Steel Grit: The Unstoppable Welding Journey of Marcos Cuellar
Hey there, fellow trench warriors! Today, we're diving into the world of Marcos Cuellar, a man who knows a thing or two about hard work, perseverance, and laying down some solid beads.
Finding his path
Marcos's journey into the welding trade didn't start with a fancy degree or a clear roadmap. Nope, he took the road less traveled, ditching college for a gig as a floor hand with a drilling company. But those welding sparks in the distance called to him, inspired by his old man's days as a combo pipe welder. Armed with determination and a knack for learning on the fly, he dove headfirst into the oilfields of West Texas, grinding away with a '78 Lincoln SA200 until he could call himself a bonafide welder.
Early Bird Gets the Weld “I like to get up at 4-5am everyday, just so I don’t have to feel rushed to get to work” Marcos's day kicks off before the rooster crows, because in this trade, there's no room for dilly-dallying. Challenges come at him like a freight train – measurements that make your head spin, last-minute changes that'll turn your hair gray overnight. But Marcos ain't one to back down. He's a sponge for knowledge, soaking up wisdom from self teaching along with always being open minded to learning from other welders no matter how old or young they are.
In the welding industry and almost every other blue collar career, there’s really no such thing as a resume, most of the time that stuff just gets thrown out the window. What really goes on is they want to know if you have a good reputation and/or any welding certifications, sometimes they will literally call other people they know and ask if they’ve ever heard of you and if you have a good reputation and if you are a good hand.. resumes don’t mean anything, it’s about word of mouth and reputation, because sometimes in this field, all you have is your name to represent. That’s why it’s good to be proficient and consistent as much as you can at what you do.
Versatility is Key. Stick, TIG, MIG – Marcos can handle 'em all. In this ever-evolving industry, you gotta be as flexible as a contortionist at a circus. Keeping those skills sharp and staying connected with the folks who matter can mean the difference between feast and famine. Among Marcos's many triumphs, one stands tall – the day he wrestled with carbon steel and stainless steel lines in a chemical plant, bending them to his will like a master conductor orchestrating a symphony of metal.
“I also had to figure out mitered degree cuts and piping offsets when I was running that job” - Cuellar.
Money Talks, but Wisdom Whispers. In this blue-collar world, the cash flows like oil from a gusher, but it's just as slippery. Marcos's advice? Save like there's no tomorrow and don't shy away from taking calculated risks. And don't believe everything you hear – steady jobs are rarer than a unicorn in these parts.
Welding ain't just a job; it's a way of life. But Marcos knows that family time is just as important as laying down perfect beads. It's all about planning ahead and having a partner who's got your back.
Marcos ain't just about stacking dimes; he's got a heart of gold too. From welding demos for eager students to lending a hand when his community needs it most, he's always ready to pay it forward. And as for those Bible verses he holds dear, well, let's just say they're the fuel that keeps his fire burning bright. With Philippians 4:13 and Proverbs 6:10-11 guiding his steps, Marcos Cuellar is a force to be reckoned with, both in the workshop and beyond.
So here's to Marcos and all the blue-collar heroes out there – may your welds be strong, your paychecks hefty, and your spirits even stronger. Keep on burning that midnight oil, my friends. The world's counting on you.