Kowalski Heat Treating Blog - Kowalski Heat Treating

Our 250th – Why America Still Inspires

July 3, 2026/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

Two hundred fifty years ago, a bold idea took root: that people could govern themselves, that individual rights came before government overbearance, and that freedom carried both opportunity and responsibility. That idea became the United States.

As we celebrate America’s 250th tomorrow, this is not simply a moment to look backward. It is an opportunity to reflect on what continues to make our country remarkable—and why, after all these years, America still inspires people and governments and countries all over the world.

Who Said That?

June 26, 2026/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

I just love our language and also finding out the history of things we often think and then say, without really pondering why we say it. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take KHT on the road at the Shot Show in Vegas (thanks to those who stopped by the booth!!). Vegas is just so nutty – it’s a 24/7 playground machine. Like most visitors, I’m fascinated by the sights and sounds of the casinos. I’m not a gambler myself, but I do like watching people play the games, especially roulette (so many different ways to lose your hard-earned money!!). While watching some aggressive gamblers, I felt compelled to say to them, “Hey, don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. Of course, I didn’t (and of course, most of them lost their bets), but afterwards it got me thinking about some of the more common idioms we use in different situations. I did some digging on some of my favorites and found their origins come from literature. Here’s some fun info I dug up (you might say I was “going down a rabbit hole”, “going a bit overboard”, and at times “chasing my tail” – HA! ). Enjoy!

Dad Advice

June 19, 2026/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

Father’s Day is a special day for me – thinking of Dad, and being a Dad and a Grandpa. Let’s face it, Dads are amazing – loving, insightful, strong, patient, friend, counselor, consoler, and so much more. Some of the best memories I have of my Dad are the advice he gave me over the years. Sometimes it was about character, sometimes it was about business, sometimes it was just about “being a good man”, not giving up, and other times it was centered on love, respect, and laughter. I can’t pick specific times he said his “words of wisdom”, but I know he passed them along – sometimes without ever speaking, simply by his actions and deeds. Oftentimes, I reflect on something I’ve done or said, and simply say, “Thanks, Dad.”