Craftsmanship isn’t just about mastering a skill—it’s about mentorship, legacy, and carrying forward a tradition with passion and purpose.
Episode Summary
In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Mackenzie Maes of Blown Deadline Custom Cerakote. We explore the profound impact of mentorship in the firearms industry, with Mackenzie sharing how she learned the craft directly from the late Michael Sigouin, a true pioneer in custom Cerakote finishes. We talk about overcoming challenges, honoring legacy, and what it means for Mackenzie and Dana to carry forward Michael’s standards of excellence. Mackenzie discusses her journey from painting monster trucks and powder coating to leading one of the top custom gun finish shops as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She opens up about personal and technical hurdles, how she found her own creative style, and why she continues to grind every day to ensure that Michael’s legacy—and her own—lives on.
Call to Action
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Show Sponsors
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HSM Ammunition: Quality, consistency, and American-made—visit hsmammunition.com and look for the orange logo at your local gun shops.
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Onsite Firearms Training (OFT, LLC): Affordable, high-quality firearms training all over the country. Start your journey today at oftllc.us.
Key Takeaways
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True craftsmanship is about more than just skills—it’s legacy and mentorship passed down with pride.
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Mackenzie’s journey took her from monster truck garages and powder coating to the apex of Cerakote artistry.
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Breaking into a male-dominated industry required grit, tenacity, and continually proving herself—even now.
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Carrying on Michael Sigouin’s legacy was intimidating, but Mackenzie’s drive and her bond with Dana led to Blown Deadline being woman-owned.
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Mackenzie continues to develop her own artistic style, such as her signature “live camo,” and plans to push boundaries with new creative builds.
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Hard work, a love for the craft, and a supportive community are the backbone of Blown Deadline’s continuing success.
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The firearms industry needs more representation and respect for women who take their place at the bench and booth.
Guest Information
Mackenzie Maes
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Co-owner & Lead Artist at Blown Deadline Custom Cerakote
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Instagram: @blowndeadline and @thepowdercoatchick
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Shop Location: Clinton Township, MI (just outside Detroit)
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Specialties: Custom Cerakote firearm finishes, creative camo patterns, laser work, and more
Keywords
Cerakote, custom gun finishes, Blown Deadline, Mackenzie Maes, Michael Segoyan, firearms industry, women in firearms, mentorship, legacy, gun customization, powder coating, custom camo, Barrett 50 cal, American 2A community, gun experiment podcast, HSM Ammunition, Onsite Firearms Training, Star Wars gun paint, hunting, creative camouflage, gun art, Michigan firearm artists, battle worn finish, women entrepreneurs, gunsmithing, gun painting, gear and training, gun podcast
