Love for steel leads to career in welding
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Martin "Cooter" Koehne opened Koehne's Welding Service in 1984. The shop offers general welding services of all types.
Editor's note: Your Money, Your Business showcases small businesses. If you have a small business or know of an interesting one, please let us know. See the end of this feature for submission information.
Business name:
Koehne's Welding Service
Address and phone number:
1308 E. Commercial St., 361-576-3372
Business owner:
Martin "Cooter" Koehne
Date opened:
October 2004 in our present location, but the business began in 1984
Number of employees:
One - me.
Services offered:
General welding of all types
1: Why did you choose the industry?
Working with metal is something I have always enjoyed doing. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a welder and build things out of steel. I have always admired these craftsmen called welders and knew that would be the life I wanted.
2: Describe your first day in business.
I was very nervous going on my first job as a self-employed welder. It is a tough business to break into.
3: Describe a typical workday.
It's hard to describe. There is really nothing typical about being a welder, other than it is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. But the rewards of a job well done make it all worthwhile.
4: Why open up shop in the Crossroads region?
That's easy. I was born and raised here and love Victoria. It's my home and I enjoy serving the people in and around this area.
5: Is it difficult to find employees in our workforce? How do you find workers?
No, that is another great thing about Victoria. There is an abundance of skilled craftsmen in this area. They're not hard to find. Willing craftsmen are always calling to leave their numbers with you and we have some very good trade schools in Victoria.
6: What advice would you give others starting a new business?
No matter what type of business you start, there are going to be tough times to deal with. Have a good business plan before you start and stick to it.
7: What is the biggest challenge your industry faces?
At present it would be the rising cost of steel and welding supplies.
8: What is something most people don't realize about running a small business?
The expense involved in getting started and keeping it running on a day-to-day basis. Most people only look at the rate you charge and don't fully understand the costs of providing that service.
9: In your time running your business, what is your best story?
A lot of my work involves repairing broken items and, sometimes, those items are non-replaceable. (i.e. family heirlooms.) And, to see the look on a customer's face when you return that item to them repaired, and how happy they are, that just makes my day. It may not mean much to some, but that's one reason I do what I do.
10: Where do you see yourself and your business in five years?
My goal is for my business to grow and add a couple of employees.
- Allison Miles, Victoria Advocate
To be considered for the Your Money, Your Business feature, call 361-580-6511 or e-mail Business Reporter Allison Miles at amiles@vicad.com. The form is also available electronically.
