ABOUT US
The Company
EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM
Trained at the best facilities in the world in both contemporary and traditional methods of metalsmithing our able-bodied craftsman create every product with skill and thoughtfulness. From using their skills to make custom tools to solve tricky problems to translating ideas into meaningful pieces of metalwork.
HIGH QUALITY HAND CRAFT
We strive to balance character and accuracy in every project which is why every piece is hand crafted by our skilled blacksmiths. The process of forging each piece increases the strength and durability of the product, and allows for shapes otherwise not possible in metalwork. Thoughtful design and a unique hands on approach allow us to achieve a high quality solution to your every metal need.
CUSTOM AND UNIQUE
We specialize in creating forged metal objects that are custom fit to your needs, location, and wildest ideas. Each piece has a unique feel and look but always preforms its task.
About the Owner
Otto Engel
Instructor / Lead Blacksmith
Otto was born and raised in Estes Park, Colorado. He began forging in 2008, studied welding at Front Range Community College, earned a degree in Forged Architectural Ironwork at The American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina, and attended the Artist Blacksmithing program at Hereford College of Arts in Herefordshire, England. His experience was honed with 5- to 8-month internships during the summers with metal artists such as James Makely at Living Design Studios forging and fabricating architectural details, DeSantis Metal Art creating colorful aluminum sculpture, Ann Vogt Jewelry learning the basics of silversmithing, David Norrie at David Norrie Studios designing and forging custom architectural pieces, and Christoph Friedrich in Switzerland.
You could say that blacksmithing quickly became an obsession for him.
He used his free time in Charleston to create a blacksmith's dream garage shop with Dakota Myers (co-founder) ; while living in England, he used breaks in classes to travel by train through 13 countries in Europe, visiting blacksmithing shops, learning, and working for a wide variety of smiths along the way. Finally landing back in Colorado as an Owner and full-time blacksmith at Innovation Forge with Dakota Myers (co-founder) and instructor at Forge with Intention Blacksmith school.
In 2020, Otto became the sole owner after Dakota made a move to Truckee, CA, to continue pursuing blacksmithing with Mountain Forge INC.
In May 2022, Otto became one of the first certified National Curriculum instructors in Colorado, a CBA instructor, and a top-level certified smith. He also teaches Blacksmithing nationally, as well as leading the team here producing custom forged metalwork.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the skilled artisans who bring creativity and expertise to Innovation Forge LLC.
Holly Flechsig
Marketing Manager &
Design Assistant
Holly's background is in art history and painting.
She brings a wide range of skills to support the forge in design, installation, and marketing.
She loves gardening, reading, and learning new skills in her free time!
Collin Kelly
Assistant Blacksmith
Colin is a Blacksmith, with 10 years of experience in large scale arcitectural forging workshops.
He is an avid outdoorsman and mountaineer who joined the team in early 2023.
Lewis Evans
Assistant Blacksmith
Our dedicated Assistant Blacksmith, who supports the team with hard work and commitment.
Lewis started forging 7 years ago, attended ACBA for a degree in blacksmithing and joined the team in 2025
Akiva Meola
Bladesmith & Assistant Blacksmith
Our talented Bladesmith & Assistant blacksmith, helps us build everything sharp!
He is a History buff and the owner of his own knife business that specializes in high-end culinary blades.
Dakota Myers
Blacksmith and Co-Founder
Dakota was the other half of the company when we started in 2018 as a 2 man shop!
A highly skilled blacksmith and friend who shared a very similar origin story with Otto since they met at ACBA in Charleston in 2015.
Carrying on the forging legacy he grew up helping his father, a farrier.
He has since moved to California and can be found forging at Mountain Forge INC in Tahoe!