Not only is Charis Walker still building America, she’s farming it too. Her growing interest in farming developed right alongside her path in the skilled trades world. Eventually her education and life experience led Charis and husband, Ben, to establish their homestead and begin farming full-time in southern Ohio. (Continue Reading)
Innovation doesn’t always mean success. Walking through a recent car show near Detroit, I was knocked out of a trance by an odd-looking French car with giant steel bulges and metal valve knobs that would have looked more in place on an older home’s plumbing system, or even on a locomotive, rather than on an … Read More
As a gearhead, you get used to the idea that an aftermarket bolt-on part or even a weld-in piece billed as “made to fit” doesn’t usually live up to its promise. As a matter of fact, when a part even comes close to lining up as it should, it’s a cause for celebration. (Continue Reading)
At the end of June we attended a celebration of all things America and automotive at the “Cars Under the Stars” fireworks event at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Mich. Among the crowd of friends and strangers we overheard a conversation nearby. A young girl was talking about her passion for welding, and we couldn’t help … Read More
While I want everyone to try welding, and I’d dig it if everyone then found that they loved welding, it’s not everyone’s bag. It’s why exposing kids at a young age to blue-collar trades is important, so they know what their options are. We’ve done a terrific job of removing any scarlet letter previously associated … Read More
Earlier this year I shared a post about the necessity for artists and tradespeople to step out of their comfort zone to grow their skills. One of the examples I gave was of a sculpture that marked a departure from my past pieces, my take on an iconic Detroit landmark.” (Continue Reading)