NC Shop Talk

What does it take to stay creative and hands-on at the very top of the custom build world? That's what I wanted to find out from Bryan Fuller, owner and operator of Fuller Moto.Bryan joined me from his vehicle for our first ride-along style interview, and the conversation never slowed down. We start with his custom boat build, a 1967 Correct Craft packed with teak that fools people into thinking it's a wooden boat. From there, Bryan takes us behind the scenes of his Amelia Island Concours experience, why he stopped chasing awards, and what working alongside Chip Foose taught him about craftsmanship.We also get into his latest SEMA project: a V16 built by linking two 620 horsepower engines together, with a 1938 Cadillac-inspired look and 100-year-old railroad casters on the build table. It's the kind of innovation you rarely get to hear about.Bryan also explains why upholstery is one of the hardest crafts in any build. That's close to home at NC, where our equipment serves carpet binding and a wide range of industrial sewing industries.If you work in or love the automotive world, this one's for you."I never specialized in anything other than doing something creative." – Bryan FullerIn This Episode:- The custom boat that fools wood boat fans- Amelia Island Concours & why Bryan quit competing- Building a Fleetwood in five days & the SEMA V16- Why upholstery is one of the hardest crafts- How Bryan interviews his clients- Builder heroes & the hood scoop story- Ten cars in nine months for Ride of Your Life- Underrated 50s customs- Why analog and hands-on skills are coming backConnect with Bryan Fuller:- Website - https://fullermoto.com/bryanfuller- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrRZfzexvv2tvJKFSTNCsg/videosConnect 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 for a family business to stay relevant for generations in a constantly evolving industry? That's what you're going to learn from today's conversation. This episode is the result of my sitting down with Phillip Costikyan and Greg Garian at The RugCast podcast. We discuss a story of legacy, innovation, and unexpected reach–from small workshop beginnings to serving some of the most recognized institutions in the world.NC has built a reputation that extends far beyond the rug and carpet industry. Over the years, our products have been used by NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and multiple military branches, proving that even highly specialized industries rely on precision, consistency, and trust.But this episode isn’t just about surprising clients. It’s about evolution. From textile machinery to modern rug binding systems, our company has continuously expanded through innovation, acquisitions, and a refusal to stand still. The discussion also touches on major industry players, including long-standing rug and textile institutions like Costikyan, framing how interconnected and legacy-driven this space truly is. It’s a reminder that behind every “boring industry” is a network of innovation, relationships, and decades of trust.If you’re interested in legacy businesses, industrial innovation, or how niche industries power global systems, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look."When companies are there for you when the chips are down, that's something to be said for that." – Mal MaherIn This Episode:- The 80-year history of NC Carpet Binding & Equipment- How innovation drives long-term survival- NASA as an unexpected customer- Military contracts & government work- From textile machines to modern rug systems- Why acquisitions shape growth strategy- The changing landscape of trade shows- Technology’s role in rug manufacturing- Industry relationships & long-term trust- What long years in business can teach you- Costikyan's encounter with Martha StewartConnect with Costikyan:- Website - https://www.costikyan.com/- The RugCast Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0Gtq2QvP8pxRY8P8Vjv3lmConnect 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/

A rug cleaning company in Arizona just cracked the code on social media without ever paying for ads. Miranda Gwilliam from Rug Worx joins me to explain how she and her husband turned their family business into an industry authority with 900,000 followers across platforms.I started following their page because the content was impossible to ignore. Real production work. Real problem solving. Real people who actually show up on camera, even when they don't want to. What grabbed me was how they built something that resonates with both industry professionals and high-end homeowners, while keeping their kids as their absolute priority.Miranda breaks down the exact strategies that moved the needle, why going viral on TikTok changed everything, and how they've stayed referral-only for 22 years while still dominating digitally. If your social media feels stale or you're chasing followers who never turn into customers, this conversation will shift how you think about it all."My love language is referrals." – Miranda GwilliamIn This Episode:- The #1 growth strategy for any business- Hidden revenue streams like rug storage nobody talks about- NC Rapid Fire Hot Seat with Miranda- The TikTok turning point and going viral their very first weekend- What most rug and flooring businesses get wrong on social- Why perfection kills good content before it ever posts- Why posting time matters less than you think- How to attract higher-end clientele on social media- Building long game referral networks with interior designers- When to say no and how to fire a client the right way- Upcoming events like Textile Pro Masters and the ARCS convention- Miranda's private coaching servicesConnect with Miranda and Rug Worx:- Website: https://rugworx.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugworx/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rugworx 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/

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 PateIn 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 futureConnect 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 CaseIn 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 liveConnect 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/\