Kowalski Heat Treating Blog - Kowalski Heat Treating

Sweet Apple

December 12, 2025/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

For those of you who are “in the market”, you know how fun it’s been to be on the right side of investment picks. As the tech industries continue to amaze us, I noticed that on this day in 1980, Apple Computer went public at $22 a share, raising more than $100 million in what was, at the time, the largest IPO since Ford Motor Company in 1956. The initial investors had no idea what was to come, but on “day one,” they instantly created hundreds of millionaires and marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable corporate journeys in modern history (split-adjusted price was about .10/share – worth about $60K today – WOW!) Researching and reading about the company, like many entrepreneur journeys, Apple’s rise was never a straight climb. Behind the amazing breakthrough products lies a story of perseverance through failure, reinvention in the face of near collapse, and an unyielding drive to create something better… not just for consumers, but for the world. It wasn’t just money or luck that got them going and growing – it was ingenuity. Founder Steve Jobs saw potential where others saw a toy, and Steve Wozniak was simply a genius, engineering functionality out of chaos. I thought it would be fun to go back in history and see the “little things” that happened during the first 10 years as they were forming the company. Here’s what I pulled together from the early days. I left many of the “links” for you to dive deeper. ENJOY!

Calm in the Chaos

December 5, 2025/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

Now that we’re past Thanksgiving (I’m still feeling thankful AND stuffed!), it’s easy to sense the excitement and the pressure building over the next few weeks. Talking with Jackie, and looking at my work calendar through the end of the year, I’m thinking “there’s so much to do, so many people to see, and so many little details to manage”. It’s that holiday crunch time we all slide into – trying to get everything done and wanting to make everything special for the people (and customers) we love. Experts say this can be a tough time of year, which can leave us feeling more exhausted than joyful. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is, with a few intentional choices, we can get our work done and chores completed while bringing more peace and joy back into the season (and actually enjoy it, too). Here’s a bit about stress, and some really great tips on how to find time to relax a bit and reduce the pressure. Remember, stress can sometimes be a state of mind (I’ve started some of these already and feel better!) RELAX and Enjoy!

Spicy Goodness

November 28, 2025/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

When the air turns crisp and the lights start twinkling around town, it’s a sign that the holidays are a comin’. That means rich soups, yummy apps, and mouth-watering pies and other desserts. And for beer lovers, that includes the long-awaited return of Christmas Ale. Spicy, malty, and just a little bit magical, these winter brews have become as much a holiday tradition as gingerbread or mistletoe. While spicy beverages have been around for centuries, there’s something special about Christmas Ale, especially from our neighbors and friends at Great Lakes Brewery here in beautiful Cleveland. But where did they come from, and why do they hold such a special place in our hearts (and pint glasses)? Let’s pour (get it?) into the history, the modern trends, and some top picks for your own Christmas cheer. Sip and Enjoy!