As Red-D-Arc celebrates 70 years of service and expertise, we’re highlighting the people who’ve helped shape our journey. In this special anniversary employee spotlight, we sit down with Joe Holloway, Vice President of Automation. Joe’s career with Red-D-Arc spans over three decades—from being our very first U.S. sales representative to a key driver of our weld automation strategy. His story is one of growth, impact, and a relentless commitment to pushing the business forward.
Red-D-Arc (RDA): When did your journey with Red-D-Arc begin, and what inspired you to join the company?
Joe Holloway: I joined Red-D-Arc in 1993 at the Lexington, KY branch (at the time, Red-D-Arc’s only US location) as Red-D-Arc’s first outside sales representative in the US. I had been working in the welding industry for ten years (I joined a welding supply company when I was still at the University of Kentucky), met the Red-D-Arc team when they opened in Lexington and thought what they did was interesting. Not the same old, same old that had become the norm in the welding supply company I was working for at that time.
RDA: What do you enjoy most about working at Red-D-Arc, and what aspects of the work feel most meaningful to you personally?
JH: What I enjoy the most is the wide variety of opportunities that exist within our organization. What has been most meaningful to me is being given the opportunity to take on roles that made a difference to the company and to our associates.
RDA: How has your role changed since you first joined?
JH: In my 30+ year career, I’ve had the chance… and be insistent with either lowercase or capitalization of the job titles: outside sales, branch manager, district manager, regional Vice President, VP – Fleet Operations, General Manager of our international businesses (Middle East, Europe & Mexico) and, for the last few years, VP – Automation.
RDA: What shifts in customer needs or industry trends influenced Red-D-Arc’s approach to weld automation solutions?
JH: It was in 2017/2018 when the American Welding Society began publishing stats regarding the growing shortage of skilled welders that we recognized that trend would create an opportunity for us to expand our automation business, leading to the development of Red-D-Arc’s BotX cobot welding system.
RDA: Can you share a milestone project that highlighted the impact of weld automation on the business—and on the way we serve our customers?
JH: Completing the development of BotX and successfully launching it at FABTECH in 2019 was a major highlight. We quickly followed that up by adding specialists to the team who provide our now signature “white glove” service that offers on-site training and ongoing virtual support. That allows us to support our customers throughout the entire experience.
RDA: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Red-D-Arc, and why?
JH: After 70 years in business, it still feels as though we’re just scratching the surface as far as developing innovative solutions that will bring value to our customers. I’m truly excited for the next generation to take up that challenge and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
Joe Holloway’s journey mirrors Red-D-Arc’s own evolution—driven by innovation, customer focus, and a passion for what’s possible. As we celebrate 70 years in business, we’re proud to recognize team members like Joe who have shaped our legacy and continue to inspire the future. Here’s to the next chapter—and the people who will write it.
Leave a Reply