Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyson Sawyer.
Hi Tyson, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In 2017 I was hired on as a sweeper at a company called Dragon Products in Provo. I cleaned up after the welders and fabricators who were making large pressure vessels for chevron and other big oil companies. One of the welders took me under his wing and taught me how to weld. I quickly passed their welding tests and became a certified welder. I purchased my own welding equipment and started making metal art in my small shop at home. I was noticed by a local fabricator who hired me on as his first employee. That’s where I learned how to make railing.
In late 2022 I broke away, started Sawyerbuilt Welding and Fabrication, got businesses insurance, obtained my contractor license, and stated doing business on my own, making custom railing for residential and commercial properties. I love making railing. it’s a good mix between art and utility. I’m currently scheduled out ten weeks and the work keeps coming in.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I started making metal art, it was a struggle to become profitable. Although I had sales, it was never near enough to provide an income for my family so until I discovered railing, it was almost more of a hobby/side income.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When a potential client contacts me, I visit them at their home to get an idea of what type of railing design they are looking for and take measurements and photos of their space. Then I go home and create a CAD rendering of their space/stairs along with the railing concept they had in mind. From there they can let me know what they want to have changed and I can make any edits before the build begins. Once the design is approved, I purchase the metal and start fabricating. Almost all of the railing I make is powder coated. I do all the installs.
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I loved airplanes and wanted to be a pilot. I was very quiet and reserved as a kid in school. I loved learning but I also had a hard time focusing on ever getting my homework done. In retrospect, I probably had (and still have) ADHD. I spent a lot of time snowboarding with friends and mountain biking at the local resorts. I loved anything related to the outdoors.
Pricing:
- Powder-coated steel railing depending on style, complexity, and location ranges between $100 and $200 per linear foot
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbuilt
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sawyerbuilt1
Image Credits
Kara Sawyer
