Life & Work with Kari Stacy Universal Ironworks USA of Prescott, Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Stacy Universal Ironworks USA.

Hi Kari Stacy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Universal Ironworks USA creates durable, whimsical, fun, art from rusted 18 gauge steel through Plasma cutting techniques in over 4,000 styles to bring smiles to people everywhere. Started by Kari Stacy over 20 years ago, it spreads joy through its Rustic flare making it a good choice for indoors and out that lasts for years to come. No two pieces are exactly alike. Customers love the selection of hundreds of Ornaments, Magnets, Doodads, Night Lights, and Yard Art Sculptures. Universal boasts a huge catalog of Western, Nautical, Lodge, Zoo, and Country themes where there is something for every taste and style. Being a woman-owned American manufacturer in the steel industry and selling to thousands of outlets across the country and world, has been a labor of love for Kari. Her main goal is to create affordable art by Americans for Americans. She oversees the creation of some of the funniest creatures and makes everything from Wall Art to Lighted Marquees. Her business savvy has allowed her to keep prices low and develops new product for changing times every week. While she flourished in a Wholesale capacity for years, she has recently opened up some retail outlets to keep close to the customer and designs custom products you might see in Magazines, National Parks, Main Street America, and even your closest airport. Universal has come a long way from starting out in flea markets and pop-up shows to impacting sustainable sales for retailers everywhere.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
American Manufacturing faces unprecedented challenges from shrinking margins and increased costs in shipping and sourcing quality product. Kari accurately forecasts future needs and buys wisely to keep the American dream alive and pass on the margins to her thousands of retail companies that carry her designs. It is all worth it to meet these challenges to hear the happy customers who gift her items to loved ones or decorate their homes. Each design is unique and playful versus cookie cutter that are offered from laser cutting.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“All Universal Ironworks Inc. products are individually crafted in America created thoughtfully with Rusted 18 gauge recycled American sourced steel and are carefully clear coated with water-based protective sealant to protect the finish from weather and keep products looking pristine for years to come. Due to the proprietary rusting process, natural rust patina & color may vary.”

This process starts in Universal’s own backyard in the Prescott National Forest where the metal is treated and subjected to the elements to rust naturally bringing out the color palate that gives it warmth, character, and charm. After the sheets are brought inside they cure and then move to cutting tables where artisans use plasma cutters to bring each piece to life. They are then clear coated to give them lifetime protection from the elements and crafted into everything from Jewelry charms to Key chains, or signs. The sculptures get additional care in bending or welding into the perfect plant stick or a friendly little rabbit yard art decoration.

What were you like growing up?
Kari grew up in California in the neighborhoods of the Dutch dairy farms. She was blessed with an incredible salesman for a father that taught her business and ethics and how to navigate providing quality product to consumers and cultivate meaningful relationships with her staff and customers and her whole network. Now, Kari has her husband, family, and a group of dedicated professionals that help bring each dream to life and get it out to satisfied customers.

Pricing:

• $3-$150

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.universalironworksusa.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/universalironworksaz/
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/universal.ironworks.inc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UniversalIronworksUSA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/universal-ironworks-prescott?osq=universal+ironworks&override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability
• Other: https://pinterest.com/universalironworksusa/