From $15 an Hour to Financial Freedom

In this episode of the KWI Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Lacey, a 2018 Kentucky Welding Institute graduate who traveled from Rome, New York to Kentucky chasing something bigger than a paycheck. Dylan opens up about his journey—from growing up around hard farm work, struggling with discipline and direction as a teenager, working long hours for limited pay, and ultimately making the decision to bet on himself and attend KWI. What followed was a transformation built on work ethic, humility, faith, and relentless consistency. This conversation goes far beyond welding. It’s about earning your sleep, choosing discipline over comfort, and building a life with purpose—on and off the jobsite. Whether you’re considering a career in the skilled trades, currently in welding school, or already in the field, this episode delivers real-world perspective from someone who lived it.