Yu-Lan Haiso Martin, popularly known as Sue from Fast N’ Loud, is a beloved figure in the auto upholstery industry and reality TV. Fans searching for details about Sue’s age, net worth, married life, salary, and dating history will find comprehensive insights here. Born on January 5, 1953, Sue is currently 72 years old in 2025. With a net worth of $1.5 million, she has built a thriving career through ASM Auto Upholstery and her charismatic presence on the Discovery Channel’s hit show. This article dives into her biography, career milestones, personal life, and unique contributions, offering fresh perspectives and updated information.
Who Is Sue from Fast and Loud? A Quick Biography
Sue, born Yu-Lan Haiso Martin in Taiwan, is the spirited owner of ASM Auto Upholstery in Dallas, Texas. She gained fame as the “Upholstery Queen” on Fast N’ Loud, where her witty humor and exceptional craftsmanship captivated audiences. Sue’s journey began in Taiwan, where she learned the value of hard work from her farming family. In 1984, she immigrated to the United States with her husband, Heulin, and their children, chasing the American Dream. Her entry into upholstery started in 1990 when she reupholstered her husband’s 1968 Ford Gran Torino, sparking a lifelong passion.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Yu-Lan Haiso Martin |
Date of Birth | January 5, 1953 |
Age (2025) | 72 years old |
Birthplace | Taiwan |
Nationality | American (immigrated in 1984) |
Occupation | Auto Upholsterer, Reality TV Star, Entrepreneur |
Business | ASM Auto Upholstery, Dallas, Texas |
TV Show | Fast N’ Loud (2012–2017, 19 episodes) |
Known For | “Upholstery Queen,” witty humor, high-quality upholstery work |
Education | Self-taught in upholstery |
Years Active | 1990–present |
Social Media | ASM Auto Upholstery Facebook |
Sue’s Career: Building ASM Auto Upholstery and TV Stardom
From Garage to Glory: Sue’s Career Beginnings
Sue’s career in auto upholstery began with a bold move in 1990, when she purchased a nearly bankrupt upholstery shop in Dallas for $4,500. Starting with a modest 1,000-square-foot garage, she founded ASM Auto Upholstery. Her relentless work ethic—sometimes working 24-hour shifts for days—earned her a reputation for quality and reliability. By 1993, she expanded the shop to 8,800 square feet, cementing ASM as a top upholstery business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her ability to transform worn-out car interiors into showroom-quality masterpieces set her apart.
Rise to Fame on Fast N’ Loud
In 2012, Richard Rawlings, star of Fast N’ Loud, invited Sue to feature on the show, initially as a guest. Her sharp wit and banter with Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman made her a fan favorite, leading to a regular role across 19 episodes from 2012 to 2017. Sue’s work on iconic vehicles, like a Volkswagen Bus, showcased her skill in restoring complex interiors under tight deadlines. Despite leaving the show abruptly, her legacy endures, with fans still praising her contributions on platforms like The Hog Ring.
Current Ventures and Influence
As of 2025, Sue continues to run ASM Auto Upholstery, serving clients globally. Her shop employs a nine-person team, handling everything from classic cars to custom motorcycle seats. Sue’s commitment to quality has attracted a diverse clientele, including international car enthusiasts. She also engages with fans through social media, sharing updates on projects via ASM’s Facebook page. Her influence extends beyond upholstery, as she inspires women in male-dominated industries, drawing from her own experience as an immigrant and self-taught entrepreneur.
Sue’s Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
Net Worth Breakdown
Sue’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, built through decades of running ASM Auto Upholstery and her Fast N’ Loud appearances. Her business generates steady revenue from high-end upholstery projects, with clients paying premium rates for her expertise. While exact figures for her TV salary are unavailable, sources suggest cast members like Richard Rawlings earned $50,000–$75,000 per episode, indicating Sue likely commanded a competitive rate for her 19 episodes.
Additional Income Sources
Beyond upholstery and TV, Sue has diversified her income through merchandise sales and brand collaborations tied to her Fast N’ Loud fame. Her shop’s social media presence drives business, with posts showcasing custom work that attracts new clients. Unlike some reality stars, Sue’s wealth stems primarily from her craftsmanship, not media ventures, making her success a testament to her skill and hustle.
Sue’s Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Family
Married Life and Family
Sue has been married to Heulin since January 9, 1967, a remarkable 58-year marriage that began in Taiwan. The couple immigrated to the U.S. in 1984 with their children, including their son, Richard. Sue is also a proud grandmother to Amber, Emily, and Nathan. Her family has been a cornerstone of her journey, supporting her through the grueling early years of building ASM. While Sue keeps her personal life private, her long-lasting marriage is a point of admiration among fans.
Dating Rumors and Public Perception
There are no confirmed reports of Sue dating outside her marriage, and she has maintained a low profile regarding romantic rumors. Her focus remains on her business and family, with no public indications of separation or new relationships. Fans often speculate about her personal life due to her vibrant TV persona, but Sue prioritizes her professional legacy over tabloid attention.
Unique Insights: Sue’s Impact and Legacy
Empowering Women in Automotive Trades
Sue’s story is a powerful case study in breaking barriers. As a female immigrant in the male-dominated auto industry, she faced skepticism but proved her worth through skill and determination. Her success inspired women like Maria Torres, a Dallas-based upholsterer who credits Sue’s visibility on Fast N’ Loud for encouraging her to enter the trade. Sue’s mentorship of young trimmers at ASM further amplifies her impact, fostering the next generation of craftsmen.
Challenges and Triumphs
Sue’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Early in her career, she faced language barriers and financial struggles, often sleeping in her shop to meet deadlines. Her ability to turn “junk” interiors into art under pressure, as seen on Fast N’ Loud, reflects her resilience. A notable example is her work on a 1967 Dodge Dart, where she reupholstered seats in record time, earning praise from Richard Rawlings for her precision.
Community and Philanthropy
Sue’s passion extends to community involvement. She supports the ASPCA, reflecting her love for animals, and attends car shows to connect with enthusiasts. Her shop’s active role in Dallas’s automotive scene, including partnerships with local car clubs, underscores her commitment to giving back.
Why Sue’s Story Resonates in 2025
Sue’s blend of humor, skill, and grit makes her a standout figure. Her journey from a Taiwanese farm to a Dallas upholstery empire embodies the American Dream. Unlike many reality stars, Sue’s fame is rooted in authentic expertise, not manufactured drama. Her absence from Fast N’ Loud’s later seasons sparked curiosity, but her thriving business proves she didn’t need TV to succeed. Fans can follow her ongoing work on ASM’s social media or explore her TV legacy on Discovery’s website.
Conclusion: Sue’s Enduring Legacy
Yu-Lan Haiso Martin, or Sue, remains an icon in the automotive and reality TV worlds. At 72, her $1.5 million net worth, 58-year marriage, and thriving ASM Auto Upholstery showcase a life of hard work and passion. Her story inspires entrepreneurs, women, and car enthusiasts alike. For the latest updates, check out Wikipedia’s Fast N’ Loud page or follow Sue’s journey on ASM’s Facebook.