There’s a lot happening inside WyoTech’s Auto Trim & Upholstery Program right now.
The school recently selected trimmer Dominic Olson to become an instructor, and at the same time, WyoTech’s sewing room is getting a major upgrade — powered by new machines from NC Carpet Binding & Equipment.
Both developments are part of a growing effort to strengthen the program and better prepare students for careers in the auto upholstery industry.
A WyoTech Alum Returns
Olson is an experienced trimmer, the owner of Big O Fabrications and, as of 2025, an auto upholstery instructor at WyoTech. Interestingly, he’s also an alumnus of the school, having graduated in 2014.
Before he was selected for the role, Olson had already begun reaching out to industry contacts to show his commitment to the craft. One of those people was Mal Maher, CEO of NC Carpet Binding & Equipment. Maher had been asked to weigh in on potential candidates for the position and says Olson stood out immediately.
“Dominic already had ideas and a clear plan for the program, which made recommending him an easy decision,” Maher said. “He stood out to me and obviously the WyoTech team, who were in lockstep.”
Nearly a year into the role, Olson has already proven to be an important asset to the program.
“Since joining the program, Olson has brought renewed energy to the Trim & Upholstery department,” said Shawn Nunley, WyoTech’s Vice President of Training. “He consistently goes above and beyond for students, staying late to help with projects and working side-by-side with them to demonstrate techniques. His hands-on approach shows students that he continually practices what he teaches, which builds both credibility and trust. … More importantly, Dominic is helping instill a mindset of pride in their work, craftsmanship, and a willingness to keep learning.”
One sign of that growth: Olson has been expanding what students are learning beyond basic sewing skills. Students are now hearing directly from industry professionals about things like brand building, organization and how to create a strong business foundation. He also plans to add leather skiving to the curriculum.
“My goal is to give students a strong foundation not only in technical skills, but also in problem-solving, craftsmanship, and pride in their work,” Olson told The Hog Ring. “Upholstery is a trade that rewards attention to detail and creativity, and I want students to leave the program confident in their abilities and ready to step into the industry.”
A Partnership With NC Carpet Binding & Equipment
The relationship between WyoTech and NC Carpet Binding & Equipment actually started before Olson returned as an auto upholstery instructor.
In 2024, WyoTech reached out to NC to see if it could help support the upholstery program through a machine sponsorship and by speaking with students. Maher was connected with Cindy Barlow, WyoTech’s Director of Industry Relations, and together they began developing ways to support the program.
Their conversations focused on helping students prepare for life after graduation. Ideas included Zoom calls with students, Maher flying in to give presentations, discounted machine starter packages with extended warranties, and access to industry vendors willing to offer students discounts.
Barlow was particularly focused on helping students transition into the workforce. The school even began building a database of upholstery shops across the country looking to hire WyoTech graduates.
“Mal has been so amazing to work with,” Barlow said, adding that she was honored to be featured on an episode of his podcast “NC Shop Talk!” He is always looking for ways to help trim shop owners find young, promising crafts people to work with, she said.
WyoTech is Now Powered by NC
Earlier this year, the partnership moved from planning to action.
In January, Maher joined a Zoom call with WyoTech’s incoming class, where he spoke with students about building a business, staying organized, and creating a strong foundation for their future.
Maher says he enjoyed the conversation and focused on topics that would matter most to them regardless of their concentration. The plan now is to continue those conversations with every incoming class moving forward.
Soon after, Olson informed Maher that WyoTech’s sewing room would be powered by NC Sewing Machines.
In February, NC Carpet Binding & Equipment delivered 10 sewing machines to WyoTech’s upholstery classroom. Another five machines are scheduled to be delivered this month.
NC also donated a skiving machine free of charge so students can learn how to use one as part of their training.
“Colin Walters, WyoTech’s Program Coordinator, advised me that there’s no skiver in the building so we decided to ship them a unit,” Maher said. “We’re beyond honored to have been selected as the WyoTech sewing machine & sewing supply vendor so giving back when we can is a no-brainer.”
WyoTech is also grateful for their partnership with NC Carpet Binding & Equipment.
“Over the past four years, Mal has become a valued presence on our campus, consistently demonstrating his commitment to our students and programs,” Nunley said. “His generosity, highlighted by the donation and shipment of a new industrial sewing machine and skiver, has enhanced our upholstery training, while his creation of a discounted entry-level package has provided our graduates with a meaningful pathway into the workforce. Additionally, by featuring WyoTech on the NC Carpet podcast, Mal has helped elevate awareness of our students and connect them with industry opportunities nationwide. Mal’s passion for the industry and his genuine investment in our students make him an exceptional partner. We are proud to work alongside him and deeply appreciate his continued support.”
Looking Ahead
For Maher, the growing partnership with WyoTech has been about more than just equipment.
“We’re truly grateful for their confidence and are so excited to have WyoTech students sewing on NC machines for decades to come,” he said. “It’s been an incredible partnership and none of it could have happened without Cindy Barlow, Shawn Nunley, Dominic Olson and Colin Walters.”
And all their effort is paying off. Olson says “the incoming upholstery class is significantly larger than the previous one.” He attributes that growth to renewed interest in the trades, increased awareness of opportunities within the automotive field, and the excellent education students receive from instructors Martin Healy and himself.
“Overall, it’s an exciting time for the program. We’re seeing strong student interest, increased industry involvement, and continued investment in tools and equipment,” Olson said. “All of that points toward a very positive future for both the students and the trade as a whole.”
There’s even a small surprise in the works. According to an anonymous WyoTech alum, a student will receive a new NC sewing machine sometime later this year as a gift.
As for Maher, he’s just excited to be a part of the change: “I truly enjoy the relationships and coming through for WyoTech however we are able.”
Recent Comments