If you have access to the internet and are in the metal fabricating or metalworking industry, you probably know Titan Gilroy. He really has grown into his name.
Like others who have experienced a turbulent past, Gilroy found a new path when he was introduced to the world of precision machining. He harnessed his resiliency and drive and has grown into one of the most-recognized personalities in the metalworking space.
He has opened his own precision machine shop (Titans of CNC), hosted a national TV show, dominated manufacturing-related social media, and launched a series of online manufacturing education offerings, some with a new focus on industry-specific niches. When you see him at a tradeshow, he’s likely on his way to meet with a partner or to speak about a new opportunity with the industry’s major players.
Those unfamiliar with Gilroy will have an opportunity to hear him speak at FABTECH at 8:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 17. He’ll offer up his views on CNC machining and his forward-thinking approach to the industry.
The Fabricator had a chance to ask Gilroy some questions before his keynote address. The following is an edited transcript of that conversation.
The Fabricator: Did you have any real chance to be exposed to metalworking, either through school or personal relationships, early in your life?
Titan Gilroy: I grew up in Maui, and there was no manufacturing. We were very poor, and construction seemed like a dream job. The goal back then was to one day make $25 an hour, but even that seemed like an impossible dream.
FAB: What do you think your teenage self might think of what you are up to today?
Gilroy: I could have never imagined anything remotely close. I am living a fairytale. Who I am today is so far beyond my comprehension. I just never could have imagined being where I am today.
FAB: Titans of CNC has a lot of things going for it nowadays. What are some of the activities that you are really excited about?
Gilroy: Our CNC Expert App is about to be released, and it’s an absolute game changer for our industry. It will bring a worldwide manufacturing community together on a single platform where you can do unlimited things. For instance, you’ll be able to:
- Be in a community
- Have a profile and display your work
- Get certified
- Get hired
- Hire skilled labor
- Find customers
- Find vendors
- Message anyone in the world
- Quote work
- Find local service techs and summon them like you do with Uber
FAB: Would you characterize the metalworking industry as having a “lack of awareness” problem or a “lack of skilled workers” problem?
Gilroy: You have a lack of skilled workers simply because of the lack of awareness. Nobody talks about high-level metalworking in the media or on TV, and if they do, it’s referred to as a second-rate job.
YouTube is changing everything and bringing awareness more now than ever before. We have 4 million-plus followers and tens of millions that view our content monthly, but that’s nothing compared to those that view video game channels or fashion.
Awareness is coming, but we have to do better. As the world grows and AI takes more jobs, metalworking and machining jobs become more relevant.
Manufacturing will become king … as everything has to be manufactured. All created items in the future are becoming more complex and have a need for manufacturing problems to be solved. There will be a true adjustment coming in how people see manufacturing.
FAB: Why is social media such a crucial platform, not only for Titans of CNC but also anyone looking to reach people? Do you feel it’s still as effective as it might have been five years ago?
Gilroy: As I said before, YouTube and AI are completely taking over. It’s how everyone learns and how information is received.
TV as it used to be is on its way out. People will view what they want and are interested in and will follow those that are experts and entertaining. AI will answer all questions and make it all easy.
FAB: What advice would you have for someone considering a career in metalworking but not sure of the best place to start?
Gilroy: Join the community online. Listen and learn.
Our Facebook group titled Titans of CNC Machining is a great place to start, and our Academies are free and supply the best education in the world. Ask questions and start making things. Those that solve the biggest problems make the most money.
Automation is the future. So learn to set up automation and learn to program robots and machines. Learn processes and learn to decrease manufacturing run-times. Create ways to do all more efficiently and solve problems others can’t. This will allow you to be valuable and to make great money.
FAB: What do you miss most from the days when you started out in metalworking?
Gilroy: Nothing. I love that I found my passion and purpose and that I am driven to do more. I love the grind and love every step of the process.
But, I don’t like repeating the same tasks over and over. It’s upwards and onwards for me. That’s what I love—getting after it and doing what others have not.
FAB: What do you enjoy the most in today’s modern metalworking world?
Gilroy: I love that everyone is different and very few are truly great, which means there is a ton of room at the top! So whoever wants it and is willing to put the work in will reach the top and will make great money in doing so.
And now that I am talking about reaching the top, what does that even mean? Nobody knows what his or her limits are, and therefore nobody can define what the top is. So let’s go beyond what we can comprehend and push through all barriers and walls. Let’s go after absolute greatness in all areas of manufacturing and life.
FAB: What’s next for you and Titans of CNC?
Gilroy: Change the entire world for the better! BOOM!
Editor-in-Chief Dan Davis can be reached at [email protected].