NC Shop Talk Mal Maher

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 always be on top. NC Shop Talk welcomes Bryan Schmitt to the show!

Bryan is the founder and CEO of Mobile Solutions, an innovation-driven company creating tools and delivering training that enables custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior professionals to fabricate and install with a level of efficiency and precision not often achieved in the aftermarket automotive business. 

Bryan has extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket. He has designed and constructed award-winning car audio systems bringing him worldwide recognition in the industry as one of the leaders in design and fabrication. His 29 years of experience in management, product development, technical training, and fabrication of world-class demo vehicles set a new precedence in the industry. 

Today Bryan leads a fantastic team of full-time professionals in their Tempe, AZ-based training center and fabrication facility for production, order fulfillment, client services, and continuing innovation to serve the Mobile Solutions audience.


Time is Running Out! Register for the MasterTech Expo Now!
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“We need to go sharpen our ax before we go chop down more trees, and, you know, that's what furthering your education is.”
– Bryan Schmitt (19:24 Polished Audio)

In This Episode:
How do Mobile Solutions and MasterTech Expo help companies diversify their revenue streams?Tapping into the power of online marketing and other avenues to build your brand and grow your business without breaking the bankHow to win and stay in the top 1% in whatever you do What you can expect from the MasterTech Expo 2023Discover how NC Carpet Binding & Equipment can help you improve your production and pad your bottom line with their state-of-the-art machinesStop missing out on growing your business; Invest in your mental tools 

And more!

Connect with Bryan Schmitt: 
Website - https://www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mobilesolutionsfabrication/

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/

Welcome to 2023! Starting the New Year with something fresh, this episode is entirely different from what NC Shop Talk had ever done. Today, Mal will interview one of the NC Interior of the Year Competition finalists! So don't miss out on this exciting episode. 
You've heard Mal talk about the “Young Guns Challenge,” which intends to highlight new talent by focusing on trimmers with five years or less of experience building complete interiors. This contest aims to encourage the next generation of trimmers to keep pushing the industry forward.
The Hog Ring suggested that Mal interview all the contest finalists and then name a winner LIVE on Instagram. So today, we'll hear from the first of 3 finalists–a father and daughter team, Steve and LiAnn Budy of Budy Built-CA, whose shop is located in Southern California. Their contest entry displays superior craftsmanship, even better than the work done by some of the veterans in the industry. So it's not surprising that they caught the attention of the judges. 

How would you feel if you were picked as one of the Top 3 finalists in a reputable industry competition? Be among the first to hear about it as you listen to today's extra special episode of NC Shop Talk! 

This year’s finalists were selected by the following panel of elite shops, industry insiders, and previous years' winners:
Stitchcraft Interiors
Cato’s Custom Upholstery
Sewn Tight Interiors
Interiors by Shannon
Bux Customs
Customs by Vos
The Hog Ring 
DJ Designs - 2018 Winner
Stitchwurx - 2019 Winner
Brent Parker Motor Trimming - 2020 Winner
RMD Garage - 2021 Winner


“It's a lot of trial and error. I feel like everything we're doing is just brand new. We make mistakes, and I think that's okay.”
– LiAnn Budy

In This Episode:
How did Budy Built-CA become so proficient quickly, surpassing the quality of output from some veterans in the industry?To produce quality work, you need the best materials. Discover Steve and LiAnn's go-to vendors for top quality raw materialsIf you could build your dream car, what would it be? Our father-and-daughter duo dreams of building a PanteraLet's hear about their custom-built entry to the NC Auto Interior Young Guns ChallengeWhat is it like being picked as one of the finalists of the prestigious NC Auto Interior Young Guns Challenge?

And more!

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/

Fancy a Classic Ford Bronco or a vintage Camaro? Then this is the place to go; Velocity Restorations stretches out the limits of creativity in giving you the best vintage vehicle, fully restored and customized just the way you want it. The Velocity team breathes new life into vintage trucks of all kinds. Let's learn more about the shop and its award-winning restoration process. 
NC Shop Talk welcomes Cody Dabney, Director of Custom Vehicle Operations at Velocity Restorations LLC, a high-end, classic car restoration center in Pensacola, Florida. The shop specializes in modernizing 1966-1977 Classic Ford Broncos, International Scouts, and a wide range of vintage vehicles. Velocity Restoration has become internationally known for its superior restorations which have collected top awards at the industry’s most significant events.


“If you're going to somebody that has the same passion that you do in the industry, you're going to get a great product. So it makes sense to work with those types of people in the industry. We don't want anything subpar.”
– Cody Dabney

In This Episode:
How Cody went from being a truck painter to managing shop operations Why continuous learning is a philosophy embodied by Cody and the Velocity teamCody discusses how their operations run where everything is made by handWhat separates Velocity from everyone else in the industry?Cody proudly shares the quality of work they do and takes Mal on a test drive aboard a Ford BroncoCody plays the Rapid Fire Hot Seat (time to hear interestingly fun stuff about him!)Why Velocity employ Roadster Shop chassis for their custom buildsCody talks about their experience joining the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders The continuous quest for excellence is part of Cody's long-term plan for Velocity, so we can definitely expect more great things from this shop

And more!


Connect with Cody and Velocity Restorations: 
Website - https://www.velocityrestorations.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/VelocityRestorations/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/velocityrestorations/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9JqYc3r3Ab7-QAOYmjHSug

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/

Since Mal launched this podcast, he has interviewed the best of the best in the field of custom auto upholstery. But in today's episode, Mal flips the mic and allows his good friend Phil Cato to take over the podcast. So if you're interested in knowing more about Mal Maher, his family life, his passion, mission, vision for the future, and many more, this is your chance because Phil is interviewing Mal this time. Phil is a proud USAF Veteran and a well-known Custom Hotrod Interiors Expert based in Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Mal is also encouraging everyone to participate in a worthy cause. In honor of the 75th Anniversary of Mal's family business, he wants to bless a returning Serviceman/ Servicewoman with a business and help them get a fresh start. You can help by sending your nominations to malmaher@nccarpet.com

Enjoy the episode!

“Relentless is a good thing to be. It'll drive you nuts, but it's good to be relentless.” (1:08:36, Polished audio)
– Mal Maher
 
In This Episode:
What is Mal's morning routine?What are some of the things people don't know about Mal?What is Mal proud of that he is really good at?What inspires and motivates Mal to continue doing what he does?The sweet love story of Mal and his wifeMal is a Mama's Boy, and he's proud of itWhat's the story behind NC Carpet Binding and its very first owner?What sets NC Carpet apart from other shops like it?How was Mal chosen to take over the reins of his grandfather's company?How to be a part of Mal's mission to help a returning soldier have a fresh start What's the deal between Mal and Richard Rawlings?Why should you get your hand on CNC Machines if you're a  custom upholstery business owner?Why Mal has grown to hate NC Interior of the YearHere's your chance to win the NC Sticker Pack and The Hog Ring stickerDid you know that Phil Cato moved again? Here's the storyWhat's so special about the Bitchin Stitchin Class, and what does Cato get out of it?
 
And more!
 
Connect with Phil Cato: 
Website - https://www.philcato.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/phillip.cato.5/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catoscustomupholstery/
 
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/

America is known as the land of opportunities. So no wonder many people want to take the chance to craft a good life in this land. Today's guest is someone who knows what it's like to live The Great American Dream. NC Shop Talk welcomes Antonio Junior Marquez, best known as Junior of Juniors Custom Upholstery and Golf Cart King in Texas. Junior shares his inspiring story and walks us through his path to success. Junior is one of the hardest-working people in the custom upholstery industry. He is also an uber-talented craftsman, a dedicated father, and an American Patriot who has elevated his game and now runs the production division of a multi-million company. Let's hear more about him in this episode of NC Shop Talk. 
“For those experienced trimmers, if one of these young guys reaches out asking questions wanting to pick your brain a little bit as far as how you do things, take the time to answer. I know everybody's busy, but it goes a long way.”
– Antonio Junior Marquez.
 
In This Episode:
Junior talks about his most cherished possessions What was Junior like growing up, and how did he get his first taste of sewing?What inspires Junior to push forward and keep getting better at his craft?Junior proudly shares his plans for his newly acquired ranchWas there a BIG dream in Junior's heart as a kid, and did he achieve it? What is his big goal now?The fantastic story of how Junior became a prime mover of the Golf Cart King Why Junior has so much confidence in the ABM CNC Machine, and why he recommends it over other machinesWhat revolutionary things can we expect from Golf Cart King?Junior gets thrown into the Rapid Fire Hot Seat and plays the Burning House 
 
And more!
 
Connect with Antonio Junior Marquez
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jrsupholstery/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ENDIABLADO5.0
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/

How do you combine traditional and innovative? These two words describe today's guest, legendary hot rod interior guru Sid Chavers. Sid has been in the Custom Upholstery business since February 1976 and has his roots in the traditional school of first-generation interior customizers. However, unlike some people who reach a certain level and are content to stay there, Sid has used this foundation to achieve a higher level, raising the standards of design excellence and craftsmanship. The Sid Chavers Company was founded on these same principles: innovation combined with tradition, a desire to honor the classic while bringing new refinements and style to these same traditional designs. Discover more about this fascinating guy in today's episode of NC Shop Talk. 
“Many times, we try a specific way to do something and it doesn't work. Go on the trash can, start again.”
Sid Chavers
 
In This Episode:
Here's a quick background on Sid ChaversHow did Sid's parents influence his work ethic?After years of being on top, is there anything else that drives Sid to aspire for more?What are some of Sid's favorite cars? If he's on the road, would he choose a car or a bike?How does Sid feel about the overwhelming response to his instructional videos?How has Sid's trimming process evolved over time? Is there anyone else in the industry that Sid relies on?What advice does Sid have for guys who don't enjoy working on convertible tops?Mal puts Sid on the Rapid Fire Hot SeatDoes Sid still make mistakes? How does he fix them?Where does Sid get his raw materials?Sid's advice for young trimmers who aspire to be relevant in the industry
And more!
 
Connect with Sid Chavers:
Website - https://sidchaverscompany.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/SidChaversCompany/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidchavers/
 
 
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/