ESAB today announced that it has extended its relationship with off-road vehicle fabrication expert Ian Johnson as an official spokesperson for its welding and cutting products. Johnson’s hardcore off-roading show Four Wheeler will debut on MotorTrend TV this fall, and he currently produces the digital show, Big Tire Garage, from his shop in Spring Hill, Tenn. ESAB sponsors both ventures and has equipped his shop with Rebel welders, Thermal Dynamics® plasma cutters and Victor® gas equipment.
Johnson interacts with hundreds of thousands of fans through the online welding and off-roading communities and at events such as the Easter Jeep Safari and East Coast off-road events. Since 2015, he has been a fixture in ESAB’s interactive exhibits at the SEMA motorsports and FABTECH metalworking shows, answering visit questions and teaching them how to weld.
“Ian’s background as a technical instructor combined with his fabrication experience enable him to provide leadership among ESAB’s core how-to audience,” says Steven W. Molenda, Director of Global MarComm and Marketing Strategies, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products. “No matter what the project, Ian can break it down to the teachable elements. He is a real-deal wheeling, welding and cutting expert, and we’re proud to have him as part of the ESAB team.”
Johnson says that, “I’m lucky in that my passion is my career, and I want to show others how much fun you can have with metal fabrication,” says Johnson. “The best thing about working with ESAB is getting to meet the people responsible for building equipment, as well as interacting with the welders who are part of the ESAB Elite crew. We just had two of these professional welders and social media influencers at my shop to produce 18 how-to videos for the ESAB Instagram and YouTube channels.”
Johnson’s approachability, whether in-person or online, enables him to form connections that last, going back to his former students and even some very special fans. Through Instagram, a cancer survivor now in remission contacted Johnson as part of a Make-A-Wish Foundation request.
“His dream was to hang out with me for a day and learn about building cars and trucks,” says Johnson. “We worked on some of my rigs, then we grabbed one of the trucks and a couple of buddies and did some rock bouncing. We stay in touch, and he sends me pictures of the Toyota he’s building.”
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, established in 1904, is a recognized leader in the welding and cutting industry. From time-honored processes in welding and cutting to revolutionary technologies in mechanized cutting and automation, ESAB’s welding filler metals, equipment, and accessories bring solutions to customers around the globe. For more information about ESAB and its leading brands, visit www.esab.com or call 1-800-ESAB-123.
