Don’t Be a One-Trick Pony: Big Mike on Welding, Grit, and Making Your Own Opportunities

Big Mike is a seasoned tradesman who’s spent years working in the toughest environments the blue-collar world has to offer. From starting out in irrigation to building a career in welding and iron work, Mike’s journey is built on hard lessons, long days, and a commitment to mastering the craft.In this episode, Big Mike dives into the realities of working in the trades and why being a “one-trick pony” can hold you back, the unexpected benefits of becoming a welder, and the harsh truths many people don’t hear before entering the industry. He shares firsthand experiences about safety on the job, the dangers welders face every day, and how weather, pressure, and high-risk environments shape the mindset of those in the field.Mike also opens up about managing anger in high-stress jobs, learning from demanding instructors, and the value of both trade schools and real hands-on experience. For anyone thinking about entering the welding trade or anyone who respects the grit of blue-collar work. Big Mike delivers honest insight, practical advice, and stories from a life built in sparks and steel.