78 Photo Essay: David Flanary

David’s Decorative Iron

Words by McKenzie Wade | Images by Al Blanton 

In March 2020, David Flanary posted a photo on Facebook of a handrail he welded. The caption read, “I can build these for people if anyone out there may be interested in the future!” 

Let’s just say that people were interested. 

While a student at Oakman High School, David enrolled in welding classes at the Walker County Center of Technology (WCCT). Under the tutelage of instructor John Mark Dutton, he acquired skills and opportunities that have carried him to the place he is today. 

After graduating from Oakman in 1997, David went on to receive a certificate in welding technology, an associate degree in industrial electronics from Bevill State, and became nationally certified as a welder through the American Weld Society. Eventually, he landed his current position as a maintenance technician for an automotive supplier in Jasper. 

At the onset of Covid-19, David soon found himself out of work. With time on his hands and years of welding experience under his belt, he decided to build a handrail for his wife’s grandmother. He and his wife, Stacy, posted the handrail photo on Facebook—and were flooded with calls requesting David’s work. 

“I told her, ‘Listen, I have more and more work building up. I’ve got to do something quick!’” he recalls.

In June 2020, a few months after his Facebook post, David acquired a business license and officially launched his business: David’s Decorative Iron. “I just found something to do with my time off and next thing you know, it led to having a business—that quick,” he says.

David later returned to his full-time job and now does his welding business on the side. All the fabricating takes place in his garage, which has been zoned by the city for the business. 

Using mostly a type of welding called wire or MIG welding, David has crafted items ranging from custom patio furniture and railing to protective bollards and custom hitch attachments. He is now licensed and insured and offers a “100 percent-guarantee” on his work.

“I am in my comfort zone when I am out here doing this,” he says with passion and confidence.

David is still a bit shocked that the Facebook post made him a business owner but is thankful for the opportunity to use his craft to bring joy to other people. “Here I am, little old me,” he says. “They are coming to me for this stuff. I feel honored.” 78