He began by transforming scrap metal into fire pits, combining creativity and "hard work". or signup to continue reading A backyard passion, though, quickly turned into the possibility of something far more lucrative. Mitch Trafford's wife, Shannon, could see the potential, so she encouraged him to make even more fire pits.
At the very least, it would be some extra pocket money for him. While qualified in metal fabrication, having begun an apprenticeship in 2010, Mr Trafford had at that point only considered what he did a passionate hobby. But soon enough, it was something much more.
The first lot of fire pits sold out within a day online, so the next step was going into business. What he does has gone so well that he has gone from working in a back shed in Lavington to a far bigger space in Tangambalanga. It's where he makes a range of products, including ute trays and canopies, lockable ute fridge boxes, 4x4 accessories, commercial kitchens, and still the odd fire pit.
"In 2020, I started MTFAB in my backyard," Mr Trafford said. "With lockdown restrictions, we decided to spruce up the yard. Using some scrap metal I had lying around, I made a fire pit for us to enjoy outside.
"We posted the fire pit I made on a local page, and it sold the next day before we even had the chance to use it ourselves." He said it was a roll-on effect from there. "Then we made a couple more," he said.
"People wanted custom-made pits with their brands or names." He said starting a family and a bus.