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

Hi Chelsi, how do you think about risk?
I am a big believer in “No Risk, No Reward”. If we don’t put ourselves out there, we will never know what we are capable of. When we purchased our first big piece of equipment, it was a huge investment, and failure wasn’t an option. We knew we had original ideas and wanted the opportunity to put them out there. It was scary and stressful at first, and there are still moments like that. After all, to be successful and grow in any situation (not just a business) depends on how far you are willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone. There are many long days, and nights. It definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you remain true to your vision, anything is possible! Every time we invest into a new idea, or new piece of equipment (or shop, what we are working on now!), there is a risk. Will people be open to, and love this new product? Will this new piece of equipment help stream like production like we anticipated? We try to make the best decisions possible, but there are never any without some sort of risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was 15, a friend and I built a gate out of horseshoes in a high school shop class. To this day I remember how rewarding it was, and how exciting it was to watch it come together and turn into something beautiful and useful out of a pile of old scrap shoes. That project inspired me to continue pursuing welding at a trade school in Colorado. Since then, I have moved to Iowa and started the business we know today (Full River Fabrication), with my husband Ben. What started originally with art built from reclaimed items, has turned into lighted displays and custom signage with a super unique flair. Our unique custom marquees that are made to order with design and finish work all done in house are a fan favorite, and we try to innovate new fun ways to customize them often!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was coming to visit, I’d recommend summer months June-August! One really neat thing about Iowa, all 99 counties have their own county fair! You’ll be sure to get your fill of small-town mid-west, between the carnival rides, fair food, and grandstand events. There is usually always a tractor pull or dirt track racing nearby on the weekends, where you can get your fill of excitement (between the diesel smoke, fried food, and fireworks!)

If we want to lay back and relax, airport beach or clear lake beach (yes, there are beaches in Iowa!), is where the locals do it! Rent a jet ski, or just relax in the sand and get your tan on. There are a lot of little cafes within walking distance to the beach, with excellent food!

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?
I have to give so much credit to my husband, Ben Rosonke. Without him, this business would not be what it is today. We work together as a team, to keep things running smoothly. He happily helps me with every crazy idea that I come up with, and gives his creative opinion to make it even better. I also want to thank my daughter Austyn, she makes me want to work harder every day! It’s important to me that she realizes that she can be, or do, anything she wants to if she puts in the effort!

Website: www.fullriverfab.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/full_river_fabrication_llc

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/fullriverfabricationLLC/

Other: Tik Tok @weld_n_pretty

Image Credits
Rachel Reilly Photography

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