of the workday or you're working on a specific project.
[00:13:10] It's like when you're on top each other and the community there's, like, a communication breakdown in a way because you're trying it's, like I can't really explain it, but that's what he was trying to say.
[00:03:30] So I learned all parts of it. You know, of course, you know, when I was 12 years old, I learned to sweep the floors and learn in the world at the same time.
[00:08:20] But they came up when they, you know, they said they wanted these specific elements, but they also wanted some artistic input.
[00:01:52] I got into the business because I just grew up in it more or less. My dad started a company. And I started working in it after school, you know, after probably even great school and into high school, started working in the business a little more, you know, and then out of high school, just went straight into the business, and here we are.
[00:00:41] I do want to say it before we even start. Like, I was cruising through your website. Some of this shit is so cool, man. Like, I was just looking at the railroad spike with the knife on it. I'm like, guys are creative over there.
[00:12:34] But I feel like it's a marriage it's a marriage because you're talking sometimes in a lot of cases, I spend more time around him, and I have more conversations than I am in a day because we're so much business going on.
[00:04:05] But, I mean, that's what I you know, that started doing that kind of stuff and then, you know, just working way up and learning to build things and learning all the processes.
[00:03:43] I remember summer's strip and paint off of bathroom partitions that we were working on for a school, all these metal heavy bathroom partitions.
[00:06:25] So sometimes we rely on what's the abilities that our guys have and showing them what showing the clients what's capable.
[00:12:57] It also takes, like, somebody from the outside. I don't know who that is with that who that would be in your circle, but in his situation, he brought somebody outside of their circle to explain exactly what they were both trying to say, and then they both got it.
Blog Post
1: Gates, Railings, and Forged Work: A Conversation with Jason Labrash
In this episode of The Traded Life featuring host Greg Michelman and guest Jason Labrash, we learn about the world of architectural iron work. Labrash, who is the owner of Grizzly Iron, shares his lifelong journey in the industry. Starting with his father's company and working in it since he was young, Labrash has become an expert in his field.
If you are interested in getting into the iron work industry, here are three tips:
1. Start young: As Labrash himself admits, he started working for his dad's company in high school. Working early in a family business provides an excellent opportunity to learn the ropes, the tricks of the trade, and get comfortable with the overall work environment.
2. Focus on architectural ironwork: According to Labrash, architectural ironwork generally focuses on gates, railings, and structural steel fabrication. Knowing which part of the industry interests you can help with better understanding the craft.
3. Master hands-on and fabrication skills: As Labrash mentioned, learning every aspect of the business starting with sweeping the floor to welding and forging is crucial to mastering the craft. You can find classes, workshops, or seminars in your area that offer training in the fabrication of metal.
Labrash's insights into the iron work industry are insightful, educational, and motivational. If you're interested in learning more about this exciting industry, tune in to the podcast episode for more!
"Learn all parts of it. You know, of course, you know when I was 12 years old, I learned to sweep the floors and learn about the world at the same time." - Jason Labrash
Blog post 2: Grizzly Iron: Mastering Architectural Iron Work
Owner of Grizzly Iron Ink, Jason Labrash, joins host Greg Michelman in this episode of The Traded Life, where he gives listeners a glimpse into the world of architectural iron work. With over 30 years in the industry, Grizzly Iron Ink has made a significant mark and stands out as one of the best.
If you're interested in architectural iron work or you want to start your business, here are three tips:
1. Focus on quality: According to Labrash, ensuring clients receive top-quality products is crucial to building a successful brand. This means paying attention to the smallest details, pursuing excellence, and continuous self-improvement.
2. Embrace creativity and innovation: As Labrash revealed in the podcast, Grizzly Iron Ink prides itself on its creativity and innovative approaches to fabricating steel and ironwork. Consider this as part of your brand's values and apply it to your design process.
3. Never stop learning: As with any other profession, continuing education ensures you remain up-to-date with new industry practices, materials, and designs. Keep yourself informed by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.
In summary, the podcast gives us an excellent opportunity to learn from someone who has a wealth of experience in the industry. If you're interested in getting into architectural iron work or just want to know more about it, this episode is a must-listen.
"He's become a friend of mine over the last, I would say, year and a half. We were in the same coaching group, same circles together. My man Jason Labrash, who's married, you own grizzly, iron ink." - Greg Michelman
Social Post
1. 🎧 Drop everything and tune in! The Traded Life with host Greg Michelman and guest Jason Labrash is now live! 🙌 Discover how to trade the life you have for the one you were born to live. #TheTradedLife #GregMichelman #JasonLabrash #Blacksmithing #CustomIronWork #ArchitecturalIronWork
2. Ready for some creative inspiration? 🤩 Join Greg Michelman on The Traded Life as he chats with Jason Labrash - owner of Grizzly Iron Ink and a master in the art of blacksmithing. 🔥 Listen in to learn how to turn your passion into a thriving business. #TheTradedLife #GregMichelman #JasonLabrash #GrizzlyIronInk #Blacksmithing
3. 🚀 Want to learn how to turn your family business into a success story? 🏆 Tune in to The Traded Life with Greg Michelman and Jason Labrash as they share insights on growing a custom iron work business. 🙌 Don't miss this one! #TheTradedLife #GregMichelman #JasonLabrash #CustomIronWork #FamilyBusinessSuccess
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