Custom Jacks – Andy Lynam & Scottie Stephens
- Custom Jacks – Andy Lynam & Scottie Stephens Ben Buehler-Garcia 39:50
Custom Jacks was founded by Veterans Andy Lynam and Scottie Stephens. Andy served in the US Coast Guard for four years and Scottie served five years with the US Marine Corps. Custom Jacks produces stunning works of art that feature the American Flag and can be customized with a logo or other image. What makes their works unique is they are cut to present a three dimensional product that makes the flag appear to be fluttering in the breeze. The company name was derived from the Union Jacks that fly on the bow of our ships.
Scottie was doing wood working part time and the idea for the Custom Jacks 3-D design literally came to him in a dream one night. Like so many Veteran entrepreneur origin stories, Scottie began crafting them in his garage. Andy lived nearby and when Scottie showed him one of the jacks, Andy immediately asked if he could buy it. Not long thereafter they decided to turn Scottie’s labor of love hobby into a business.
Scottie describes their products a dual patriotic symbol. “The left side of the jack, the American Flag, should be your first passion. The right side of the jack represents your second passion.” Every one of their jacks is custom finished by hand and includes a certificate of authenticity. They have filed patents for some of their processes.
Like many start-ups, the self-funded their start up. The company was founded in January of 2019 and they had a rough period during COVID, when they had to shut production down for five months.
Over 50% of their employees are Veterans or have family members in the military. Andy says this leads to a “mission first” focus and different work ethic.
They have produced Custom Jacks from sports teams, corporations and even a radio host or two. Their products are also featured in all the Buc-ees restaurants across America. They also work with various non-profits to provide Custom Jacks for fundraisers.
TAKEAWAY: “Incorporate all your workers in the process, treat them like family.”
