We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Coty Delaney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Coty below.

Alright, Coty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

In my opinion traditional schooling does have its purpose but I do not believe it is for everybody. When I was younger, and in middle/high school, there was never a thought of “how is this going to prepare me for my future”. It was only “I have zero interested in any of this” and “how the hell am I going to get out of here”. Some people just are not meant to sit, listen and test. Once I got to an age of being able to work I really started to take interest in working with my hands and making/fixing things. There needs to be a major push for trades in schools which was NEVER talked about when I was going to school. I found welding later in life. Better late than never but still makes me think of how it would have changed the direction of my life if somebody had introduced me to working with my hands and putting in a true honest days work at a young age. I have family members who are in the medical field and for this I would say YES, schooling is a must. Depending on your personal journey and where you want to go, traditional schooling may or may not be for you.

Coty, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Coty and I am owner of Delaney Metalworks. Currently located in Orange County, California. Everything really started for me because of COVID. Working my day job as a technician during this time was something nobody could have expected. As the world was shutting down I was working 6 to 7 days a week. With the little downtime I had I needed to find something to keep my hands busy when not at work. Welding had always interested me but had zero knowledge in any of it. One day I decided to get some of the basic welding tool and see what this was all about. That’s when I got bit by the welding bug. Every minute of every day was taking up by think and researching new welding techniques and future projects.

Jumping to current day… I primarily do smaller fabrication, repair and artistic metal work. For my clients I always tell them if they want something that can be bought at your local store, that is probably their best option. If they want something custom and/or something that is going to actually last then we can discuss plans. Helping a customer fix an issue at hand has always been something I enjoyed. With the artistic work I have always liked working with chain link and rusty saw blades. Chain has always seemed like something that is very tough but heavy in weight so it will all fall to the ground if not hung. Once I stated making things out of chain and seeing them in a stationary state it makes you take a second glace. Working with rusty saw blades just makes me feel like I can give a second life into these tools that have been through the ringer.

What am I most proud of? Wow is that hard. I think like most people who have an artistic view of life can see the possibly in things but struggle to bring that to reality. I do believe it isn’t about the getting the project you’ve always wanted but the pr0gress on the way. Which is VERY difficult to see while your in it. Take a step back and look how far you have come and what progress you have made along the way. I try to use this is everything I do in life. I’m not perfect but the effort is for sure there. I am constantly learning. Trying new things and adapting to each project and piece I work on just broadens my skillset and opens up the possibility to use experience of past jobs in current. I’m just living day by day trying to stay positive and do the best I can.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Obviously the traditional methods of business cards and promoting yourself is a must but at least for me getting out and talking to people has been the best. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. Getting a referral is a great thing because you know your previous customer is pleased with the past work you have done so much so they want to pass this information on to others knowing they will be in good hands.

As for the artistic work being able to talk and shake hands with new people, there is no better way. They may love the work but getting the know the maker just makes it that much better for the customer. Showing off your work at shows has been a great avenue for me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I want to state I by no means have what people would consider to be a “large following” but I can say you can really get to know what type of work I do and how I actual am as a human. There are so many people these days who play a role for their Social Media. Lets be honest, with people who have a business (or trying to) know there are days where you don’t want to or don’t know what to post. Its part of the game. I’ve always had the mind set of if I am going to I might as well have fun with it and add humor into it so you can get a sense of how I would be if we were hanging out. Gotta get some laughs in there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/delaney_metalworks
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DelaneyMetalworks
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DelaneyMetalworks