Reputation means everything to Tom Currier of Currier’s Certified Welding and after nearly half a century in the Flathead Valley, it’s apparent his reputation is on solid ground.

“My name’s on that sign and I can still walk down the street, say my name and not have to duck,” Currier proudly said.

Currier arrived in the valley in 1972 because he wanted to get out of the city and “back into the mountains.”

Currier is a South Dakota native who went to the city to get his welding degree at San Diego City College. He did a lot of welding on ships and aircraft carriers there, but he came here and started his welding business.

“Back then, you created your own jobs,” Currier said. “We built a lot of trailers, it was our mainstay. We also did a lot of repair work on logging equipment.

“Basically, anything that walked in the door, we did and we still do,” Currier said. “Even things that people wanted done and we didn’t know how to do, we never said no and we figured it out and got it done. We haven’t forgot that taking care of the little guy is critical.”

Currier was in business with his father, then his brother, Jim Currier, who is a disabled veteran. For his sibling, the work meant a great deal more than just a paycheck.

“Jim had been in Vietnam and when he returned, he was pretty disturbed,” Tom said. “I didn’t think he’d live too long or would have gone to prison, but the work helped him straighten out somewhat.”

Currier said transition has always been a big part of their Evergreen-based business, as it is with most operations.

“You always have to find another way to keep going. What may be good today may not be tomorrow,” Currier said.

Part of that transition is having his son-in-law Tim Goddard and grandson Austin in the business.

Goddard was in logging before joining the welding operation 19 years ago. His son Austin is now a young man who is part of it.

“We’re proud of being a fourth generation shop,” Goddard said. “We’re pleased to carry on the same work ethic and give people products and service they need and use.”

A Montana native, Goddard also said he was happy to be a part of a business from the east side of the valley.

“It’s nice to be a part of it and to see support from this side of the valley,” he said.

Currier’s operation has included structural steel and beam brackets for home and businesses as well as gates and railings that require more intricate work.

“Getting to do gates, railings, staircases, it’s a nice change and gives us a chance to do something with a more creative aspect,” Currier said.

Currier recalled some of the company’s more memorable work.

“Pete Rice, we’ve done so many bridges and big archways on his property; he loves us,” Currier said.

He said they’ve done some very intricate gates that have taken a number of weeks to finish.

In its continuing evolution, the shop has become a Boss plow dealer.

“It’s become about 60 to 70 percent of our business,” Currier said. “We’re the largest dealer in Montana and we install about 150 every year,” Currier said.

Despite all of the changes, Currier said the one thing that has kept them in business is their quality service.

“Big or small, our service has been consistent. We hear it all the time,” Currier said.

For more information, go to currierswelding.com, see them on Facebook or call 406-752-2366. Located at 1623 Montana 35, Currier’s Certified Welding is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.