Tom Balding
Tom Balding Bits & Spurs
Sheridan, WY USA
"You need that confidence that no matter what you do, you’re going to make it."
Career Roadmap
Tom's work combines: Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Building Things
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Taking classes in entrepreneurship would be helpful if you're wanting to start your own business.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Certification
Welding
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I knew from an early age that I loved making things—I even had my own little repair shop in my closet for random household items.
2.
When I turned 18, I took a job with a company that manufactured race car exhaust systems, which started my career in welding.
3.
After gaining a few years of experience, I moved on to do welding for a few other companies.
4.
I eventually got certified to weld government aircraft parts—at that same time, I started welding sailboat parts.
5.
After hitting an earning cap, I realized I’d need to start my own business in order to earn the amount of money I deserved.
6.
I saw a movie that inspired me to move to Wyoming and start working around horses.
7.
When a neighbor asked me to repair a horse bit, I realized I could actually make them—the next day, I printed business cards and started my business: Tom Balding Bits & Spurs.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
What did I do? I shouldn't have moved to Wyoming. I made a mistake.
How I responded:
After years in California, I was inspired to move to Wyoming. I wanted to move to the country and be more immersed in nature. When I got to Wyoming, I thought I'd made a huge mistake. My house was hidden behind unruly grass and weeds. It was a bit run down. I didn't have a secure plan. But once I saw a little fawn and porcupine in my yard, I remembered that this is exactly what I wanted. I never regretted it again from that day on. And now I own a successful business based right here in Wyoming!