By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Matthew Hillier, a Tilbury resident and owner-operator of SteelBud Metal Works, runs a small home business specializing in metal sculpting, blacksmithing, welding, and weld repairs—anything people are looking for, but not in an industrial setting.
With over 20 years of experience as a fabricator, Matt has built everything from custom cars to tables, racks, and signs. But he’s always been drawn to art—whether drawing, painting, airbrushing, or sculpting. SteelBud Metal Works allows him to combine what he does for a living with what he truly enjoys.
“I do this because I know how to work metals and shape them,” Matthew explains. “But with this, I can take a simple, straightforward piece of steel and manipulate it into something someone would appreciate and think is cool. The passion is making something out of nothing with my own two hands, and knowing someone is going to think it’s pretty cool. It’s actually therapeutic in a way.”
What makes SteelBud even more special is that all four of Matt’s kids share his interest. “It’s pretty cool that we can all sit in the garage and enjoy making stuff and spending time together, and Dad can teach them something no one else can,” he says. “As a single dad who has to work a lot, being able to work at home where I can be with them—and they have an interest in it—you can’t beat that.”
Looking ahead, Matthew envisions SteelBud Metal Works growing into a fun family business. “Maybe we can do some getaways, doing shows and selling stuff, and then take some days for us to enjoy—that’s the plan right now,” he says. “Maybe one day, turn it into a full-time business where my kids will have something I can leave them for their future.”
