NC Shop Talk

How Jason Noel Turned a Total Wipeout at 35 into a Multi-Million Dollar Custom Truck Factory

Most builders want growth. Jason built a machine. From starting over at 35 with nothing, to running one of the most systemized, innovative custom shops in the country. Fat Fender Garage is the blueprint for anyone trying to scale a real business in this industry.Jason doesn’t just build high-end trucks. He builds teams, systems, margins, and culture, all with ruthless clarity and hard work. In this episode, we get real about money, clients, time, branding, leadership, and how to avoid the traps that take most shops down."I am responsible for my future. No one’s going to hand me anything—I have to work for it." – Jason NoelIn This Episode:- The moment Jason lost everything at 35—and how it shaped the business leader he is today- Why data and numbers are the backbone of scaling a business without chaos- Jason’s take on building a strong brand and why your online presence is a job interview you’re not present for.- Why Jason tells more customers “No” than “Yes”—and how that protects the business- A look inside Fat Fender’s two assembly lines and station-based workflow that moves projects- The constant battle against "scope creep" and how it can destroy your efficiency and profits.- The financial mistake of hiring cheap labor and the massive returns from investing in six-figure employees.- Why his family and kids will always be a higher priority than the shop, no matter how successful it gets.Connect with Jason Noel:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatfendergarage - Website: www.fatfender.com - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatFenderGarage - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatfendergarageaz - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fatfenderaz 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/

US NAVY Seal Team 2 Member, Michael Getka on Mental Toughness, Team Mindset, and Life After Service

Mike Getka isn’t just a retired Navy SEAL. He’s a walking blueprint for discipline, leadership, and showing up with no excuses—every single time. From snowshoeing in brutal New York winters to leading brutal BUD/S log PT sessions, Mike’s path wasn’t polished, but it was built by relentless grind and laser-sharp focus.In this episode, Mike talks about growing up with Polish immigrant grit, the truth behind SEAL team brotherhood, and why the toughest training on earth isn’t just physical—it’s all in your head.No war stories, no Hollywood drama. Just raw, unfiltered insight from a guy who’s been through it, shaped others through it, and still carries the mindset today."Take pride in everything that you do... When you start something, you absolutely finish it. Never quit." - Mike GetkaIn This Episode:- Mike's unexpected journey from Seabee to Navy SEAL and how a magazine article changed his life's direction- The reality of BUD/S training, including Mike's battle with double pneumonia that forced him to restart the entire process- How the SEAL mindset transforms challenge into opportunity, and what civilian teams can learn from this approach- The brotherhood of SEALs - how it forms and why it's unlike any other bond- Mike's post-military work teaching teams to unlock their full potential through SEAL-inspired training- The evolution of the "quiet professional" and Mike's perspective on SEALs in the public eye-  What Hollywood movies always get wrong about SEALs’ training and missions- How mindfulness and meditation have helped Mike navigate health challenges after his intense military careerResources Mentioned:- Getka SEAL Mindset: https://getkasealmindset.com/- Navy SEAL Foundation: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/- Navy SEAL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavySEALfoundation - Navy SEAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/ - Navy SEAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/navySEALfnd - SEAL Future Foundation (SFF): https://sealfuturefoundation.org/- Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, FloridaConnect with Michael Getka:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getkasealmindset - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/getkasealmindset/ - Website: https://getkasealmindset.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/

Courtney Hansen on Racing, TV Stardom, and The Hustle Behind Ride of Your Life

Courtney Hansen is more than just a car enthusiast—she’s a force in the automotive world. From hosting shows like Overhaulin’ to writing The Garage Girl’s Guide, she’s done it all. But her biggest challenge yet? Creating, producing, funding, and starring in her own TV show, Ride of Your Life on MotorTrend.In this episode, Courtney gets real about what it takes to make it in a male-dominated industry, how her racing pedigree shaped her relentless work ethic, and why she refuses to let anyone stand in her way. And yeah, she’s got some stories—including the time she had to set someone straight on set."While you're standing in your own way, please get the heck out of mine. This Charger Hellcat Redeye is coming in fast and hot, and I am not slowing down." - Courtney HansenIn This Episode:- The real story behind Season 2 of "Ride of Your Life" and the challenges of producing independent automotive television- Courtney's childhood growing up with racing legend, his dad, Jerry Hansen and the life lessons that shaped her career- How her 10-year-old daughter Holland is becoming a soccer phenom with the same drive and determination as her mother- Working with automotive legends like Brian Fuller, Chip Foose, Richard Rawlings, and memories of the late Jessi Combs- Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, and what car she’d drive if she could take one last ride.- The emotional builds that have touched her heart, from a special Roadrunner for a young cancer survivor to a dream '70 Cuda finaleResources Mentioned:- MotorTrend TV: Where to watch "Ride of Your Life" Season 2- Garage Girl’s Guide by Courtney Hansen: https://a.co/d/6wJHo5i Connect with Courtney Hansen:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtney_hansen/ - Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCourtneyHansen/ - Website: https://www.courtneyhansen.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 Every Upholstery Shop Must Know in 2025 With The Hog Ring’s Nadeem Muaddi

If you’re tired of blurry shop photos and missed opportunities, Nadeem Muaddi—co-founder of The Hog Ring—is here to flip the script. From building a global trimmer community to mastering the art of storytelling, Nadeem shares how authenticity, lighting, and YouTube can transform your business.In this episode, Nadeem shares why The Hog Ring isn’t just a passion project—it’s a lifeline for trimmers worldwide. Learn how to turn shop photos into client magnets, why YouTube is the industry’s untapped goldmine, and how to avoid the #1 mistake killing your social media game. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into NC Carpet’s secret new machines dropping soon.“If you're not doing content creation for your shop...this year is the year to do it right.” – Nadeem MuaddiIn This Episode:- Why The Hog Ring is more than a blog—it’s a global trimmer family.- The $100 lighting hack for high-quality photography- YouTube’s dirty secret: How trimmers can earn $$$ by filming their daily grind.- The Hog Ring’s new sponsors alert: Big Z Fabric, OEM Plus Auto Tops, and Leathercraft—why these brands matter.- NC Carpet’s mystery machines: Two new machines coming to shops in 2025.- Trade show survival tips: Why Vegas isn’t just for partying (but bring earplugs for Mal’s rants).- MasterTech 2025: Nadeem’s hot take on the panel Mal’s MC-ing (and why you need to be there).- The “Doritos” giveaway: How to snag free Hog Ring swag and a shot at NC’s new gear.Resources Mentioned:- Godox M1 RGB Light: https://a.co/d/6x43Bjz - Corey Decker Photography: https://www.instagram.com/corwin_decker_photography/ - The Hog Ring – https://www.thehogring.com - MasterTech Expo – https://www.mastertechexpo.com Connect with Nadeem and The Hog Ring:- Website: https://www.thehogring.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehogring - Facebook: https://www.facebook.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/

Avant Garde’s Jeremy Carlson Talks Innovation, Craftsmanship, and the Future of Custom Interiors

If you’re looking to innovate and elevate your business, you need to meet Jeremy Carlson, the driving force behind Avant-Garde in Palm City, Florida. Jeremy’s commitment to perfection, passion for craftsmanship, and bold vision for the future of custom car interiors have made Avant Garde a unique name in the industry.In this episode, Jeremy opens up about how he started Avant-Garde, his journey from car audio to upholstery, and how his team creates some of the most innovative interiors in the business. From perfecting the art of high-end custom interiors to pushing the envelope with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and CNC stitching, Avant Garde is always ahead of the curve. But it's not just about tech — Jeremy shares how his Midwestern values of family, respect, and integrity drive every aspect of his business."You can turn off a budget, you can ignore a budget, but it’s tough to put your passion, your goals aside to try to make it less." – Jeremy CarlsonIn This Episode:- The story behind Avant Garde and does it really have a financial backing from a casino?- How passion and precision come together to create world-class custom car interiors.- The challenges and rewards of balancing work, family, and a growing business.- Why Avant Garde is redefining the standards for automotive craftsmanship.- Using technology like 3D scanning and CNC machines to bring designs to life.- The role of AI in transforming design processes and how it's shaping the future of customization.- Working with 21 Savage for his custom car - Exclusive insights into Avant Garde’s plans for the future, including retail parts and expansion.And, of course, Jeremy’s take on the electric car revolution — and how it fits into his vision.Resources Mentioned:- Roadster Shop - https://roadstershop.com/ - Joe Rogan - https://www.joerogan.com/ Connect with Jeremy Carlson and Avant Garde:- Website: https://www.avant-gardedesign.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avant.garde.design/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-carlson-0169a71a5/ 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/