Young entrepreneur making his mark in metal

Josh Buffington has always known he would one day own his own small business.

Since opening Man Cave Metal Works early last year, the 20-year-old has become fully entrenched with the local community, including the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce.

“We have people who want to do their art, but not run a business,” said Chamber CEO Shelly Sclumpf. “We typically find ways to get them involved. But with Josh, he kept pushing the envelope.”

Pushing the envelope ultimately allowed Buffington to receive the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Chamber. The award acknowledges a Chamber member who has created a successful business plan and have seen it come to fruition, Sclumpf said.

“I am thankful I came out with the award,” Buffington, a Puyallup resident, said. “I am blessed to be working with the community that I am today.”

“Josh works really closely with us, and wants to make smart decisions that are good for his business,” Sclumpf said. “He purposefully and strategically networks for his business. He has great potential, and we sincerely want him to succeed.”

Long before Buffington was honored for his hard work during his first year in business with Man Cave Metal Works, he started welding with the help of his father and one of his former teachers at Eatonville High School.

“I’ve been doing metal work for about six years,” Buffington said. “I’m mostly self-taught, but that also means I failed a lot, too.”

He started his business eventually, and once he realized he had a large client base he was making his metal artwork for, he decided he needed to do something with it. Buffington’s business specializes in laser engraving, plasma cutting, fabrication, LED lighting additions, and powder coating and paint work.

“It’s been an exciting first year of business,” he said. “Business started slowly, but now it’s booming and I’m just riding that wave.”

According to Buffington, a big portion of his business’ mission is to give back more than the average businesses.

Actively involved in Chamber events, Rotary auctions, as well as supporting the booster club at Steilacoom High School, Buffington sees his business as a chance to give back.

For more information on Man Cave Metal Works, call 360-722-6822 or visit mancavemetalworks.com.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 9:35 AM with the headline "Young entrepreneur making his mark in metal."