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 Pate

In 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 future

Connect 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/

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 Case

In 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 live

Connect 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/\

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 Noel

In 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/