Sparking Success: VU student steps into entrepreneurship with new startup
July 15, 2026
VINCENNES, Ind. – Sparks are flying and business is surging for Vincennes University dual major Owen Hart.
The Evansville native has launched Stinger Fabrication and Services LLC by combining his welding skills with his entrepreneurial ambitions. Specializing in the custom fabrication and installation of handrails, Hart's business represents the perfect combination of his technical talent and future career goals.
He is blazing his own path as a business owner while also studying Welding Technology and Business Management at VU. He even met with a faculty member before launching his company who praised him for his acumen and encouraged Hart to pursue his dream.
"I like working for myself, and I feel like I can become the person I want to be by having my own business," Hart said. "It has opened so many doors and opportunities with people and that’s the kind of life I want to have. I want to have the name that people want go running too and that’s mostly an ego thing, but I stay humble and smart with it.”
Classroom Knowledge Meets Real World
The momentum for Stinger Fabrication has accelerated following a Blazers Achieve event on the Vincennes Campus. A meeting between Hart and VU Chief Human Resource Officer Sara Clark that day led to the perfect opportunity for them both.
Clark hired Hart to design, fabricate, and install custom handrails for her home, giving him the chance to showcase his technical skills.
Clark said, “Our meeting on campus revealed Owen's passion and personality, but seeing him in action truly proved his talent," she said. "When I hired him, Owen approached the job with the precision of an industry veteran. I am deeply impressed by his excellent craftsmanship. His work ethic and professionalism are exemplary, and I know this is just the beginning of a very bright future for him and Stinger Fabrication."
An Expanding Client Roster
Multiple projects have served as a springboard for Hart’s business, which offers custom fabrication, small repairs, and yard services. Word of mouth, connections, and proven results are producing a growing list of paying customers seeking his services.
Hart said, “It’s a good feeling once a job is done because I know all the work that goes into it. I’m learning how to make proper estimates and doing everything the most efficient way. There are a lot of ideas and outcomes I have to think about. Most of it revolves around time and money, how long will it take to complete, and how much do I have to spend as well as making profit.”
With multiple contracts already underway, he is building an exceptionally strong foundation for his post-VU career.
As Stinger Fab and Services continues to grow, Hart is proving that the transition from ambitious student to successful business owner can happen long before he earns his degrees.
You can find Owen’s business on Facebook.
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