Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Rose
Hi Harold, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After a BS in Political science and 9 years in the financial industry staring at computers and talking about things I care nothing about, I lost my mind and went to Peru for 2 years, not coming back until I was penniless. While there I restored a Bug and drove it throughout the entire country as far off the beaten path as possible, learning Spanish the hard way, then settling down in a little beach town by the name of Mancora and opening a 4 table vegan restaurant by the name of Gordo Gorilla. When I finally came back I decided I’d like a real job my southern brothers could respect, went to welding school at SLCC, spent a few years with local 27 Ironworkers and am now proud to be hanging out a shingle for my own fabrication shop; KVM Welding.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Rugged! 10 hour days are a relative vacation when you’re building a shop and a business from scratch.
I’m a poor capitalist and a relentless optimist and unfortunately I’m happy which leads me to underquote and underestimate. I’m getting better at balancing both, unless you’re an animal sanctuary and then I’m doomed to work for selfies with cows…..
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m most proud of the 1972 VW that I converted into a 6′ tall African Elephant and then put on stilts to give it a Dali look. I’m proud of my friends that I’ve had for 25 years. I’m proud of my work ethic and my relentless tenacity. I’m proud of my personal code of ethics that has led me to help others and be Vegan for 27 years.
I am welder that became one so that I can contribute to the world. I’m known for being an asshole liberal vegan with a heart of gold. Be nice to others or I’ll fight you.
I specialize in metal fabrication with an artistic touch or using upcycled material. I’ve built things for just about every Farm animal sanctuary in Utah for next to nothing, been flown to Namibia to convert a fishing vessel into an anti-whaling vessel for the Sea Shepherds, and welded up custom garbage cans for my little beach town in Peru.
What sets me apart would be my enthusiasm for India and Peru, the volunteer work that I do, and looking like a dumpster fire whilst feeling joy in a perfectly square fab job.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Motorcycles in a 3rd world. Large land based animals. Getting lost. Drinking unregulated home brewed alcoholic beverages in a foreign country in whatever town my car breaks down in for the night. Listening to the stories of other lost and curious fellows in this world.
To say that helping others makes me happy is a bit misleading; I wish there was no need for a Youth Resource Center (Donate and volunteer with Volunteers of America guys!!), but there exists an obligation somewhere in this universe for the fortunate to help others that have been dealt a rough hand. Coming from a rough spot myself instills an obligation to lift other kids up.
Pricing:
- shop rate is 55$/hour.
- rate for obtaining upcycled material is 40$/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kvmwelding.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvmwelding/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kvmwelding
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasone-rose-88b4b02b1/
