Ambassadors

Idaho Rig Welder

My name is Jake Schofield. I'm the owner of Schofield Welding LLC and a rig welder from Idaho that travels a lot of the western United States. But I spent most of the last five years in Colorado. I have been a welder for the last ten years, primarily in the oil and gas industry.

How I got involved in the welding industry? I basically fell into it. I was a horse trainer apprentice in Fort Worth, Texas, making nothing for money. I roped with a gentleman who's brother needed a welder helper. The rest is history. I started saving money, putting a tool list together, and then broke out on a pipeline job in the middle of January.

Up In Smoke gear has been bar none, some of the best gear a guy can buy. The technology that goes into it to make a lightweight shirt or jacket that will stop sparks day in and day out saves a lot on your arms. They're really well-built leather Thorax hoodies are some of my favourites, especially for cold winter days. The leather stops sparks and stops the wind from cutting through you: fewer layers and more comfort. I just recently got in a new set of Up In Smoke pants, and these are some of the most comfortable, deep-pocketed and stretch in all the right places. The most well thought out pair of work pants a guy can purchase.

I am proud to be an Up In Smoke ambassador. First, the company comes from a welding background. They know what is needed because they have experienced it themselves. Second, the best gear is made by people that care and Up In Smoke cares. They are great to work with and stand behind their gear. That's why I'm proud to be an Up In Smoke Ambassador.

Welding Full Time for 14 Years | Myerstown, Pennsylvania

I was exposed to welding at an early age by my father, who worked at quarries and ran his own welding business. I ran my first bead on a tractor hitch in his garage at eight years old. He's definitely the reason I got into the trade, and he is also the manager at the company I work for full time. We mainly work at asphalt plants, concrete plants, and quarries, but we occasionally do work at power plants and food-grade work as well. We handle everything from maintenance and general fabrication work to tearing entire plants down, moving them to different places and putting them back up.

I run my own welding and fabrication business on the side as well. Mostly food grade parts, custom furniture, fire trucks, and hydraulic cylinders.

The reasons I like Up In Smoke gear are the same reasons that I'm proud to be an Up In Smoke ambassador. Up In Smoke gear is designed and made by a welder for welders. Mac knows what areas need extra protection and where it doesn't so the gear can still be light enough to move comfortably. I'm proud to wear clothing that I know is made in North America with North American Materials. When you hold Up In Smoke gear in your hands, you can clearly tell the difference in quality from other brands.