Entrepreneurial success often stems from passion, and Ivan Sutton Smith, a 21-year-old visionary, epitomizes how determination, innovation, and resilience can turn a hobby into a multi-million dollar empire. Founder of LA Airsoft and LA Capa Customs, Sutton’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From building his brand in his parents’ attic to establishing a 3,700+ sq ft facility in Fort Worth, Texas, his story is a powerful testament to young entrepreneurship in the digital era.
The Start of a Remarkable Journey
Like many businesses born during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sutton’s venture began as an ambitious hobby. As a high school student in 2020, freed from the routine of sports and clubs, he channeled his passion for airsoft teching into something far greater. “I started this business in my parent’s house in the attic, with a love for upgrading airsoft guns,” recalls Sutton. This passion soon turned into a business that reshaped the airsoft industry globally.
What began as simple Instagram posts and a website showcasing his work quickly transformed into something larger. Sutton provided enthusiasts with custom builds and upgrade tutorials, focusing on the detailed mechanics of airsoft guns. His content catered to a growing community of airsoft lovers, and soon, demand for his services skyrocketed.
From Custom Builds to E-Commerce Success
As Sutton’s clientele expanded, so did his ambitions. He launched an e-commerce store, transitioning from offering services to selling high-end upgrade parts. This shift not only accelerated his revenue stream but allowed him to tap into a broader, global market. “By late 2020, selling parts was far more lucrative than just custom builds,” Sutton explains.
This success didn’t come without its challenges. Juggling the responsibilities of school and entrepreneurship, Sutton often found himself working late into the night, responding to customer queries after sports practice and packing orders well past midnight. His work ethic, even as a teenager, became a driving force behind his early success.
Innovative Growth: From Reseller to Manufacturer
By mid-2021, demand for high-end airsoft pistol parts was outstripping supply, thanks to pandemic-induced shipping delays. Faced with supply chain issues, Sutton made a bold decision: he would start manufacturing his own parts. Collaborating with a CAD engineer, he reverse-engineered existing products, making essential improvements. This innovation birthed LA Capa Customs, his brand specializing in high-end airsoft parts.
“I saw an opportunity where others saw a roadblock,” Sutton reflects. His decision not only solved his immediate supply issues but positioned his brand as a leader in the industry. Today, LA Capa Customs manufactures over 300 different parts with an annual production of 40,000 pieces.
Expanding the Business and Balancing College
In 2022, Sutton moved his operations to Shreveport, Louisiana, before relocating to Fort Worth to attend Texas Christian University (TCU). Balancing schoolwork, business expansion, and personal life, Sutton achieved over $1.7 million in revenue during his freshman year alone.
By 2023, his company had grown significantly, boasting over 800 SKUs and two pending utility patents for product innovations. Sutton’s entrepreneurial drive and desire for innovation led to new product lines, including the introduction of large CO2 cartridges as an air source, revolutionizing how airsoft is played.
Moving Forward: LA Airsoft’s New Home in Fort Worth
In 2024, LA Airsoft expanded into a 3,700+ sq ft facility in Fort Worth. This move allowed the business to establish a retail storefront, media space, and an expanded fulfillment center. LA Airsoft became a one-stop shop for airsoft enthusiasts, offering over 200 new products, including 50 different base rifles.
This expansion also marked a strategic rebranding. The retail side of the business became LA Airsoft, while LA Capa Customs continued focusing on pistol part manufacturing. Additionally, LA Innovations was launched to produce non-pistol parts, further broadening the company’s reach.
Revolutionizing the Industry: Pioneering New Airsoft Technology
Ivan Sutton Smith
During his travels to Taiwan and Japan, Sutton was inspired to innovate further. He spearheaded the introduction of large CO2 cartridges in the U.S. market, working closely with the leading HPA manufacturer to scale this technology. “We sourced 25,000 CO2 cartridges,” says Sutton, a first at this scale for the airsoft industry. His commitment to constantly pushing the envelope continues to solidify his place as a leading force in airsoft innovation.
Awards, Recognition, and a Bright Future
LA Airsoft’s impact on the airsoft community hasn’t gone unnoticed. Voted “Best Hi Capa Company” in both 2022 and 2023, the company has fulfilled over 30,000 orders to date. Sutton’s influence stretches beyond product development; his brands have earned a reputation for customer service, quick order fulfillment, and quality product selection. His achievements have made LA Airsoft a household name for airsoft enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, Sutton has plans to expand both his retail presence and manufacturing capabilities. He’s also exploring new channels, such as Amazon’s FBA program, and aims to increase the company’s presence on social media. “I want to continue innovating and expanding,” Sutton reveals, looking to solidify LA Airsoft’s place as an industry leader.
Giving Back: Community Engagement and Business Values
Sutton’s success is not only marked by financial achievements but also by his commitment to giving back to the airsoft community. Through team sponsorships, giveaways, and supporting competitive airsoft organizations, Sutton ensures that LA Airsoft maintains a strong connection with its customers. “Giving back to the community that helped build this company is important to me,” he emphasizes.
LA Airsoft’s core values of employee empowerment, customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing are central to the company’s success. Sutton attributes much of his business growth to these principles, ensuring his team and customers are always well taken care of.
Lessons from Sutton’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Ivan Sutton Smith’s story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Seize Opportunities: Sutton turned the disruption caused by the pandemic into a business opportunity.
- Innovate to Solve Problems: Facing supply chain issues, he launched his own manufacturing brand.
- Balance Business and Education: Successfully managing both college and a multi-million-dollar business demonstrates his exceptional time management skills.
- Constantly Evolve: From custom builds to manufacturing, Sutton has adapted his business to meet market demands.
- Leverage Technology: Running a business with minimal staff highlights Sutton’s ability to optimize e-commerce operations efficiently.
- Overcome Age Barriers: Starting as a young entrepreneur, Sutton overcame skepticism and proved that age does not define success.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
At just 21, Ivan Sutton Smith has built a multi-million-dollar business while pursuing a college degree, all while navigating the challenges of a growing enterprise. But for Sutton, this is just the beginning. As he continues to expand his ventures and explore new opportunities, his journey serves as a beacon for young entrepreneurs. Sutton has redefined what’s possible at such a young age, and his success story is one that will continue to inspire.
For more insights and updates from Ivan Sutton Smith, connect with him here:
- LinkedIn: Ivan “Sutton” Smith
Email: sutton@laairsoft.com
Instagram: LA Capa Customs
Instagram: LA Airsoft
YouTube: LA Airsoft