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 Muaddi

In 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/

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 Carlson

In 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/

Ever meet someone and instantly know they're the real deal? That's how host Mal Maher felt about Cindy Barlow, Director of Industry Relations at WyoTech. Cindy's dedication goes far beyond her title, playing a pivotal role in WyoTech's remarkable comeback and unwavering commitment to student success.

From a mere 12 students to over 1,100, WyoTech's resurgence is a testament to its dedication to quality education and industry partnerships. Cindy joins Mal to discuss this incredible growth, the importance of supporting students post-graduation, and the unique challenges facing the trades today. This episode delves into the power of mentorship, the critical need for skilled technicians, and how WyoTech is bridging the gap between education and industry.

"Success isn't about luck. Success is about hard work, grit, determination, and not giving up." – Cindy Barlow

In This Episode:

- The inside story of WyoTech's revival and its impact on the trades.

- How WyoTech empowers students with career services, industry connections, and essential tools.

- Cindy's personal journey and her passion for connecting students with opportunities.

- The importance of industry partnerships and how companies can support trade schools.

- Addressing the technician shortage and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople.

- The untold value of upholsterers and the need for fair compensation.

- WyoTech's Hall of Fame and celebrating alumni success.

- A surprise visit to support Mikey Brown at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

And more!

Connect with Cindy Barlow and WyoTech:

- Website: https://wyotech.edu/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-barlow-784310166

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/