Story & Lesson Highlights with Mike Laycook of Wittmann

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mike Laycook. Check out our conversation below.

Mike, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A&C Metal Works, deeply rooted in military values, proudly creates patriotic and military products for all branches of the United States Armed Forces, each piece reflecting creativity and pride. Our mission is to design and manufacture merchandise that inspires pride in America. These military emblem signs serve as meaningful gifts to honor special occasions like birthdays, graduations, Christmas, or retirements. Let us help you celebrate the hero in your life!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Mike and Candi Laycook founded A&C Metal Works in 2019, a proud veteran-owned business situated in Wittmann, Arizona, offering nationwide shipping for exceptional custom designs. Our extensive services encompass production, CNC plasma cutting, light to medium fabrication, welding, and light machine shop work. We also provide lathe and vertical milling services to fulfill all your customized needs, along with powder coating for a beautiful finish. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
As a young teenager, Mike was quite a handful for his parents, leading them to send him to live on his uncle’s sheep ranch with his cousin. Growing up in the city, he faced a culture shock, but he embraced the challenge. With chores before and after school, he quickly learned that life on the ranch meant working seven days a week. Inspired by his cousin Andy, a pipeline welder and fabricator, Mike discovered a passion for metalwork. Andy and his wife, Jill, instilled in him the value of discipline, teaching him its profound importance in shaping character. Mike attributes his strong work ethic to their guidance and support. As he matured, his desire to make them proud fueled his ambition, ultimately leading him to join the Marine Corps—a heartfelt way to express gratitude for their role in helping him become a responsible adult.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Being a US Marine instilled in Mike a mindset of perseverance. There have been challenging moments while learning CNC machining, powder coating, and patina techniques in metals alongside a demanding full-time job in the heavy equipment industry. Yet, these struggles only strengthen his resolve. He eagerly anticipates the day he can retire and fully immerse himself in metalwork, dedicating his time to honing his skills and mastering new techniques.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Mike values commitment: “Do what you say.” Always do your best, even when trying something new.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Mike may not be certain he was born to do this, but he finds joy in the challenge of learning something new and takes pride in creating something meaningful upon completing each project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aandcmetalworks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aandcmetalworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AC-METAL-WORKS/100062938434740/
• Other: Metal Fabricator
  Phone Number: 602-292-7773
  Location: Wittmann, Arizona
  Email: aandcmetal@gmail.com