EJ Naegeli moved across the country for a welding job, and two years later she’s building custom hot rods, race cars, and a whole new level of confidence.
If you’re a welder starting a new job, learning fabrication on the clock, or wondering whether taking a big career leap is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what that growth actually feels like.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How EJ handled the first month at Chuckles Garage while learning the tools, shop flow, and expectations of a professional custom car shop.
• Why fabrication confidence takes time even when your welding skills are already solid.
• What EJ learned about speed, fit-up, and efficiency when working on professional-level builds where time matters.
• How custom engine swaps and race car projects force fabricators to problem-solve without a perfect template.
• Why working on your own project car can build the confidence and reps you need to grow faster at work.
EJ Naegeli is a metal fabricator and welder at Chuckles Garage in Northern California, where she works on custom hot rods, race cars, engine swaps, exhaust systems, chassis modifications, and one-off fabrication projects. Since her last appearance on WELD, she’s grown from preparing for a big career move to building her own fabrication style inside a high-level custom shop. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who are learning how to balance quality, speed, confidence, and pressure in a real shop environment.
Sponsors:
Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.org
Connect with EJ Naegeli:
Instagram: @ej_was_here
YouTube: @ej_was_here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejnaegeli
TikTok: @ej_was_here_
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding
Download the WELD App:
iOS: App Store Android: Google Play
If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.
#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #Fabrication #MetalFab #WomenWhoWeld #CustomCars