NC Shop Talk

What does it take for a family business to stay relevant for generations in a constantly evolving industry? That's what you're going to learn from today's conversation. This episode is the result of my sitting down with Phillip Costikyan and Greg Garian at The RugCast podcast. We discuss a story of legacy, innovation, and unexpected reach–from small workshop beginnings to serving some of the most...

A rug cleaning company in Arizona just cracked the code on social media without ever paying for ads. Miranda Gwilliam from Rug Worx joins me to explain how she and her husband turned their family business into an industry authority with 900,000 followers across platforms. I started following their page because the content was impossible to ignore. Real production work. Real problem solving. Real p...

Every builder talks about passion. Few live it every single day like Chris Pate. From mastering custom truck interiors to running a 30,000-square-foot tech powerhouse in Texas, Chris proves that innovation, grit, and family can actually coexist inside the same shop. I sat down with Chris fresh off his big Triple Crown win to talk about how he built one of the industry’s most respected shops, the t...

Two guys in their seventies just built the most important car show in the country, pretty much overnight. Gary Case is one of them, and he’s holding nothing back on the passion, the money, and the old school work ethic that made the Triple Crown of Rodding an industry-shaking event. I got on the phone with Gary three years ago and was instantly sold on his vision. He and Bobby Alloway have created...

Most builders want growth. Jason built a machine. From starting over at 35 with nothing, to running one of the most systemized, innovative custom shops in the country. Fat Fender Garage is the blueprint for anyone trying to scale a real business in this industry. Jason doesn’t just build high-end trucks. He builds teams, systems, margins, and culture, all with ruthless clarity and hard work. In th...

Mike Getka isn’t just a retired Navy SEAL. He’s a walking blueprint for discipline, leadership, and showing up with no excuses—every single time. From snowshoeing in brutal New York winters to leading brutal BUD/S log PT sessions, Mike’s path wasn’t polished, but it was built by relentless grind and laser-sharp focus. In this episode, Mike talks about growing up with Polish immigrant grit, the tru...

Courtney Hansen is more than just a car enthusiast—she’s a force in the automotive world. From hosting shows like Overhaulin’ to writing The Garage Girl’s Guide, she’s done it all. But her biggest challenge yet? Creating, producing, funding, and starring in her own TV show, Ride of Your Life on MotorTrend. In this episode, Courtney gets real about what it takes to make it in a male-dominated indus...

If you’re tired of blurry shop photos and missed opportunities, Nadeem Muaddi—co-founder of The Hog Ring—is here to flip the script. From building a global trimmer community to mastering the art of storytelling, Nadeem shares how authenticity, lighting, and YouTube can transform your business. In this episode, Nadeem shares why The Hog Ring isn’t just a passion project—it’s a lifeline for trimmers...

If you’re looking to innovate and elevate your business, you need to meet Jeremy Carlson, the driving force behind Avant-Garde in Palm City, Florida. Jeremy’s commitment to perfection, passion for craftsmanship, and bold vision for the future of custom car interiors have made Avant Garde a unique name in the industry. In this episode, Jeremy opens up about how he started Avant-Garde, his journey f...

Ever meet someone and instantly know they're the real deal? That's how host Mal Maher felt about Cindy Barlow, Director of Industry Relations at WyoTech. Cindy's dedication goes far beyond her title, playing a pivotal role in WyoTech's remarkable comeback and unwavering commitment to student success. From a mere 12 students to over 1,100, WyoTech's resurgence is a testament to its dedication to qu...

What does it take to come back from defeat and strive for redemption? Mikey Brown, a true embodiment of resilience, shares his inspiring journey on a second attempt to win the prestigious Hot Wheels Legends Tour. Last year, Mikey came incredibly close to victory, capturing the attention of Jay Leno and inspiring countless others with his innovative "paper to pavement" builds. But falling short onl...

From quitting school at 16 to gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated, Rick Esterly's journey to becoming a top 1% auto upholstery craftsman is far from conventional. Growing up in North Idaho, Rick felt the call of the great outdoors more than the classroom. BMX racing and hanging with older car enthusiasts eventually led him to drop out and pursue audio installation full-time. But it was the cha...

What does it take to be a standout athlete and secure a future in college sports? Living and thriving in a competitive environment is no easy feat, especially when you're surrounded by talented peers. But today's guest has a unique story that sets him apart. NC Shop Talk is thrilled to welcome Peter Pesansky, a senior at Tampa Jesuit High School and an incoming freshman football player at the Univ...

What does it take to be a winner? Living and winning in a competitive environment is challenging, especially when you see many talented people around you. You also need to have some unique skills to get ahead of others.  But today's guest has a simple philosophy that makes him a true winner in life. Of course, he and his team are very good at what they do and never give up easily.  NC Sh...

Whether you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a regular guy, building and maintaining a strong network can significantly impact your business and life. Connecting with people and forming lasting relationships makes you a better individual. Networking is also highly effective in helping grow your business. Today, Mal is chatting with someone he connected with who later became his good friend...

Is talent inherited, or is it something you can learn? You can say it's a little bit of both. And today's guest is here to show how your environment and desire to learn significantly impact how you find your place in the world. NC Shop Talk welcomes Rob Ida, an absolute icon in the custom vehicle industry. With over 40 years of experience, Rob has transformed dozens of high-end vehicles into award...

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? What are you most proud of? When people get asked this question, some have ready answers, while some think long and hard about the things that shaped their lives. It's because our lives are not marked by one significant moment that changed it all. The best answer to “What is your greatest accomplishment?” is the first thing that comes to...

Finding Mal and Randy! Get a chance to win a bunch of cool stuff from NC Carpet Binding and Moore & Giles at the 2023 SEMA Show happening November 1-4, 2023. Plus, get discounts and an extended 5-year limited warranty when you buy machines from NC Carpet Binding.  Hot Wheels are one of the most loved toy cars in the world. That's no exaggeration. The design and build of the cars are just...

How does it feel to be doing something you love for a living? Sounds like fun, right? It must feel terrific to love what you do. Let's hear from someone who wakes up excited to create something truly amazing every day.  Tavis Highlander is an automotive designer, illustrator, and artist who also plays in the garage making random stuff. His specialty is custom car rendering. While in college,...

When you're a small business owner, you do most of the work yourself. But as your business grows, you find yourself getting overwhelmed. Should you bring in another person? When is the right time to get help? There are many factors to consider, and it's a tough decision.  In this episode, Mal chats with Corbin Boland of Florida Bay Customs regarding growing pains and tough decisions. Corbin s...

It's halfway through 2023, and you're probably in your busiest season. What plans do you have for the rest of the year? What are you doing that will make a big difference in your business? If you're focused, there are many things you can get into place to end the year strong.  In this episode, Mal shares his exciting plans for the coming months, including the return to SEMA with fantastic giv...

How do you go from doing something simple to jumping into business ownership? What does it take to transform a small business into something bigger than yourself? Jonathan Goolsby has been customizing anything he could get his hands on for over twenty years, starting at home in the garage and then as the head painter for the local Chevrolet dealership for over twelve years.  During that time,...

As the custom auto industry continue to evolve, it is critical for trimmers and designers to understand users’ needs and put them at the center of their day-to-day operations. If youre running a three-man team, how would you adapt to the changes in the industry while competing with bigger businesses and continue honing your craft? Thats what were about to hear from todays conversation with two awe...

People who don't get what they want often say life is unfair. Well, tell that to someone who lost the ability to use his legs at a prime age. Then, imagine waking up to an experience that would change your life forever.  Today's guest is a wonderful human who can overcome life's toughest challenges. NC Shop Talk welcomes Mal's good friend, Scott Chesney, to the show! Scott is an international...

Growing your business and expanding your reach should be an ongoing endeavor, not a start-of-the-year plan. And it's impossible to do that without being creative and challenging yourself in new ways and even taking chances that could blow up in your face. But risk-taking is a natural part of growing your business.  Today's guest agrees that one should always pursue excellence and strive to al...