What does it take for a family business to stay relevant for generations in a constantly evolving industry? That's what you're going to learn from today's conversation.

This episode is the result of my sitting down with Phillip Costikyan and Greg Garian at The RugCast podcast. We discuss a story of legacy, innovation, and unexpected reach–from small workshop beginnings to serving some of the most recognized institutions in the world.

NC has built a reputation that extends far beyond the rug and carpet industry. Over the years, our products have been used by NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and multiple military branches, proving that even highly specialized industries rely on precision, consistency, and trust.

But this episode isn’t just about surprising clients. It’s about evolution. From textile machinery to modern rug binding systems, our company has continuously expanded through innovation, acquisitions, and a refusal to stand still.

The discussion also touches on major industry players, including long-standing rug and textile institutions like Costikyan, framing how interconnected and legacy-driven this space truly is. It’s a reminder that behind every “boring industry” is a network of innovation, relationships, and decades of trust.

If you’re interested in legacy businesses, industrial innovation, or how niche industries power global systems, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look.

"When companies are there for you when the chips are down, that's something to be said for that." – Mal Maher

In This Episode:

- The 80-year history of NC Carpet Binding & Equipment

- How innovation drives long-term survival

- NASA as an unexpected customer

- Military contracts & government work

- From textile machines to modern rug systems

- Why acquisitions shape growth strategy

- The changing landscape of trade shows

- Technology’s role in rug manufacturing

- Industry relationships & long-term trust

- What long years in business can teach you

- Costikyan's encounter with Martha Stewart

Connect with Costikyan:

- Website - https://www.costikyan.com/

- The RugCast Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0Gtq2QvP8pxRY8P8Vjv3lm

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/

A rug cleaning company in Arizona just cracked the code on social media without ever paying for ads. Miranda Gwilliam from Rug Worx joins me to explain how she and her husband turned their family business into an industry authority with 900,000 followers across platforms.

I started following their page because the content was impossible to ignore. Real production work. Real problem solving. Real people who actually show up on camera, even when they don't want to. What grabbed me was how they built something that resonates with both industry professionals and high-end homeowners, while keeping their kids as their absolute priority.

Miranda breaks down the exact strategies that moved the needle, why going viral on TikTok changed everything, and how they've stayed referral-only for 22 years while still dominating digitally. If your social media feels stale or you're chasing followers who never turn into customers, this conversation will shift how you think about it all.

"My love language is referrals." – Miranda Gwilliam

In This Episode:

- The #1 growth strategy for any business

- Hidden revenue streams like rug storage nobody talks about

- NC Rapid Fire Hot Seat with Miranda

- The TikTok turning point and going viral their very first weekend

- What most rug and flooring businesses get wrong on social

- Why perfection kills good content before it ever posts

- Why posting time matters less than you think

- How to attract higher-end clientele on social media

- Building long game referral networks with interior designers

- When to say no and how to fire a client the right way

- Upcoming events like Textile Pro Masters and the ARCS convention

- Miranda's private coaching services

Connect with Miranda and Rug Worx:

- Website: https://rugworx.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugworx/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rugworx

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/

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/