Leadership and Grit: The S3 Welding Story with Derick Lycette

What does it take to transition from a hands-on manual welder to a thriving industrial subcontractor? What happens when your first major cross-country contract completely dries up within weeks, and how do you find the grit to keep moving forward?Welcome to "No Shortcuts" by OWETEC, where we dive deep into the conversations that challenge the welding industry.  In this episode, hosts Ziad Bedran and Nicholas McMillen sit down with Derick Lycette, founder of S3 Welding. Derick shares his journey from hand-welding thin stainless tubing in Maine to joining the Army Reserves as a drill sergeant, and ultimately taking the leap to launch his own successful contracting business. This conversation explores the intersection of technical craft, military discipline, and professional resilience, inviting listeners to see how sudden operational setbacks can become the catalyst for business transformation.In This Episode:Shifting from welding to heavy fabrication: Discover why mastering blueprint reading, assembly, and heavy equipment setup creates vastly more industry opportunities than relying on manual welding skills alone.The impact of military discipline: Learn how Derick’s experiences shaped his leadership style and fueled his desire to make a true impact in the communityThe power of strategic networking: Uncover how connecting with other subcontractors can provide the essential guidance and pathways needed to work with major corporations.Building a reliable team in the trades: Learn Derick’s philosophy on hiring, vetting skilled labor, and why finding workers with the right attitude and a willingness to learn is often more critical than finding someone who only boasts a high certifications list.Managing high-pressure client expectations: Hear how S3 Welding establishes clear communication and operational boundaries with major corporate clients to ensure projects are delivered safely without compromising on craftsmanship.Resources MentionedOWETEC Services: https://www.owetecllc.com/About the FoundersZiad BedranZiad is a mechanical engineer with over 15 years of experience in various engineering roles. He founded OWETEC to fill a gap in the welding industry by providing specialized training and support to professionals in the field.Nicholas McMillenNicholas began his welding career at a vocational high school and has worked for renowned companies like Lincoln Electric and Newport News Shipbuilding. His passion for welding and commitment to excellence led him to co-found OWETEC.About OWETECOWETEC is a trusted leader in welding education, training and consulting, serving industries where precision and compliance are non-negotiable. From the semiconductor and aerospace sectors to biopharmaceutical, oil & gas, nuclear, and food & beverage, we empower professionals and organizations to master advanced welding technologies, optimize processes, and achieve global certification standards.OWETEC is on a mission to transform the welding industry through innovative training and support. By challenging the norms and focusing on quality, Ziad and Nick are paving the way for future generations of welders.Want to learn more? Check out the full podcast episode and discover how OWETEC is changing the landscape of welding training.