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Gregory Richart

1,095

Bold Points

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My life goal is to fully run my own blacksmithing business. I have been blacksmithing since 12 years old and working with my family in a small, low-income town in Washington State. My daily activity consists of Excelling in school education after school helping my father and grandfather logging, spreading gravel, cleaning up houses, and or building dirt roads. Whenever I have the time either in the morning before school or after work I am in the forge working metal. I am striving to start my own business in blacksmithing and pursue schooling in engineering, Welding, and fabrication. History has also been one thing that fascinates me, my teacher always said if we forget the past and its customs we forget who we are and we are bound to repeat the bad times. Also, old things are just cool. I love to read about history and poetry, as well as sing Bass in church and school choir. Years in the future I would love to start my own class, teaching kids blacksmithing, keeping old traditions alive, and history in general. If my blacksmithing goes well I hope to study art to help better my skills. In my opinion welding and blacksmithing is art because it is a way to express oneself. Taking a piece of solid steel and pounding it into something beautiful is exactly that, beautiful.

Education

Kettle Falls High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Associate's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Metallurgical Engineering
    • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
    • Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
    • Computer Programming
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Arts

    • Dream career goals:

      Blacksmithing

    • logger

      2023 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2025 – Present4 months

    Wrestling

    Varsity
    2021 – Present4 years

    Arts

    • Blacksmithing for my self

      Metalwork
      I have created wall art, hooks, kitchen amenities, cutlery, Jewerly, Historical recreations, and custom orders.
      2019 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      My self — I have over 400 hours of community service logged and helped maintained the yards, Gardens, Trees, and even cut fire wood for the elderly throughout my community.
      2020 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Woodland theater — For two years I ran spotlight in the top booth and just this last year I played a lead role in our production of "Into The Woods" Donating a total of 380 hours of community service.
      2021 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Craig Family Scholarship
    Winner
    A couple of months ago, shortly after school started "my senior year", everyone in my life—my family, friends, teachers, and even new people I meet —began asking me, "What are you going to do?" While I've been asked this question for years, it felt different this time more urgent. My answer has evolved as well, I initially wanted to become a miner and work in the coal mines, then I wanted to become a border patrol officer, but my passion shifted towards blacksmithing. I have been blacksmithing since I was twelve years old, and it has become a significant source of happiness for me. This year, I am taking a major step by selling my blacksmithing projects at craft fairs. So far, I am scheduled to participate in three fairs, and I am determined to establish my own business. My goal is to sell decorative works made from metal, as well as historically accurate replicas of items from the past. To support this dream, I am working towards earning a certificate in manufacturing. This certification will be valuable, as it will enhance my skills in applied mathematics, which is essential in both blacksmithing and machining. Additionally, it will equip me with a better understanding of manufacturing processes and leadership skills needed in the business industry. I am also pursuing a certificate in welding and fabrication. These skills are closely related to blacksmithing learning how to create and read blueprints is extremely useful in this field, and I aim to focus on specialty welding theory, machine operation, advanced fabrication, and preparation for employment. On my road to starting this business, I know that I may initially have a very small clientele. If that is the case, I would consider joining a trade, most likely welding or fabrication, to gain experience and build my knowledge further. While working in a trade, I would continue to develop my business on the side. Once my business begins to grow bigger, my focus will shift from making a living to building a sustainable and growing future, allowing me to fully pursue my passions in blacksmithing and beyond.
    Gregory Richart Student Profile | Bold.org