In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Kenny Stewart, a 23-year-old combo rig welder out of Houston, TX. Kenny shares how he pivoted from music school to welding in just five years, the real differences between single-hand and rig welding, why he chose plant specialty work over pipeline, and how humility, curiosity, and smart gear choices (hello, laser level) accelerated his growth.
Key Topics Covered:
Single-hand vs rig welder: pay structure, what the company supplies vs what you bring, and expectations on fit-up and fabrication
The three rig-welder lanes: pipeline, plant specialty, and small mobile welding business—what the day-to-day looks like in each
Why plant/shutdown work can offer big checks without living on the road
Getting started from zero: trade school choice, being a “sponge,” and landing a first job before graduation
Breaking in without connections: using LinkedIn/Indeed/ZipRecruiter and saying “yes” to that first test
Learning exotic alloys (Inconel, stainless, duplex): ask questions, study, then practice under the hood
Fitting your own work: takeoffs, layout, and why fabricating skills boost your rate and reputation
The cost trap: why buying a big truck and brand-new machine on day one can set you back
Pipeline reality check: gatekeeping, difficulty getting hired, and why the welds themselves aren’t always the hard part
Helper → Welder progression: how to be the helper everyone wants (stay ahead, ask, learn)
Most-used tool right now: laser level for fast, clean elevations and layout in crowded plants
Memorable Quotes:
“Ego in this game will kill you.”
“They’re not paying you just for your hand—they’re paying for your hand, head, truck, and tools.”
“At some point, watching videos won’t weld it. You’ve got to get under the hood.”
“Don’t go into debt for a big truck and a shiny machine before you’ve got the work.”
“Experience means more than the piece of paper.”
“I like sleeping in my own bed—and still pulling big checks.”
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Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/
TikTok: @kennystew https://www.tiktok.com/@kennystew
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
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