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 technology that sets MTI apart, and why keeping family in the business keeps everything grounded.

This one’s packed with insight for anyone chasing excellence in car audio, interiors, and craftsmanship that lasts.

"We feel like we built the best truck interior we’ve ever done to this point." – Chris Pate

In This Episode:

- The story behind the award-winning ’75 C10 and the team that brought it to life

- How MTI went from a 2,000-square-foot startup to a 30,000-square-foot powerhouse

- 3D printers, CNCs, and the manufacturing side of MTI

- Early influences, his father’s Syclone, and how tinkering shaped his path

- The moment Chris knew he’d made it as an industry standout

- Why OEMs are dropping the ball by not hiring elite custom builders

- NCST Rapid Fire Questions

- Chris’s go to vendors for leather, materials, and plastics

- Call for skilled trimmers and stitchers to join the MTI team

- Challenges of the current economy as a high-end shop owner

- What’s coming in the future

Connect with MTI Acoustics:

- Website: https://www.mtiacoustics.net/  

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtiacoustics/ 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/

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 something special with the Triple Crown, an event built on pure passion, not profit margins. 

We talk about how they risked it all, what makes a show truly great, and why the best in the business are all flocking to Nashville. This is a masterclass in building something that matters.

"It's passion over profit. That's always been my motto in all my business ventures." – Gary Case

In This Episode:

- Gary's rapid-fire on childhood dreams, wife as lifelong partner, and early car obsession

- How Gary went from his parents' garage to Ridler Award status

- The story behind the Gary Sinise Foundation partnership and why it matters

- Other solid events still worth hitting, like Goodguys, NSRA, and Dino's Git Down

- Unsung builders who deserved more spotlight, like Donnie Pinkerton and Dave Lane

- Craziest youth stories, from street fights to jail time, lessons from dad

- Blunt views on today's generation, fading work ethic, and lost family values

- Triple Crown origins from Shades of the Past, partnering with Bobby Alloway, and non-stop hustle behind it

- Why the Triple Crown sold out instantly and left 40+ companies on a waitlist

- Giveaway truck details, celebrity picks, and new twists like bringing in injured vets

- Event perks, cheap entry, family vibes, and why you gotta experience it live

Connect with the Triple Crown of Rodding:

- Website: www.triplecrownofrodding.com

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triplecrownofrodding# 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplecrownofrodding/  

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/\

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 this episode, we get real about money, clients, time, branding, leadership, and how to avoid the traps that take most shops down.

"I am responsible for my future. No one’s going to hand me anything—I have to work for it." – Jason Noel

In This Episode:

- The moment Jason lost everything at 35—and how it shaped the business leader he is today

- Why data and numbers are the backbone of scaling a business without chaos

- Jason’s take on building a strong brand and why your online presence is a job interview you’re not present for.

- Why Jason tells more customers “No” than “Yes”—and how that protects the business

- A look inside Fat Fender’s two assembly lines and station-based workflow that moves projects

- The constant battle against "scope creep" and how it can destroy your efficiency and profits.

- The financial mistake of hiring cheap labor and the massive returns from investing in six-figure employees.

- Why his family and kids will always be a higher priority than the shop, no matter how successful it gets.

Connect with Jason Noel:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatfendergarage 

- Website: www.fatfender.com 

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatFenderGarage 

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatfendergarageaz 

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fatfenderaz 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/

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 truth behind SEAL team brotherhood, and why the toughest training on earth isn’t just physical—it’s all in your head.

No war stories, no Hollywood drama. Just raw, unfiltered insight from a guy who’s been through it, shaped others through it, and still carries the mindset today.

"Take pride in everything that you do... When you start something, you absolutely finish it. Never quit." - Mike Getka



In This Episode:

- Mike's unexpected journey from Seabee to Navy SEAL and how a magazine article changed his life's direction

- The reality of BUD/S training, including Mike's battle with double pneumonia that forced him to restart the entire process

- How the SEAL mindset transforms challenge into opportunity, and what civilian teams can learn from this approach

- The brotherhood of SEALs - how it forms and why it's unlike any other bond

- Mike's post-military work teaching teams to unlock their full potential through SEAL-inspired training

- The evolution of the "quiet professional" and Mike's perspective on SEALs in the public eye

-  What Hollywood movies always get wrong about SEALs’ training and missions

- How mindfulness and meditation have helped Mike navigate health challenges after his intense military career

Resources Mentioned:

- Getka SEAL Mindset: https://getkasealmindset.com/

- Navy SEAL Foundation: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/

- Navy SEAL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavySEALfoundation 

- Navy SEAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/

- Navy SEAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/navySEALfnd 

- SEAL Future Foundation (SFF): https://sealfuturefoundation.org/

- Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida

Connect with Michael Getka:

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getkasealmindset 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/getkasealmindset/ 

- Website: https://getkasealmindset.com/

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/

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 industry, how her racing pedigree shaped her relentless work ethic, and why she refuses to let anyone stand in her way. 

And yeah, she’s got some stories—including the time she had to set someone straight on set.

"While you're standing in your own way, please get the heck out of mine. This Charger Hellcat Redeye is coming in fast and hot, and I am not slowing down." - Courtney Hansen

In This Episode:

- The real story behind Season 2 of "Ride of Your Life" and the challenges of producing independent automotive television

- Courtney's childhood growing up with racing legend, his dad, Jerry Hansen and the life lessons that shaped her career

- How her 10-year-old daughter Holland is becoming a soccer phenom with the same drive and determination as her mother

- Working with automotive legends like Brian Fuller, Chip Foose, Richard Rawlings, and memories of the late Jessi Combs

- Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, and what car she’d drive if she could take one last ride.

- The emotional builds that have touched her heart, from a special Roadrunner for a young cancer survivor to a dream '70 Cuda finale

Resources Mentioned:

- MotorTrend TV: Where to watch "Ride of Your Life" Season 2

- Garage Girl’s Guide by Courtney Hansen: https://a.co/d/6wJHo5i 

Connect with Courtney Hansen:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtney_hansen/ 

- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCourtneyHansen/ 

- Website: https://www.courtneyhansen.com 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/

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 worldwide. Learn how to turn shop photos into client magnets, why YouTube is the industry’s untapped goldmine, and how to avoid the #1 mistake killing your social media game. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into NC Carpet’s secret new machines dropping soon.

“If you're not doing content creation for your shop...this year is the year to do it right.” – Nadeem Muaddi

In This Episode:

- Why The Hog Ring is more than a blog—it’s a global trimmer family.

- The $100 lighting hack for high-quality photography

- YouTube’s dirty secret: How trimmers can earn $$$ by filming their daily grind.

- The Hog Ring’s new sponsors alert: Big Z Fabric, OEM Plus Auto Tops, and Leathercraft—why these brands matter.

- NC Carpet’s mystery machines: Two new machines coming to shops in 2025.

- Trade show survival tips: Why Vegas isn’t just for partying (but bring earplugs for Mal’s rants).

- MasterTech 2025: Nadeem’s hot take on the panel Mal’s MC-ing (and why you need to be there).

- The “Doritos” giveaway: How to snag free Hog Ring swag and a shot at NC’s new gear.

Resources Mentioned:

- Godox M1 RGB Light: https://a.co/d/6x43Bjz 

- Corey Decker Photography: https://www.instagram.com/corwin_decker_photography/ 

- The Hog Ring – https://www.thehogring.com 

- MasterTech Expo – https://www.mastertechexpo.com 

Connect with Nadeem and The Hog Ring:

- Website: https://www.thehogring.com 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehogring 

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHogRing 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/ 

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 from car audio to upholstery, and how his team creates some of the most innovative interiors in the business. From perfecting the art of high-end custom interiors to pushing the envelope with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and CNC stitching, Avant Garde is always ahead of the curve. But it's not just about tech — Jeremy shares how his Midwestern values of family, respect, and integrity drive every aspect of his business.

"You can turn off a budget, you can ignore a budget, but it’s tough to put your passion, your goals aside to try to make it less." – Jeremy Carlson

In This Episode:

- The story behind Avant Garde and does it really have a financial backing from a casino?

- How passion and precision come together to create world-class custom car interiors.

- The challenges and rewards of balancing work, family, and a growing business.

- Why Avant Garde is redefining the standards for automotive craftsmanship.

- Using technology like 3D scanning and CNC machines to bring designs to life.

- The role of AI in transforming design processes and how it's shaping the future of customization.

- Working with 21 Savage for his custom car 

- Exclusive insights into Avant Garde’s plans for the future, including retail parts and expansion.

And, of course, Jeremy’s take on the electric car revolution — and how it fits into his vision.

Resources Mentioned:

- Roadster Shop - https://roadstershop.com/ 

- Joe Rogan - https://www.joerogan.com/

Connect with Jeremy Carlson and Avant Garde:

- Website: https://www.avant-gardedesign.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avant.garde.design/ 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-carlson-0169a71a5/ 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/ 

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 quality education and industry partnerships. Cindy joins Mal to discuss this incredible growth, the importance of supporting students post-graduation, and the unique challenges facing the trades today. This episode delves into the power of mentorship, the critical need for skilled technicians, and how WyoTech is bridging the gap between education and industry.

"Success isn't about luck. Success is about hard work, grit, determination, and not giving up." – Cindy Barlow

In This Episode:

- The inside story of WyoTech's revival and its impact on the trades.

- How WyoTech empowers students with career services, industry connections, and essential tools.

- Cindy's personal journey and her passion for connecting students with opportunities.

- The importance of industry partnerships and how companies can support trade schools.

- Addressing the technician shortage and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople.

- The untold value of upholsterers and the need for fair compensation.

- WyoTech's Hall of Fame and celebrating alumni success.

- A surprise visit to support Mikey Brown at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

And more!

Connect with Cindy Barlow and WyoTech:

- Website: https://wyotech.edu/ 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-barlow-784310166 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ 

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/ 

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 only fueled his determination to return stronger than ever.

Fresh off winning the Houston Regional Event, Mikey joins NC Shop Talk to discuss his experience from last year's heartbreaking finals loss and how it's fueled his 2024 "Run at Redemption" in pursuit of Hot Wheels immortalization.

“Legends never die. My bloodline ain't looked at as much around here, and I want it to be

looked at as royalty when I'm gone." – Mikey Brown

In This Episode:

● Mikey's deep connection with WyoTech, from student to sponsored builder.

● The genesis of the "Paper to Pavement" movement and Mikey's Acre of Earth.

● An inside look at the emotional rollercoaster of the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour finals in Indianapolis.

● How Mikey transforms trash into automotive art with limited resources and boundless

creativity.

● The inspiring story behind the RV, Mikey's "Redemption Vehicle."

● Mikey's vision for the future and his desire to give back to the upholstery community.

● Mal and Mikey hatch a plan to celebrate when (not if) he brings home the hardware

Connect with Mikey Brown:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@PaperToPavement

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mikeybrown1957

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet:

Website -

https://www.n-ccarpet.com/

Facebook -

https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/

Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/

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 challenge of making custom panels look factory that really revved his engine.

Fast forward through failed shop attempts, debilitating injuries, and throwing away his own trophies - Rick's relentless drive has made him a force in the industry. He may shun the spotlight, but his work speaks volumes.

Today, Rick opens up about his triumphs and tribulations and why awards don't fuel his fire anymore. Discover how this humble master marries old-school work ethic with new-school tech, one 3D-printed dash at a time.

"I'm not the best there is, but I want to make my clients super happy. Every car I do, I do it as if it were my own." - Rick Esterly

In This Episode:

- Recap of recent events and partnerships

- Growing up a rebel in North Idaho

- From car audio to upholstery

- Challenges and success

- Winning NC's auto interior of the year contest

- Marriage struggles & refocusing priorities

- Winning the auto interior of the year contest

- Rapid fire hot seat Q&A

- Technology in the workshop

- Balancing tradition and modernity in design

- Encouragement for fellow trimmers

Connect with Rick Esterly:

Website: https://stitchwurx.com 

Connect with Mal and NC Carpet: 

- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/

- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding/