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/

What does it take to come back from defeat and strive for redemption? Mikey Brown, a true embodiment of resilience, shares his inspiring journey on a second attempt to win the prestigious Hot Wheels Legends Tour.

Last year, Mikey came incredibly close to victory, capturing the attention of Jay Leno and inspiring countless others with his innovative "paper to pavement" builds. But falling short only fueled his determination to return stronger than ever.

Fresh off winning the Houston Regional Event, Mikey joins NC Shop Talk to discuss his experience from last year's heartbreaking finals loss and how it's fueled his 2024 "Run at Redemption" in pursuit of Hot Wheels immortalization.

“Legends never die. My bloodline ain't looked at as much around here, and I want it to be

looked at as royalty when I'm gone." – Mikey Brown

In This Episode:

● Mikey's deep connection with WyoTech, from student to sponsored builder.

● The genesis of the "Paper to Pavement" movement and Mikey's Acre of Earth.

● An inside look at the emotional rollercoaster of the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour finals in Indianapolis.

● How Mikey transforms trash into automotive art with limited resources and boundless

creativity.

● The inspiring story behind the RV, Mikey's "Redemption Vehicle."

● Mikey's vision for the future and his desire to give back to the upholstery community.

● Mal and Mikey hatch a plan to celebrate when (not if) he brings home the hardware

Connect with Mikey Brown:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@PaperToPavement

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mikeybrown1957

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/