We recently had the chance to connect with Walter Seegrist and have shared our conversation below.
Walter, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My bank account. Top secret
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Walter Seegrist, but a lot of people know me as The Weld Professor. I’ve spent over two decades in the welding and construction world, working on everything from pipelines to major facilities across Colorado. Out of that experience, and out of my own life journey of faith, sobriety, and rebuilding, I founded Weld County Academy in Fort Lupton, Colorado.
What makes this different is that it’s not just a welding school—it’s a movement to build future builders. We’re starting with welding, but the vision is much bigger: diesel mechanics, woodworking, glass, electrical, and all the trades that shape our communities. We’re also restoring a historic 1899 mill building to house the academy, so students will literally get hands-on by helping rebuild a piece of Colorado history while learning their craft.
What makes us unique is the heart behind it. This is about giving people second chances, creating opportunities for young people, and showing that with hard work and faith, you can turn your life around and build something that lasts. I’m all in on this mission, and I believe it will impact generations to come.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Honestly, it was God first. Even when I couldn’t see the vision for myself, I felt like He had set me on this mission. Along the way, I’ve had a few people who believed in me when I was still finding my footing—my wife, my kids, and a handful of mentors who saw the skill and drive in me before I fully owned it myself. Their belief lit a fire, but it was really when I leaned into my faith and my purpose that I started to see clearly who I was meant to be.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
To be honest, for a long time I felt like no one ever really heard me. I could talk about my vision, my ideas, my life, but it was like it just bounced off the walls. That’s part of why Weld County Academy means so much to me—it’s my way of finally being heard, not just for myself, but for all the people who’ve been overlooked. I want to create a place where voices that usually go unheard finally matter.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity. In welding, and in life, your work and your word are everything. For over two decades, I’ve lived by the principle that you don’t cut corners, you don’t sell out your values, and you don’t mislead people. Integrity is what keeps trust alive — whether it’s between a welder and his crew, a business and its clients, or a man and his family. I believe that protecting this value not only honors the craft and the people who came before me, but it also sets the standard for the next generation. Without integrity, there is no foundation — in steel or in life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy will be that people may see it only in terms of welding or business. Yes, I built a career, a company, and an academy — but that’s not the whole picture. My legacy isn’t about stacking money or chasing fame. It’s about discipline, resilience, and creating opportunities for others.
Some will think I was only focused on the grind, when in reality I was focused on building something that lasts for my family, my students, and the next generation of welders. My legacy is about proving that no matter where you come from, with hard work and heart, you can change your life.
If people miss that deeper meaning, they’ll misunderstand what I stood for. I didn’t just want to weld steel — I wanted to weld people together, to pass on knowledge, and to inspire others to save themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.theweldprofessor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallyzweldingworld?igsh=NzBzMXpkNnZtMWwx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E2R7VdSPX/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wallyzweldingworld?si=Iy6Q1_y9aycW1717
Image Credits
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