# From The Shack to Award Winning Alan Guevara Vara Upholstery Ep71

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast-7190944/from-the-shack-to-award-winning-alan-guevara-vara-upholstery-ep71
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast-7190944/from-the-shack-to-award-winning-alan-guevara-vara-upholstery-ep71.md
Podcast: [DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast-7190944)
Published: 2026-06-28T00:36:39+00:00
Episode link: https://redcircle.com/shows/ca6c52db-edf9-430a-bee7-67ab4d95d0ae/episodes/ec816781-c4fe-4e12-9d6d-11df1584118d
Audio file: https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/ec816781-c4fe-4e12-9d6d-11df1584118d/stream.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast-7190944/episodes/from-the-shack-to-award-winning-alan-guevara-vara-upholstery-ep71
Duration seconds: 4900

## Resource

What does it take to build an award-winning upholstery business from the ground up? In this episode of DubLife Diaries , Joe sits down with Alan of Vara Upholstery to talk about the journey behind one of the most respected names in custom Volkswagen and marine interiors. Alan shares how buying a boat with damaged upholstery sparked an unexpected career, leading him to apprentice for free, open a tiny shop known as "The Shack," and eventually earn recognition as Best Upholstery Shop in Tampa Bay . Along the way, he opens up about failed businesses, taking risks, learning from costly mistakes, and why creativity has always driven everything he builds. The conversation also dives into: · How Alan discovered the Volkswagen community · The story behind some of his favorite custom builds · Winning multiple classes at Bug Jam · Building the Salty Dub community and the vision for its future · Lessons every entrepreneur can learn about taking chances and keeping your word · Why success today means more than just making money Whether you're into Volkswagens, custom fabrication, entrepreneurship, or simply love hearing the stories behind passionate builders, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙 Guest: Alan Guevara– Vara Upholstery www.VaraUpholstrey.com 🛒 Support our sponsors: Use code DUBLIFE10 for discounts on Salty Dub merchandise, including the popular vent window clips. www.Saltydub.com Same discount code applies to Volksmania Magazine www.VolksMania.com If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another VW enthusiast. Every download helps us continue sharing the stories that make the Volkswagen community so special. #DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #AirCooled #VaraUpholstery #CustomInteriors #ClassicVW #BugJam #SaltyD…

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