NC Shop Talk

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...

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 e...

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...

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 r...

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 au...

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...

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 m...

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 t...

When you're a small business owner, you do most of the work yourself. But as your business grows, you find yourself getting overwhelmed. Should you bring in another person? When is the right time to get help? There are many factors to consider, and it's a tough decision. 

In this episode, Mal chats with Corbin Boland of Florida Bay Customs regarding growing pains and tough decisions. Corbin shares what it's like doing most of the work in his shop and the struggles he had to contend with before deciding to hire h...

It's halfway through 2023, and you're probably in your busiest season. What plans do you have for the rest of the year? What are you doing that will make a big difference in your business? If you're focused, there are many things you can get into place to end the year strong. 

In this episode, Mal shares his exciting plans for the coming months, including the return to SEMA with fantastic giveaways, Bless A Soldier Project, a new sponsorship, and many more. Plus, you get to hear a debate on whether or n...