first NOMMA magazine he got from Memphis, Guillory circled everything he might want for his shop. Since his hours were tight, Ashley, who works as the bookkeeper, called them all. The Guillory’s ended up buying a punch, ironworker, an Eagle rolling machine, a power hammer from Striker Tools, and a couple of Hebo machines. “I had no knowledge prior to this and no idea how to search,” says Guillory. “NOMMA’s really helped me come a long way.” Also, Guillory found his manager, Allen Guidry, from NOMMA, who has been in the business for over 20 years. Guidry ended up coming to work with Guillory first as a part-timer for six months, then full time 1½ years ago. “I believe in NOMMA, and have been active since 1989,” says Guidry. “I had the opportunity to help out on the Top Job committee and serve as chairperson for security grill safety for SBCCI and the Burn foundation.” Guidry was also asked to go to a convention in Boston to represent NOMMA. “I love NOMMA, it is very important to be able to communicate with others,” says Guidry. “The ListServ is one of the best things. I
This 100-foot fence system also included a walk and driveway gate. It was designed by the fabricator with input from the owner and decorator. All scrolls are made from ¾” solid square bar, runners are 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” square tubing, and the posts are 3”. As an added touch, hammered 1-1/2” tubing is used down the center of the panel, which compliments the textured spears.
turned Josh onto it.” Guidry took home a Top Job gold award in the first round in ’91 and a bronze award in ’95. “The Top Job at METALfab last year was awesome. It was my first time going,” says Guillory. He entered a top job and even though he didn’t win, Guillory left with more determination. “Even during the award ceremony, I started thinking about my next design. I couldn’t wait, I started drawing stuff on the plane,” says Guillory. That was a long trip, with Guillory A curved, exterior stairway adds a nice touch to this high-end home.
travelling all day, taking three planes. “I still have those gates and rail drawings posted on my wall. We’re determined to be successful,” says Guillory. Running a business is not without its challenges. One business challenge Guillory has experienced has been finding younger workers. “Many are still not sure about what they want to do,” says Guillory. “As soon as we take the time to train them to weld, we lose them to the plant where they pay them a lot more than we can. It’s too expensive to train a 20 year old for two-three years then have them leave—it can be discouraging.” So far, “old school,” as Guidry says, is working out for Guillory. With workers in their late 40’s, Guillory is the youngest. The shop also has a variety of ethnicities including Cajun, German, and Cuban backgrounds. Inspiration for the future
5186-F Longs Peak Road, Berthoud, CO 80513
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Guillory finds that getting new ideas is not limited to books or the Internet. “I’m getting inspiration from many things from hot rod motorcycles to structural bridges,” says Guillory. “I try to look at all I can for more ideas or inspiration. My goal is to go to a Top Job competition within the next few years and bring home some awards to put in my showroom.” Fabricator n September/October 2009