Meet Lucas Onorato | Welder / Fabricator & Sculpture

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucas Onorato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucas, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that risk is probably the most important factor in starting your own business and is a necessity. Risk is was drives me to do more with my business and motivates me to produce products that are of excellent quality and something that will make my clients happy. In my mind risk keeps me true to my mission and holds me accountable for the things that I produce, as well as giving me a kick in the pants to make sure that the risk was worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My goal has always been to enjoy what I do and consider everything I make art. That being said I love to make things and tinker. My favorite thing to do is to make functional sculptures and functional projects. It was not easy to get where I am now and I still have a long way to go. everything I have learned was from trial and error, nothing was perfect the first time around. However, that is what I love about welding, you can improve anything you do and processes always change and the challenges are exciting to me. As far as lessons go this whole experience was a lesson and is still a lesson, full of problem-solving. I would like the world to know that no matter the project or difficult situation I plan on delivering the best product I can and improving on them constantly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would always recommend the Denver Botanic Gardens. It is one of my favorite places to visit. My favorite place to eat is a small Italian deli on the corner of 38th Ave and Wadsworth called Vinnolas, they are the nicest people and you can’t beat the homemade food.
I also love all of the businesses off of 38th ave.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A lot of the credit should go to my previous employers and friends. I first started welding at 23rd Ave Sculpture studio under the guidance of Dennis West. There I was taught the basics of welding and fabrication as well as the artistic method. The people at 23rd Ave have always been supportive of everything I do and after the passing of Dennis, his daughter, and son-in-law are still close friends of mine and provide guidance and perspective when I need it most. After working at 23rd Ave sculpture studio I worked for the artist Kevin Robb at Kevin Robb Studios. There I learned how to produce a product that was of the highest quality possible and was able to observe Kevin’s prosses. Working for KRS gave me the high-end experience that I needed and I still regularly work with them to help train new hires. Dian and Kevin are great people and have not hesitated to help me navigate starting my business and have never hesitated to share laughs. My friends have always supported me in my journey as well. Most importantly the support from my girlfriend Hanna Rupp is unmatched. She supports me in everything I do and oversees all of my books and finances. I would not be where I am without her help and experience as a financial analyst. In addition to all of these amazing people, my parents have also done everything in their power to help me succeed.

Website: https://www.lucasteelandfabrication.com/

Instagram: @lucas_steel

Facebook: @LucaSteelandFabrication