Rae Ripple is a nationally recognized metal artist, welder, builder, author, and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of art, industry, and social impact. Known for her bold, freehand plasma-cut steel work and large-scale installations, Rae has built a career rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and pushing the boundaries of what the trades can look like.

Her work reached an international audience through Netflix’s ‘Metal Shop Masters’, where she showcased her skills as both an artist and fabricator. She has built for Harley-Davidson, created a one-of-a-kind machine that blends mechanical precision with narrative design. She has become widely known for her dramatic plasma-cut automotive builds. Transforming into sculptural art.

Rae’s steel installations and public art pieces can be found across the United States in restaurants, public spaces, colleges, stairways, and commercial buildings. Featuring layered gears, industrial lighting, themes of movement, resilience, and collective effort.

Beyond fabrication, Rae is a powerful advocate for the trades. She is the author of a children’s book "‘When I Grow Up’ aimed at introducing young readers to welding and skilled trades as viable, creative career paths. She is also a keynote speaker, traveling nationwide to speak at schools, conferences, and corporate events. Inspiring youth, educators, and businesses to rethink who belongs in the trades and why skilled work matters.

Her voice and work have been featured in national publications including Forbes and USA Today, highlighting her impact as both an artist and a change maker in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Rae has collaborated with and is sponsored by some of the most respected names in the industry, including Hypertherm Plasma, Lincoln Electric, Northern Tool, and other major tool and manufacturing brands. She has also appeared in nationally broadcast commercials and campaigns. Bringing authenticity, skill, and representation to brands that shape the trades worldwide.

Across every medium - steel, machines, classrooms, books, and stages - Rae’s work carries a consistent message: skilled trades change lives. They create independence, dignity, and the ability to build something lasting with your own hands.

Her career is not just a collection of accomplishments, but proof of what’s possible when craftsmanship, creativity, and purpose are forged together.

Carey Chen is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the American Welding Society. Previously, he served as CEO and board director for multiple investment platforms under CORE Industrial Partners. His leadership roles included serving as Chief Executive Officer of Fathom Digital Manufacturing Corporation, Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions, and Incodema Holdings LLC. Additionally, he held board director positions at MCT Holdings LLC and Fathom Digital Manufacturing Corporation during its tenure as a publicly traded company (NYSE: FATH).

 Earlier in his career, Mr. Chen was President and Executive Chairman of Cincinnati Incorporated, Vice President and Corporate Officer of Hypertherm Inc., Vice President of Finance at Wiremold | Legrand (Paris: LR.PA), and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bayliner Marine Corporation, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC).

 Mr. Chen currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Roberts Hawaii, Inc., an independent board director for CHART Rehabilitation of Hawaii, Inc., and an independent board advisor for KarYard, Inc. He is also an active member of YPO Gold (Young Presidents’ Organization).

 He earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is currently an active member of the Gies College of Business Dean’s Business Council. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he holds several U.S. patents.

Daniel Kattman is a highly accomplished attorney, strategist, and creative advocate whose career spans intellectual property law, brand protection, entertainment, advertising, and emerging technology. With decades of experience, Dan has built a reputation for helping individuals, artists, and companies protect what they create and grow what they build.

Dan’s legal practice focuses on trademark law, brand management, advertising law, and intellectual property strategy. Over the course of his career, he has represented a broad range of clients — from startups and independent creators to nationally and internationally recognized brands. His work includes advising New York Times best-selling authors, musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and public figures, as well as companies operating in highly competitive and regulated industries.

Beyond traditional legal services, Dan is known for his ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, real-world strategies that allow brands and creators to scale safely and sustainably. He has advised clients on brand launches, trademark portfolios, licensing, advertising compliance, and long-term intellectual property planning, helping them navigate growth while protecting their identities and creative assets.

In addition to his legal career, Dan has been deeply involved in the entertainment and film industries. He has served as a producer and co-producer on feature films and documentaries, giving him firsthand insight into the creative process from concept to distribution. This dual perspective — as both a legal expert and a creative collaborator — allows him to uniquely understand the needs and challenges faced by artists and storytellers.

Dan is also a long-time advisor to the Milwaukee Film Festival, where he supports filmmakers and organizers in navigating legal, licensing, and distribution considerations. He is a frequent speaker and presenter on topics including media law, advertising law, intellectual property, and technology, and is recognized for his ability to educate audiences with clarity and accessibility.

His work and leadership have earned him numerous honors, including being named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” and recognition on the Wisconsin Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. These accolades reflect both his professional excellence and his commitment to mentorship, innovation, and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Dan has remained committed to protecting creative voices, supporting innovation, and ensuring that the people behind ideas are empowered to build lasting, secure futures. His work continues to bridge law, creativity, and strategy — helping creators and businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.