Downtown FabWorks, a leading provider of turnkey fabrication solutions for creative projects across the attractions industry, is celebrating the success of its president and founder, Daniel Krall, who has been named among the New Orleans CityBusiness Power 50: Most Influential People 2026.
This list recognises leaders who are helping to shape the region’s economy, create jobs, and guide the future of the New Orleans business community.
Its honorees reflect the full breadth of the regional economy, from port leadership to health care and banking, united by an ability to create an impact far beyond their individual organisations.
Promoting skilled trades
For Krall, this accolade marks a career built from the shop floor up. He entered the industry as an apprentice carpenter in a scenic studio in New York, which sparked a passion for welding and fabrication.
Following Hurricane Katrina, he moved to New Orleans to lead a volunteer initiative gutting homes. Through years of hands-on work, he progressed from crewmember to crew leader and project manager, before launching Downtown FabWorks in 2019.
What started as a one-person operation in Chalmette has since expanded to become one of the Gulf South’s leading custom scenic and architectural fabrication companies.
Today, Downtown FabWorks operates from a 40,000-square-foot facility with a team of over 50 people, most of whom are craftspeople, artisans, and artists.
Krall says: "Being recognized alongside so many people driving New Orleans forward is a great honor.
"Downtown FabWorks exists because of the talent, creativity, and determination of our team. This recognition belongs to the folks in our shop who show up every day, solve hard problems, and build environments that make our city stronger and more vibrant."
Krall’s leadership is grounded in a profound respect for skilled trades, not just as a vital workforce pipeline, but also as a rewarding and creative career path.
He is dedicated to helping the city's young people discover fulfilling careers in the trades, especially those unsure about their next steps or seeking an alternative to college.
Krall is also an alumnus of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Leadership St. Bernard, and the Louisiana Economic Development CEO Roundtable initiative.
These programmes signify his ongoing commitment to strengthening his leadership, growing a resilient local business, and contributing to the economic future of the Greater New Orleans region.
In both 2025 and 2026, Downtown FabWorks was named as one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ fastest-growing companies. The company also ranked #1,187 nationally, #12 in Louisiana, and #3 in the Greater New Orleans region on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list.
"Skilled trades offer the chance to build something real, develop a craft, and create a future," Krall said. "Our goal is to show more people that there is pride, artistry, and long-term opportunity in this work."
Last month, Downtown FabWorks announced the successful completion of its inaugural summer internship programme, reflecting its dedication to workforce development and community involvement in New Orleans.
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
