DAB or Dabber began as a term of endearment, based on my initials, from my family members. Later, in my adult life, it became something easy to remember to call me on the job site, because it’s what I write on my hardhat, lunchbox, welding hood, and tools. And, it’s better than Doug, Dan, Dave or Bill, which is what people usually call me when they are first learning my name. I guess “Dale” is a tough one.
I was born and raised in Southern California, living in Lakewood for 38 years until moving to Chino. I’m a pipe fitter by trade and by choice. As such, I’ve been fabricating and welding most of my life and I’ve loved doing it. It’s what defines me. So it’s not hard for me to come home from working all day, spend time with my family, and then go out to the garage and go back to “work”.
It wasn’t until a couple years ago that I began applying my skills to something that I could do for me. Some of these ideas and designs have been in my head for a long time and it’s good to finally see them in steel. A lot of people seem to enjoy them as well.
Flames, skulls and red… You’re going to see these things a lot in what I do. It’s not just in the things I fabricate, but in my life as well. All the furniture in my den is red and has flames sewn into the material. There are skulls on the shelves and the entire room is painted red. During Christmas, I get my own tree, only it’s decorated with skulls and skeletons, red lights and red ornaments. But don’t let it throw you if you see flowers or butterflies ‘cause I like those things too.
If you’re thinkin’ that there’s something that you’d like to have made exclusively for yourself, for your home, contact me. I always say, "If you can imagine it, I can fabricate it". Dale Bernier
