Fournier Enterprises Custom Metal Shaping

09/18/2017

09/18/2017

Many of you have heard the news, but for those of you who have not I'm sad to report that the world lost one if it's greatest craftsmen yesterday morning. I've been dreading this post because I wasn't sure if I would be able to put into words how great of a person Ron truly was. In the end, I don't think it is possible to capture his impact in writing, but his legacy lives on in all of us who he has guided, taught, and worked with through his long career.

To put it one way, Ron was one of the best fabricators and metal shapers of our time. His career in that aspect alone is the stuff of legend. Without him many race teams would not have enjoyed the success they did, many drivers might not have had the careers they had, and auto racing in general would be less for it. From stock cars at Holman Moody, to Trans Am cars and Indy cars at Penske Racing, to Indy cars and champ dirt cars for AJ Foyt to LeMans winners at Kar-Kraft, to Indy cars, pro stock cars, and countless others out of his own shops and others to only name a few. His résumé is something that I don't think will ever be matched.

To put it another way he was one of the best teachers I have ever seen or had the pleasure of learning from. His books helped erase years of secrecy and mystery regarding metal work and inspired thousands of us to pick up some tools and build something. His classes and workshops have helped hone the skills of many metal shapers and coachbuilders and have even helped launch the careers of some of today's best metal men. Even outside of the classes he would always help anyone who asked, and he spent many hours on the phone with complete strangers giving guidance, advice, and technical knowledge. Before I met Ron I already considered myself lucky in that I had many good teachers and mentors throughout my professional life, but none could break things down and impart a sense of understanding like Ron. I dont think any of us who have worked with him were ever the same again.

If you take those two aspects and put them together you have someone who is truly extraordinary. Someone who has literally changed the world in his own way. All of that on top of being just one of the nicest guys around. The craft and the automotive world won't be the same without him. I'm not sure what I'm going to do knowing he is no longer just a phone call away or never going to drop in for a shop visit again, but I do know that I am honored to be the one who gets to carry on his legacy, use his old tools every day, and have all of the memories I have from working with him. Those years were some of the best of my life.

Love ya Ron.

- Jeff

12/03/2016

Hey everyone! We finally have MFH09 forming heads back in stock! We only have a limited quantity so get them before they're gone again. Also, since we missed black Friday, small biz Saturday, cyber Monday and all that we have them on sale until the end of the year or until they're gone. They'll never be this cheap again!

http://www.fournierenterprises.com/m3/MFH09~ON%20SALE%21%21--classic-bowl-forming-head-mfh09.html

08/20/2016

A long time student of mine came to us from Dallas over the last two weeks to train and finish this project. We had a strict deadline and cranked it out in record time. It will be the front of a three-wheeled 1914 Warwick motorcycle from Britain. Originally this would've been a large wooden box to deliver or sell goods out of. It will be run in a vintage motorcycle cannon ball race from NJ to CA and they wanted something cooler and sleeker than a large box. Should be a wild looking machine for a wild ride.

08/05/2016

Spent the morning doing some metalfinishing. A great way to start the day!

07/24/2016

Today begins another round of classes! If you're interested in the classes check out the details on our website.

www.fournierenterprises.com

07/04/2016

Happy 4th everyone! Stay safe out there!

06/23/2016

It looks like a convertible top and it folds up... progress! Now to see if it fits...

06/14/2016

Build a convertible top they said... it will be fun they said...

06/06/2016

I get to build/work on some pretty cool, wild, and sometimes rare stuff. Other times... I get to build someone a custom trash can.

05/27/2016

Another class in the books! If you're interested in one of our classes check out our website!

05/09/2016

Some hand cut/hammered louvers to start the week off. They were done by hand to match the ones on the original panel.