I was 22 when I received a highly prized, prestigious government certification for precision aircraft TIG welding. Tom: Oh, with out a doubt! I started in California and then let the knowledge of welding flow through to Bits & Spurs. Do you believe that is a part of why you have had such success in this industry? When TIG welding you are simply melting metal together without using a filler metal as you do with MIG welding). The next day I went to town and ordered business cards.īobbi Jeen: You have been a master welder most of your life, specializing in TIG welding (sometimes referred to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW, which is the process of using an electric arc with a TIG electrode made of tungsten, which does not dissolve or burn off when welding. I welded the bit, which took just a couple minutes, and that evening I had made my very first bit. I made the comment, “I could make you a new one,” and a light bulb went off. A neighbor came over with a broken bit and asked if I could weld it back together. ![]() I immersed myself in horses and worked for near by ranches. Tom: I moved to Wyoming (from California) in 1980 specifically to live the Western lifestyle. Tom: The hard work that has been put into the business, my drive to always do my best, focus on quality and being consistent with our products, are some of the most important aspects in my business.īobbi Jeen: What got you started making bits and spurs? Tom: Yes, it is a real long process and it is important who you bring into your business.īobbi Jeen: You have been in business for almost 40 years, what has been the key to your success? There are six full time employees and we are so busy that we’re about eight to nine months out with orders.īobbi Jeen: Do you teach your employees everything you know about the business to keep the brand consistent? ![]() One just celebrated 30 years with the company and two are at 20 and most of the others are around 10-15, with one that has been here just a year. I don’t know what I would do if I lost any one of them. Tom: The business is doing amazing and my employees are great. Recently I caught back up with this multi-talented gentleman to see what he has been doing since our last interview.īobbi Jeen: How has everything been going for you these past few years? ![]() He has mentored, motivated and inspired others to go after their goals and dreams in the Western industry, just as he himself has done.Ī few years ago I had the honor of stopping by Tom’s shop in Sheridan, Wyoming, where we talked about his passion, drive and desire to make some of the best, most functional bits and spurs and what has been the key to his success. Tom has been running a very successful business specializing in bits, spurs and other Western products for 38 years. Tom works directly with world class professional riders and trainers to ensure all their needs are met. He has been crafting state of the art bit and spur designs, backed by industry leading technology and innovation for riders seeking a balanced product that offers ease of use, quick response, better movement and longer product life. Tom Balding Bits & Spurs has been in operation since 1984. Tom Balding has a wonderful success story about going after goals and dreams and succeeding. Welcome to “Trail Talk with Bobbi Jeen!” Today we are visiting with one of the newest members of the National Bit, Spur and Saddle Collectors Association, Tom Balding from Balding Bits & Spurs.
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