Rebel Metalworks Named Oregon SBA Small Blue Collar Business of the Year

Jun 11

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Columbia Gorge Community College:

By Gregory Price

The Dalles, Ore., June 11, 2026 — Rebel Metalworks, a custom metal fabrication company based in The Dalles, has been named the 2026 Oregon SBA Small Blue Collar Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of National Small Business Week. The recognition honors outstanding small businesses that demonstrate growth, resilience, innovation, and contributions to their local communities.

Founded by co-owners Thomas and Sarah Wall, Rebel Metalworks has grown from humble beginnings into a full-service fabrication shop serving customers throughout the region.

“Being recognized by the Small Business Administration is definitely a testament to our success here as a small business,” said Wall. “I think it’s really validated the work that we put into this business and shows that we’ve gained momentum.”

Eight years ago, Wall was operating out of a one-car garage, completing projects for family and friends. Today, Rebel Metalworks operates from a full-scale fabrication facility capable of delivering a wide range of custom metal products and fabrication services.

“Eight years ago, we were in a one-car garage doing projects for family and friends,” Wall said. “Now we’re in a full-size fabrication shop, and we can offer much more than we could before.”

The company credits much of its success to the strong support of the local community.

“We just really appreciate the support this community has shown us over the last several years,” Wall added. “Without them, there is no small business.”

Rebel Metalworks specializes in custom metal fabrication, welding, and project design services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As demand continues to grow, the company is planning additional investments in technology and equipment to expand operations and improve efficiency.

“We are excited to continue to invest in equipment and tooling so we can offer even more,” said Wall. “We’re looking at laser processing equipment and expanding our delivery capabilities so we can provide even more streamlined service to our customers.”

The company has also worked closely with the Columbia Gorge Community College Small Business Development Center (CGCC SBDC) throughout its growth journey. The CGCC SBDC provides no-cost business advising, strategic planning support, financial guidance, and access to resources that help rural entrepreneurs grow and succeed.

“Thomas and Rebel Metalworks represent the entrepreneurial spirit and determination that drives small business success in rural Oregon,” said Gregory Price, Director of the CGCC SBDC. “Their growth from a garage startup to an award-winning fabrication company is an incredible example of what can happen when hard work, innovation, and community support come together.”

The SBA award highlights not only Rebel Metalworks’ business success, but also the importance of investing in Oregon’s skilled trades and blue-collar workforce. As manufacturing and fabrication businesses continue to play a vital role in local economies, Rebel Metalworks stands as a model for sustainable small business growth in rural communities.

For more information about Rebel Metalworks, visit: https://rebelmetalfab.com/

To learn more about the CGCC SBDC, visit: https://oregonsbdc.org/center/Columbia-Gorge-SBDC/

The Oregon SBDC Network is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional funding is provided by the Oregon Business Development Department and Columbia Gorge Community College. For full funding disclosure, visit OregonSBDC.org/about. Oregon SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language services are available for limited-English-proficient individuals.