Lucas Walsh, a Manson-Northwest Webster High School graduate, has turned his interest in laser engraving into a successful business venture in Fort Dodge. Walsh Engraving, located at 1603 Third Ave. S., offers engraving services on a variety of items, from tumblers and water bottles to cake pans and cutting boards.
It all started for Walsh when he decided to take a laser class in high school to fill up his schedule. Under the guidance of his teacher, Brian Nelson, Walsh quickly fell in love with the craft. After taking advanced laser classes at Manson Northwest Webster, Walsh purchased engraving machinery in 2021 and began working out of his house. As demand for his services grew, Walsh realized the need to open a storefront in Fort Dodge to better serve his customers.
One of the driving forces behind Walsh’s decision to open his shop was the lack of engraving services available in the area. Many of his customers had been ordering items online because there were no local options. Walsh saw an opportunity to fill this gap in the market and provide a valuable service to the community.
With a 105-watt CO2 laser, Walsh can engrave a wide range of materials, from wood to leather. While he can’t cut metal, he can handle projects of various sizes and complexities. In addition to individual orders, Walsh also works with businesses to create custom items for their employees or promotional purposes.
Customers can easily reach out to Walsh through phone calls, texts, or Facebook messages. He is also planning to launch a website to make it even more convenient for customers to place orders. With the help of his employee, Hunter Olson, Walsh is able to keep up with the high demand for his services and is constantly looking for ways to expand his offerings.
Despite initial doubts from his parents, Walsh pursued his passion for laser engraving and turned it into a successful business. He encourages others with a similar passion to take the leap and start their own ventures. As he looks towards the future, Walsh hopes to invest in additional equipment, such as a fiber laser, to further expand his capabilities.
Overall, Walsh Engraving is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and turning it into a thriving business. With a dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, Lucas Walsh has created a unique and valuable service for the Fort Dodge community.