NC Shop Talk Mal Maher

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 simply spectacular! It takes superb craftsmanship to build a life-size Hot Wheels. And today's guest has exactly what it takes to make one. 

Mikey Brown is an inspired builder of Nostalgic Drag Cars and other weird gems based out of Deputy, IN. His unique style pairs with unbelievable talent to bring his ideas from Paper to Pavement. 
Mikey’s imagination was first sparked in childhood from collecting Hot Wheels. He was even customizing model cars! Before he could drive, he took up building Lowrider bicycles and took home several trophies. 

Follow Mikey's story in today's conversation with Mal at NC Shop Talk!


“Whatever you guys see as trash, it can be turned into something cool.”
– Mikey Brown

In This Episode:
How Mal and Mikey metMikey shares his thought process when creating something out of nothingThe story of a tiny stove that Mikey bought online for his wifeA brief background on Mikey’s childhood and his passion for superior craftsmanshipThe idea behind Paper to Pavement The three paths Mikey was willing to take and how they led him to where he is nowWhat challenges did Mikey as he pursued his calling?What the Pickle Jar signifies for MikeyMikey proudly talks about his wife and kidsHot Wheels wants creativity, authenticity, and garage spirit, and Mikey has them!How to support Mikey's projects
And more!

Support Mikey's Projects:
Become a Sponsor - https://www.papertopavement.com/Send Materials - PO Box 57, Deputy, IN 47230

Connect with Mikey Brown:
Website - https://www.papertopavement.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/mikey.brown.338211Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikeybrown1957/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7xpJmsuls-060TGeyTHFmg

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 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, Tavis completed his first professional work with Pure Vision owner Steve Strope. They worked together on several custom cars and began a friendship that introduced Tavis to the automotive industry. 
Soon after, he designed valve covers for Mopar, built a HEMI-powered Willys Wagon, and worked with Hot Rod magazine. The snowball was rolling, and it just kept getting bigger.
Tavis started HCR (Highlander Concept Rendering) because he has always loved drawing, designing, and making things. After years of hard work, he now gets to do all that stuff for a living, which is a dream come true for this awesome guy. 

Join Mal and Tavis as they discuss how the design process works and what it feels like to turn design inspiration into reality.


“I don't have real numbers or anything, an award or something like that. Just going forward, it's finetuning all the balance, you know. Push forward, expand, but continue to finetune everything to the point where it's manageable.”
– Tavis Highlander

In This Episode:
What services does HCR do?Where did Tavis get his inclination for art?A brief background on Tavis and how he got into the automotive design industryHow does it feel to be entrusted with making someone's dream a reality?Tavis shares his design processOther than Tavis, who else is good at executing concepts into reality?How does Tavis adapt to the style of other builders and interior shops?Talented interior builders to watch out forWhen does color come into play?What is needed to begin rendering designs?Tavis talks about his go-to tools of the trade and his favorite podcastsFun facts about Tavis and his familyWhat other goals does Tavis have?
 And more!

Connect with Tavis Highlander: 
Website - https://www.tavishighlander.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/highlanderconceptsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/tavishighlander/

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/

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 shares what it's like doing most of the work in his shop and the struggles he had to contend with before deciding to hire help. Lucky for him, his wife stepped in and took over some of the tasks that ate up most of Corbin's time. Since then, Corbin has had time to focus on the things that need his attention. 

Corbin got started in the auto industry right out of high school. He went to school to be an auto technician and worked in a few shops for some time. After gaining experience and honing his skills, Corbin launched his own business. He bought an industrial non-walking foot Singer, found a warehouse close to his house, and started a shop. That's when he learned how to sew and when he truly started upholstery. When the business started growing, Corbin had to contend with growing pains and make tough decisions. 

If you're in the same situation and having a hard time letting go of some tasks or finding people who can help you, today's conversation offers valuable insights. 
“Time is my currency. When it comes to doing these interiors, money doesn't really matter. Time is the true currency because all these jobs, they take time.”
– Corbin Boland
In This Episode:
Why put yourself out there, especially on social media?Roles & responsibilities at Floriday Boy Customs Corbin describes how his typical day looked like and what it felt to be maxed out How to know when it's time to get help Pros & cons of getting help in the shop and the type of workers you should hireWhat writing down your goals and giving yourself a pat on the back can do for youFun time with Corbin as he plays the Rapid Fire Hot SeatWhy Corbin still does some custom work by hand instead of getting someone else to do it
 And more!

Resources: 
Goolsby Customs & Their Rise - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goolsby-customs-their-rise/id1567911841?i=1000618188762New NC Distributorship Announced - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-nc-distributorship-announced/id1567911841?i=1000620053492


Connect with Corbin Boland and Florida Boy Customs: 
Website - https://flaboycustoms.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/floridaboycustomsllcInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/florida_boy_customs/TikTok - a href="http://tiktok.com/@the_florida_boy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

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 giveaways, Bless A Soldier Project, a new sponsorship, and many more. Plus, you get to hear a debate on whether or not you should hire a helper. 
Joining Mal today in support of his plans is a 3-time guest, Industry Royalty Nadeem Muaddi, co-founder of The Hog Ring, an online community for auto upholstery professionals. If you're into custom upholstery and want to grow personally and professionally, being a member of The Hog Ring community can do wonders for you. 

Don't be left behind. Tune in to know what NC Carpet and The Hog Ring has in store for you. 


“If you are going to hire someone and you can only afford to hire one person, hire someone who can do social media and marketing.”
– Nadeem Muaddi

In This Episode:
Mal's plans and giveaways for SEMA 2023Watch out for the new carpet shears from Italy - Are they better than Kai scissors?What's on the horizon for The Hog Ring?Debate: To hire or not to hire a helper when growing your businessAre you a military veteran wanting to enter the custom auto industry? Mal is looking for you! Find out how you or someone you know can qualify for this projectWatch out for some more exciting ideas from MalHere's a bit of business advice from Nadeem that will make a huge impact on your business growthMal and Nadeem talk about podcast guest selection - Are you willing to get on the show?
And more!

Resources: 
Premax Scissors - https://www.premax.it/it/premax-consorzio-dei-produttori-di-forbici-di-premana.php


Connect with Nadeem Muaddi and The Hog Ring: 
Website - https://www.thehogring.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/TheHogRing/Instagram - https://www.instagram.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/

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, genuine friendships were born, and many custom cars were built for a growing customer base. At about the same time, Goolsby Customs was able to foster collaboration between many high-profile builds and supporting industry sponsors, resulting in numerous magazine features and covers and several SEMA show builds. 

In late 2004, the allure of owning a business and the vision to elevate the quality of custom car craftsmanship inspired Jonathan and Vonda Goolsby to take the leap and open Goolsby Customs. For the past fifteen years, they have worked with their talented family of employees to build a solid customer base that is growing every day, along with a level of excellence that is hard to find in this industry. Today you'll hear the story directly from the guy who knows it best. NC Shop Talk welcomes the man behind Goolsby Customs - Jonathan Goolsby!


“If something's gonna happen to it, it can always be fixed.”
– Jonathan Goolsby

In This Episode:
How Mal met JonathanWhat was Jonathan's childhood like, and how did he start working with cars?What led Jonathan to jump into the business of car dealerships?What drives Jonathan to push forward, and what does he look forward to every day?What do the day-to-day operations look like for Goolsby Customs? Jonathan gets on the Rapid Fire Hot Seat (discover some fun stuff about Jonathan)Details about The Goodguys “Next Generation” Award by Goolsby CustomsWhat was the tipping point behind Jonathan's move to scale their operations and grow the business?Jonathan shares his design process and how he collaborates with other artisans to get the desired look for a carWhere does Jonathan value the interior part of the build compared to the rest of the car?Who manages Goolsby's social media presence?Behind the scenes of some of Jonathan's most incredible buildsWhy competition is good for you (ditching the participation trophy mentality)
 
And more!

Connect with Jonathan Goolsby: 
Website - https://goolsbycustoms.com/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/GoolsbyCustomsInc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goolsbycustoms/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-goolsby-01316444/

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/

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 awesome people
NC Shop Talk welcomes power couple Chuck Hanna and Lisa Keatley of Hot Rod Interiors to the show! Chuck has been doing business with NC Carpet long before Mals time. His ability to adapt and take risks is what separates him from the rest. Accredited with countless awards, Chuck's best achievement by far is winning the SEMA 2022 TMI Automotive Products TRIM Awards for Best Custom Car Interior for a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. This is a guy who knows what he's doing. 

If you want to know what it takes to excel in an industry that values innovation, excellent customer experience, and top of the line craftsmanship, this episode is for you. 


“Everything's going automation now. There's very few craftsman that do everything by hand anymore.”
– Chuck Hanna

In This Episode:
How Chuck got into the custom auto industryHow Chuck found Mal and why he stuck with NC Carpet Binding & EquipmentChanges made by Chuck when he sold his company and started over (embracing change instead of battling it)Chuck's advice for young companies who want to take their business to the next levelThe work dynamics of working with a small team and what each person brings to the businessWhy would you want to keep adding technology to your business when you can do everything by hand?How do you nurture relationships with builders and other industry professionals?What does Lisa bring to the business and how do they complement each other?A fun story with Chuck, Lisa, and a runaway boatChuck and Lisa talk about their personal projects and share some inspiring experiences throughout their careers
 
And more!

Connect with Chuck Hanna: 
Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/chuck.hanna.56Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hotrodinteriorsbychuck/

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/