Episode
Sarah Stork Started Welding at 32… Now She Builds Steel Sculptures
- Published
- Mar 17, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2301
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Summary
Welder and metal artist Sarah Stork went from farm chores to SkillsUSA national champion — and built a thriving sculpture business on her own terms. When the guys on her SkillsUSA team laughed her off on the spot, Sarah didn't sulk — she found a new event, taught herself welded sculpture from scratch, and placed second in the country on her first attempt. The year after that, she won gold. That's not beginner's luck. That's what happens when someone with the right instincts finally finds the right trade. Sarah Stork is a Georgetown, Texas-based welder, metal artist, and owner of her own sculpture studio. She holds an associate degree in welding technology from Austin Community College and certificates in plate, pipe, and structural fabrication. She's competed at the highest levels of SkillsUSA, built a wait-listed commission business, and has become one of the most recognized welded sculpture artists in the skilled trades community. This episode is for anyone who's ever been told they don't belong in the trades — and for anyone trying to turn a welding skill into a business. Sarah breaks down how she got started, what it really takes to build a welding career from scratch, and why the metal industry will always have a place for people willing to put in the work. IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) – Welcome & Sarah's Origin Story: Why a Texas farm wife enrolled in welding school in 2012 — and how a plan to build a simple fence launched a career in metal sculpture. (05:30) – Getting Laughed Off — Then Winning Gold: How being rejected from a team fabrication event led Sarah to discover welded sculpture, compete at SkillsUSA nationals, and win first place in 2016. (15:00) – From College Shop to Home Studio: The path from lab technician at Austin Community College to walking off a…