NC Shop Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

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NC Shop Talk

Mal Maher

Leisure

Education

Leisure

Frequency: 1 episode/30d. Total Eps: 53

NC Shop Talk is a no limits interview show that shares never before heard tips, secrets, and hilarious conversations with today's biggest names in the auto, aircraft, & carpet industries. Join Mal Maher, owner of NC Carpet Binding, as he interviews today's most talented craftsmen. You'll pick up some new vendors, how to grow your business, and he'll be asking some wild questions that you've never heard answered before. Connect with Mal and NC Carpet: Website: https://www.n-ccarpet.com/ Instagram: nc_carpet_binding

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇺🇸 USA - automotive
04/09/2025
#92
🇨🇦 Canada - automotive
08/03/2025
#89
🇨🇦 Canada - automotive
07/03/2025
#65
🇨🇦 Canada - automotive
06/03/2025
#46

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://www.n-ccarpet.com/
82 shares
https://www.thehogring.com/
6 shares
https://www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/
6 shares

https://www.instagram.com/nc_carpet_binding
75 shares
https://www.instagram.com/thehogring
5 shares
https://www.instagram.com/catoscustomupholstery
5 shares

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

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Top 1% Builder Is Simple & Complicated With Stitchwurx Auto Upholstery's Rick Esterly

Episode 44

Saturday, September 7, 2024 • Duration 01:01:15

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/

Read moreCollapse

We Signed a Deal with Peter Pesansky: The Teen Taking College Football by Storm

Episode 43

Saturday, June 1, 2024 • Duration 36:25

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.

Goolsby Customs & Their Rise

Episode 34

Saturday, June 24, 2023 • Duration 01:12:19

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?

Hot Rod Interiors By Chuck

Episode 33

Saturday, April 29, 2023 • Duration 59:12

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?

Inspiration On Wheels

Episode 32

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 • Duration 49:23

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

Grow Your Business & Pad Your Bottom Line

Episode 31

Thursday, February 16, 2023 • Duration 46:15

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/

NC Auto Interior of the Year 2022

Episode 30

Friday, February 10, 2023 • Duration 22:03

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

Episode #29: VELOCITY RESTORATIONS - USA Made Builds

Episode 29

Monday, January 30, 2023 • Duration 50:36

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!

Cato Takes Over NC Shop Talk

Episode 28

Friday, December 23, 2022 • Duration 01:36:39

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

Junior's Amazing Story + Golf Cart King

Episode 27

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 • Duration 44:13

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/

NC Shop Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

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NC Shop Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other53

Instagram45

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other53

Instagram45

Apple Podcasts

Facebook44

Spotify