Just ask Peter Updike, a weldin Lake County for 23 years whose work has received praise from commercial and residential customers alike. At his Leesburg-based business, Updike Welding, Peter does much more than use highly specialized equipment to weld different kinds of metals together. He also taps into his artistic side to create strikingly beautiful work.

"This is definitely a creative niche, and I think it's sad that not everone gets to use their creativity on a daily basis." he said. "Welding is an art, and welders all have their own style. Just like a painter has his canvas, I have my iron."