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The
art of welding
From
nuclear submarines to lawn decorations
[MARCH
18, 2000] What began as a high school course
in welding became a lifelong career for Don Bode, owner
of Bode’s Welding, 201 S. Sangamon St. in Lincoln.
For the past 15 years, Bode has built a business
repairing, altering and creating a variety of products
from boat propellers and tractors to industrial work
tables and garden trellises.
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Following
his introduction to welding in high school, Bode joined the Navy,
where he worked as a certified welder on nuclear submarines. After
serving in the Navy for four years, Bode joined the workforce. When
he was laid off from his job, Bode decided to start his own welding
business with the help of his high school welding instructor,
Richard Alexander. The
business grew, and in 1991 Alexander decided to pursue other
ventures and Bode began working solo.
[Don Bode
poses with his newest creations]
His work activities vary on a daily basis, an
aspect Bode enjoys. He services a wide market of clients, such as
farmers, industries and the general public. Due to the many different
types of services he provides, Bode explains that he is on call 24
hours a day. This is also because the work doesn't always come to
him—he often is needed to go on-site for repair projects that simply
cannot be brought into his shop. "I have fun [welding]," he
explains. "It's a challenge." And Bode likes a challenge.
"Don't tell me I can't do something," he says. "I'll do
my best to fix it."
The
diversity of his work can range from repairing or creating a fence or
handrail to working on a semi that has broken down on the freeway.
Bode explains that in order to be good at his profession, it is
necessary to be diversified. He adds, "You have to know your
metals and be able to asses the quickest and easiest way" to
complete a project.
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Bode
said that there are some disadvantages to owning a business, including
keeping up with the necessary paperwork, such as paying the bills and
keeping the books. But overall, he really enjoys being his own boss.
"The independence is nice," he explains.
Although Bode works 50-plus hours each week, when he
has spare time he enjoys making crafts such as garden decorations. Last
year, he attended seven shows, and has plans to attend more arts and
crafts shows this year. He says that he's not really into making crafts
for the money, it's the people. "I don't really care if I even sell
anything," he explains. "I just enjoy talking to different
people."
Having
a good reputation with the public is very important, says Bode. He
attributes much of his business growth to word-of-mouth. "You have
to be trustworthy," he says. "[And] if it can't be fixed, this
is the place to go."
Bode's
Welding is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
[Bode hard at work in his welding
shop located at 201 North Sangamon in Lincoln]
[Katherine
Heller]
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