We recently connected with Eric Fritsch and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Eric with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
When tossing around the idea of starting a business, we knew we could be successful with hard work and dedication to the project, purpose and customers we serve. That drive comes from our work ethic which was passed along by our families. Our parents and grandparents all illustrated the attitude of “if you show up, do more than expected and treat people with respect, your work will speak for itself, and the reward will come”. They all demonstrated this through work within companies and corporations, but we knew we could take the same premise and apply it to a small, family owned and run business and be successful.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
After more than a decade of working in the airline industry as an A&P Mechanic, I wanted to return full time to my passion of welding. Being able to take and create solutions through helping people fix what is broken or create from scratch through welding has afforded me this opportunity. From small project to very large, everyone is unique and personal to me as well as to the project owner. Watching a project come to fruition is a great feeling.
My wife and I started working together this year and continue to build our project profile, but one very exciting project that has spun off is our Auto Life Safety Class that we offer. This idea came from our son (who is now an active-duty Marine) before he went into the service. He was concerned his friends did not have the basic knowledge of how to keep themselves and passengers safe while on the road. As well as taking care of their cars and trucks to serve them better in the long run and avoid mechanical issues that could cause trouble on the road.
In this class we marry theory and practice with basics anyone should know when operating a vehicle. We talk through all of the topics, but then the students practice the skills. These include tire, oil, radiator and battery safety as well as fluid identification and indicator light identification. Students are encouraged to bring their own vehicles so they can see specifically how to change their tire, check oil, etc. If they do not have a vehicle to practice on, we utilize our practice car to ensure the skills learned are demonstrated before the student leaves the class. Our goal is to instill confidence and competence in new and existing drivers so they can handle a situation, if it comes their way. But hopefully all is avoided!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I would identify perseverance, training and networking as impactful in my success. There are certainly days where you question your decision and want to do a 180 and retreat, but you can’t. Keep pushing forward. In a field like mine, I already had experience, but wanted to formalize that by attending an accredited school leading to a certification with the American Welding Society. Having that training and accreditation also has led to meeting others with the same aspirations. Through networking with others in my field as well as throughout the community, it has not only helped my business, but I have been able to help others grow which is great for our business community.
If I could offer any advice to anyone else starting their journey, it would be to not be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family are great resources, but sometimes we need to reach out to other professionals in the field. Get in touch with experts in areas you are not an expert in like marketing and digital communications to ensure you are doing all you can to support your efforts.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth this past year has been in learning how to successfully take what started as a hobby and translating it to a profitable business. When you get the opportunity to do what you love and love what you do, translating that to a business plan and charging for the service can be a challenge. Understanding that what you have to offer is a valued service that people are seeking is not always the easiest concept. I am one of the lucky ones that truly loves the craft I have translated into an everyday business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fswfgarageandwelding.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fswfgarageandwelding?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FSWFwelding/
Image Credits
All photos taken by Eric or Marisha
