NC Shop Talk

• Mobile Toys Inc - Winning, Thriving & Hiring

  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/

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• TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING...Where the elite come out & play

  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/\

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• 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/

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• 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/

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• 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/

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