NC Shop Talk – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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/

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 University of North Carolina. 

Peter's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his impressive athletic family background to his recent NIL deal with NC Carpetbinding, Peter exemplifies dedication, hard work, and a winning mindset.

Peter's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of family support. His parents, both collegiate athletes, have instilled in him and his siblings a drive to excel in both sports and academics. Peter's achievements on the football field and in the classroom are a reflection of this upbringing.

In this episode, we dive deep into Peter's journey, his family's influence, and his future at UNC. We also discuss the exciting new NIL deal that Peter has signed with NC Carpetbinding, marking a new chapter for both Peter and the company.

“It's all up to you. It's not up to the coaches. It's all up to what you do yourself. I think you control what happens to an extent.” – Peter Pesansky

In This Episode:

- Family Influence: How Peter's athletic family has shaped his journey.

- Coaching and Mentorship: Insights into how Peter and his siblings support each other.

- Peter's decision to focus on football and his rapid rise in the sport.

- How Peter maintains his agility and speed despite his size.

- The recruitment journey and the decision to commit to UNC.

- UNC Family Culture: Why Peter chose UNC and his experience with Coach Mack Brown.

- Sibling Success: Peter's pride in his brother Joe's achievements and their shared dreams.

- The significance of Peter's NIL deal and what it means for his future.

- Rapid Fire Hot Seat: Fun and quick questions to get to know Peter better.

- Teammate's Testimony: Hear what Peter's teammate, Drew Woodaz, has to say about him.

Connect with Peter Pesansky:

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

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 Jonathan
• What 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 Customs
• What 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 car
• Where 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 builds
• Why 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 industry
• How Chuck found Mal and why he stuck with NC Carpet Binding & Equipment
• Changes 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 level
• The work dynamics of working with a small team and what each person brings to the business
• Why 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 boat
• Chuck 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.56
• Instagram - 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/

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 internationally recognized motivational speaker and life coach, presenting to over 1.5 million people in 43 countries. His clients call him “The Commander in Change.” He has navigated life in a wheelchair for nearly 37 years after awakening to paralysis at the age of 15 from a sudden spinal stroke. 

Scott has amassed a resume of transformational experiences, powerful insights, and inspiring stories that cut to the core of the human spirit. And that's what you're going to hear in today's episode. Need some inspiration? There's plenty for you to hear. 

“Never allow what you see on the outside to dictate how you're going to treat someone on the inside.”

– Scott Chesney

In This Episode:

• A brief background about Scott Chesney and how he and Mal first met
• Scott shared what it was like to wake up with a numbness that would forever change his life 
• How to play basketball while strapped on a wheelchair
• The only positive thing we can do with our past
• Mal narrates some emotional experiences from his past that are forever etched in his memory
• How Scott deals with people who give him a peculiar look or react differently towards him
• Scott gives an inspirational message for kids and adults who may be having a difficult time accepting their disability 
• Let's have some fun with Scott as he takes on the Rapid Fire Hot Seat
• Scott talks about how he overcame one of the toughest challenges in his life–fatherhood
• What's the most important part of being a motivational speaker?

And more!

Connect with Scott Chesney: 

• Website - https://scottchesney.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chesney12/

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/

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!

https://www.mastertechexpo.com/

“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 bank
• How to win and stay in the top 1% in whatever you do 
• What you can expect from the MasterTech Expo 2023
• Discover how NC Carpet Binding & Equipment can help you improve your production and pad your bottom line with their state-of-the-art machines
• Stop 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 materials
• If you could build your dream car, what would it be? Our father-and-daughter duo dreams of building a Pantera
• Let's hear about their custom-built entry to the NC Auto Interior Young Guns Challenge
• What 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 team
• Cody discusses how their operations run where everything is made by hand
• What 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 Bronco
• Cody plays the Rapid Fire Hot Seat (time to hear interestingly fun stuff about him!)
• Why Velocity employ Roadster Shop chassis for their custom builds
• Cody 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 wife
• Mal is a Mama's Boy, and he's proud of it
• What'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 Year
• Here's your chance to win the NC Sticker Pack and The Hog Ring sticker
• Did you know that Phil Cato moved again? Here's the story
• What'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 ranch
• Was 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 machines
• What 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/