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Fred Mattson

Let’s Find Apprentices at the SEMA Show

October 9, 2018 By Fred Mattson

The Hog Ring - Let's Find Apprentices at the SEMA Show

One of the most challenging aspects of our business is finding qualified workers — a problem that's largely due to the lack of available education in our craft. However, the 2018 SEMA Show provides us with an opportunity to start changing that. … [Read more...] about Let’s Find Apprentices at the SEMA Show

Making the Most of SEMA 2013

November 11, 2013 By Fred Mattson

SEMA 2013

In a word – WOW! I must have walked at least 30 miles in the four days that I attended the SEMA expo. If you’ve never attended the expo before, let me take you through the process of how to get the most out of it. … [Read more...] about Making the Most of SEMA 2013

Estimating 101: What You Need to Know

October 27, 2013 By Fred Mattson

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Estimates 101

Giving fair price estimates is one of the most important skills that an independent auto trimmer needs in order to succeed. While over charging isn’t good for customers, under charging isn’t good for shops. In effect, estimates can either make or break an auto upholstery business. … [Read more...] about Estimating 101: What You Need to Know

Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

October 15, 2013 By Fred Mattson

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Vinyl Top Bubble

Customers come to me all the time inquiring about a repair to a project that some other shop worked on. Ultimately, the work that was done on these cars is just not acceptable or professional. They are unhappy with the poor installation of seat covers, wrinkles in tops or just looking for an answer on how to make their car look better after it was ruined by an unqualified … [Read more...] about Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

All Screwed Up: Why Hardware Matters

October 3, 2013 By Fred Mattson

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Fred Mattson

Just about every interior job that comes into my shop has been worked on before. This is no surprise since most of the cars I work on are at least 40 years old. However, what bothers me is other shops’ poor attempt to reassemble the projects. … [Read more...] about All Screwed Up: Why Hardware Matters

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Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Bentley Mulsanne Steering Wheel

Wrapping a Bentley Steering Wheel

Believe it or not, wrapping the Mulsanne’s … [more] about Wrapping a Bentley Steering Wheel

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - SideEffect Ltd - 1971 Pontiac Firebird

1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

In need of some inspiration? Check out this … [more] about 1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

5 Ways to Handle Difficult Customers

  We’ve all experienced difficult … [more] about 5 Ways to Handle Difficult Customers

The Hog Ring - Meet Stephen Kurzman of The Custom Stitching Co

Meet Stephen Kurzman of The Custom Stitching Co.

Formal training at one of the country’s few … [more] about Meet Stephen Kurzman of The Custom Stitching Co.

Photo: Alligator-Grain Vinyl Top

No this isn’t a wild aftermarket upgrade. In … [more] about Photo: Alligator-Grain Vinyl Top

Auto Upholstery - Sid Chavers

10 Questions for Trimmer Sid Chavers

Our quest to bring you exclusive interviews … [more] about 10 Questions for Trimmer Sid Chavers

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