NC Shop Talk Mal Maher

What does it take to be a winner? Living and winning in a competitive environment is challenging, especially when you see many talented people around you. You also need to have some unique skills to get ahead of others. 

But today's guest has a simple philosophy that makes him a true winner in life. Of course, he and his team are very good at what they do and never give up easily. 

NC Shop Talk welcomes Tony Miller of Stitches Custom Auto Upholstery, who was chosen as the winner of this year's NC Interior of the Year Awards.

Discover what makes “Old Guy” Tony deserving of the accolade. He is a humble guy who does not brag about his skills or accomplishments, but he definitely has something valuable to share with everyone listening. 

“If you want to win, keep trying until you win.” – Tony Miller
In This Episode:
- An exciting product launch for NC Carpet Binding & Equipment
- Here's a funny story about Mal's first encounter with Tony
- A brief background about Tony and how he got into the custom auto industry
- Why Tony joined the NC Auto Interior Contest again after failing to win the grand prize in 2021
- How did Tony know it was time to hire people?
- What is the biggest challenge with managing a team instead of doing things yourself?
- Mal puts Tony on the Rapid Fire Hot Seat 
- What does Tony's team member, Erick, think about him?
And more!
Connect with Tony Miller:
- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/stitchescustomautoupholstery/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tony_stitches/
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/

Whether you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a regular guy, building and maintaining a strong network can significantly impact your business and life. Connecting with people and forming lasting relationships makes you a better individual. Networking is also highly effective in helping grow your business. Today, Mal is chatting with someone he connected with who later became his good friend. 
NC Shop Talk welcomes Eddy Cebreco of AMD (Auto Metal Direct), a one-stop source for high-quality body panels. The AMD team is a team of true car guys with extensive experience in the collector car and restoration trade. Eddy is the guy who takes AMD everywhere. You can see him at almost every trade show in different places. 

Join Mal and Eddie as they talk about Eddy's role in growing AMD, his charity organization, and how networking plays a role in everything they do. 

“Networking is a big thing. That's the key to everything.” – Eddy Cebreco
In This Episode:
- Exciting updates and events to watch out for
- What does AMD do, and what is Eddie's role in the company?
- How Mal and Eddie connected
- The evolution of AMD and vision for the future
- Events and places where you can catch AMD
- Mal shares an exciting idea for AMD to come up with new products
- AMD and Gas Monkey Garage collaboration
- What is the Eddy Bear Foundation all about?
- Eddy and his buddy, Vanilla Ice 
- How Eddy celebrates Valentine's Day
And more!
Names & Events Mentioned:
- Mobile Solutions - https://www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/
- Mastertech Expo - https://www.mastertechexpo.com/
- Gas Monkey Garage - https://www.gasmonkeygarage.com/
- Medina's Interior Design - https://www.instagram.com/medinasinteriordesigns/
- Cato's Custom Upholstery - https://www.instagram.com/catoscustomupholstery/
- Sign up for the Bitchin Stitchin Custom Upholstery Class - https://www.bitchinstitchinofficial.com/
- Courtney Hansen - https://web.facebook.com/OfficialCourtneyHansen
- Donate a Teddy Bear to the Eddy Bear Foundation - https://eddybear.org/
Connect with Eddy Cebreco & AMD:
- Website - https://www.autometaldirect.com/
- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/autometaldirect
Connect with Mal and NC Carpet: 
- Website - https://www.n-ccarpet.com/
- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/nccarpetmachines/
- Instagram -

Is talent inherited, or is it something you can learn? You can say it's a little bit of both. And today's guest is here to show how your environment and desire to learn significantly impact how you find your place in the world.


NC Shop Talk welcomes Rob Ida, an absolute icon in the custom vehicle industry. With over 40 years of experience, Rob has transformed dozens of high-end vehicles into award-winning showstoppers. You can say that the fondness for vintage cars runs in Rob’s genes, and he is destined for automotive greatness from the very beginning.

His passion for impeccable design and craftsmanship started at age seven. Growing up in his father’s autobody shop, Rob developed a love of cars and the ability to bring them back to life. His father, Bob, was a Hot Rodder and Racer since his teens, as he built a 409 Powered 34 Ford, Willys Gasser, and Hemi Healy. Together, they collaborated and built cars for decades.

Join Mal and Rob as they discuss what it's like to come from a family of skilled craftsmen and be able to create masterpieces throughout your life. 
“When you try to make every part the star of the show, you have a circus act when you've done that. There are too many stars in the show. You don't want that.” – Rob Ida
In This Episode:
- Exciting news and events to look out for
- Who is Rob Ida, and how did he end up in the automotive industry?
- How Rob developed his skill and unique design style 
- Rob's thought process when doing car restorations
- Customizing cars for Ford
- The best of the best in the custom car industry
- Mal puts Rob on the Rapid Fire Hotseat
And more!
Names & Events Mentioned:
- Courtney Hansen (Ride of Your Life)  - https://www.instagram.com/courtney_hansen/
- The International Surface Event - https://web.facebook.com/TISEofficial/
- The NC Auto Interior of the Year Winner: Stitches Custom Upholstery by Tony Miller - https://web.facebook.com/stitchescustomautoupholstery/
- Mikey Seats - https://www.instagram.com/mikeyseats/
- Bruce Devlin - https://www.instagram.com/bruce_devlin/
- Oil & Whiskey Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/oilandwhiskeypodcast/
- Hagerty - https://www.instagram.com/hagerty/
- Rik Hoving - https://web.facebook.com/Rik.Hoving.Kustoms
Connect with Rob Ida:
- Website - https://robidaconcepts.com/
- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064330943958
- Instagram

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? What are you most proud of? When people get asked this question, some have ready answers, while some think long and hard about the things that shaped their lives. It's because our lives are not marked by one significant moment that changed it all.


The best answer to “What is your greatest accomplishment?” is the first thing that comes to mind that makes you proud. Today's guest has had many accomplishments, and he plans on doing more significant things to help others. But for now, let's hear him share some things that make him proud.

NC Shop Talk welcomes Rico "Slick" Montgomery. Slick currently runs Stitched By Slick Custom Upholstery with the help of his family and associates. His wife, Takeila, also known as "The Rimlady," has been involved with creating the company's first website and maintaining an active social media presence.

Join Mal and Slick as they talk about their most significant life accomplishments, passions, dreams, and ambitions. Tune in and be inspired!
“When I go to the shows, I look for just the way other builders fit and finish, ideas, just networking.” – Rico "Slick" Montgomery
In This Episode:
- How Slick got his nickname 
- Slick's background and how he got into the industry
- Slick proudly talks about his beautiful family
- What Slick envisions for his YouTube channel
- What's in Slick's fridge and his go-to drink and snacks
- How Slick got the chance to work with Snoop Dogg
- Slick's favorite build
- A vision to launch his threadline
- Learning and networking with other upholsterers in different events
- Slicks go-to local vendors
- A collaboration with IMPACT Interior Products 
- Slick plays the Rapid Fire Hotseat
And more!
Connect with Slick:
- Website - https://stitchbyslick.com/
- Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/stitched.slick/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stitchedbyslick
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@StitchedbySlickupholstery
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@stitchedbyslick
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

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/