Entrepreneur Seth Skibinski – 2-Ski Welding, LLC

About Seth… Seth grew up in Ashton (2020 population of 183) in rural north central Nebraska. He attended school in Loup City (2020 population of 960) and then joined the Navy becoming an aircraft structural mechanic. In the Navy, he gained experience becoming expert in high quality welding. He served his country in the Navy for eight years. Thanks, Seth for your service! His last posting was on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound adjacent to Seattle. He takes pride in his skills and quality control, and noted it pleased him that… “…he was the go-to guy.” When I asked about his plans to come home to Nebraska, he shared he was offered a civilian job at the base, but he chose to come back to Sherman County and make it his home.

He was young, hard-working, and ready to build a life. He shared… “I always wanted to own and operate a business.” As is often the case in rural Nebraska, the aging owner of the local welding shop was looking for someone to buy him out. So, the conversations began between Zeke Kaslon with TnZ Welding and Seth. I asked Seth about his interest in welding, and he shared he took welding in high school, was competitive and enjoyed welding. Family being important to him, drew him home and his welding skills positioned him to become a next generation Nebraska entrepreneur.

About 2-Ski Welding… 2-Ski Welding is organized as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) providing welding services in the Loup City and Sherman County area. I asked Seth about the business name… 2-Ski Welding and he shared his last name is a bit hard to remember and pronounce. Remember Seth’s last name is Skibinski, and you will note there are two “ski(s)” in his name, thereby the “2-Ski.” The welding part of the name is more obvious. Initially Seth was not sure about taking this big step of acquiring a business. But his father helped him… “find the confidence to pull the trigger.” For nascent entrepreneurs, good counsel sorting out big decisions like buying a business contributes to smarter decisions.

Seth indicates that about 85 to 90 percent of his business is farm and ranch related. He repairs and can customize farm machinery. In the summer he can become mobile, taking his skills to where repairs are required, keeping farm and ranch operators going during critical times like planting, haying, harvesting, and keeping that feed wagon working in cold weather for livestock. But he notes there is lots of variability in this work keeping it interesting. He is close to Sherman Reservoir and does boat repairs. He has even repaired a roasting pan and holiday decorations. In communities like Loup City and Sherman County, a welding shop is an essential business. Seth taking on this business ensures it continues, and its critically important services are available.

Giving Back… Seth grew up in small town Nebraska and giving back is an important value for him. He is involved in his hometown serving as a volunteer with the Fire Department and coaching Legion Baseball. He also notes his work with the local high school vocational teacher and how he is offering to help teach welding to students. He even has a local home-schooled student that he is mentoring and providing work experience. Folks like Seth make community work and in doing so build community culture. For our readers it is worth sharing that Loup City is the Polish Capital of Nebraska and hosts a Polish Festival every year in June.

Those Helping Seth… Clearly, Seth’s parents Kirk and Sherri Skibinski, family and friends are part of his support system. When I asked him who has contributed to his success, Seth response… his time in the Navy, and numerous mentors have supported him, including Jim Czarnek at neighboring Shorty’s Repair and Diane Loeffelbein with Ken’s Equipment. He noted that the previous owner is helping to finance his purchase of the business, and LB840 through Sherman County Economic Development also provided gap financing.

Seth mentioned Melissa Dush with Sherman County Economic Development who informed him of the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act and how it could help him with his welding businesses. Funding from the Act financed purchasing steel and new welder equipment to do welding in the field without the need for lifts. This equipment, according to Seth, is safer for him and quicker not requiring additional help.