Co-Owner

A good friend of mine once said, “some people collect stamps, I prefer to collect skills.” I seem to be following his advice.

I started welding over 35 years ago. I have worked in railway museums, regional theatre, and architectural iron work. I got into welding initially as another tool in the tool box, but I also connect with the duality of metal’s nature. Strong but flexible, mechanical but also organic. It’s a modern material but also how humanity has defined itself for millennia (bronze age, iron age, steel age).

I see my ownership of Mclean Forge and Welding as a stewardship of the business. This company has been in Boulder for over 60 years. I look to keep it functioning as a source of metal work in the area, as well as helping the next generation of metalworkers learn and grow in the craft.

Co-Owner

What I love about my job: I love solving problems, so when people come to us with a small repair or large project, I feel like we are the ‘can do’ guys who will make it happen and make it look beautiful along the way. I also love keeping material out of the landfill and re-using when we can! I love the creative and iterative process with customers and seeing the light go on when they see what we do first hand. I love that I may be measuring with clients on one day and installing a staircase with cranes the next.

When I am not working, I am out with my wife hiking, biking or traveling. I also enjoy doing my own art form of Scherenschnitte, an ancient form of papercutting that I sometimes convert to laser cut wood and or metal screens.

Lead Fabricator

I think my favorite thing about working with metal is getting to take a material that’s characterized as being strong, heavy, and tough, and then using it to make delicate leaves and flowing curves. There’s a certain kind of power in commanding a seemingly immovable material to take whatever shape I want it to, and getting the opportunity to expand my skills to do this better and in more varied ways is one of the best parts about my job. Playing with fire is an added bonus.

When I’m not welding or blacksmithing, I love doing pottery, leatherwork, and lapidary—basically any craft I can get my hands on. I get nerdy about coffee, Lord of the Rings, and cooking Asian food.

Fabricator

I've always gravitated towards working with metal. Having worked on everything from industrial machinery and mine equipment to interior handrails in high-end houses and water treatment facilities, I've realized there's nothing like driving around town and being able to point out jobs you've completed — knowing that your work is going to be around for years.

Having said that, after working for big corporations most of my career, working at a local shop has been a fantastic change of pace. When I'm not working with steel I spend my time climbing, going to concerts, or playing card games with friends.

Fabricator

I started welding 25 years ago when I was 15 years old, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Working in the custom fabrication industry has allowed me to obtain several skill sets that could also be applied to other construction trades. Projects range from short and simple to large and complex. This diversity that often requires thinking outside the box is what I love most.

Fabricator

I’m Chloe! I’ve been with McLean since April of 2023. I love getting to create something different and unique each day. Whether it’s a shop day or an install we are always having a great time together!

Outside of work I enjoy doing farm work at home, playing dnd, dancing, and spending time with my dog. Though one hobby that’s always present is singing, in the car, at home, and sometimes even the shop!