In the world of entrepreneurship, success can take many forms, but few stories are as compelling as that of Ivan Sutton Smith, the 21-year-old founder of LA Airsoft, a burgeoning multi-million dollar venture. From a modest start in his parents’ attic to a 3700+ sq ft facility in Fort Worth, Texas, Sutton’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of youth, vision, and relentless innovation in the digital age.
From Attic Hobbyist to Industry Leader: The Genesis of LA Airsoft
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created a new reality for millions around the globe. However, for Sutton Smith, a high school student at the time, it presented a unique opportunity. With school, sports, and extracurriculars suddenly canceled, Sutton turned his newfound free time into a business-building effort. His passion for airsoft, especially the technical aspects of modifying airsoft guns, became the foundation for a venture that would revolutionize the airsoft industry.
Starting in his parents’ attic, Sutton created a website and Instagram account to showcase his knowledge. “It began with detailed build lists and tutorials,” Sutton recalls. “I focused on helping people upgrade and modify their airsoft guns, sharing the intricate mechanics of it all.” Initially, the business revolved around providing custom builds and reselling upgrade parts. However, Sutton’s keen sense of market dynamics soon led him to recognize a massive opportunity—filling the supply gaps caused by the pandemic’s disruptions.
Scaling Up: From Custom Builds to a Thriving E-Commerce Business
By the end of 2020, LA Airsoft was no longer just a side project. As demand surged, Sutton seized the moment to scale up his operations. “Once I earned enough in late 2020, I turned the custom builds into a full e-commerce business,” Sutton explains. His shift towards selling parts online opened new avenues for revenue, and Sutton quickly realized that the e-commerce approach was not only lucrative but scalable.
But managing this growing enterprise came with challenges. Balancing schoolwork and the rising demand for LA Airsoft was no small feat. Sutton fondly recalls answering support emails during his AP Chemistry classes and working late into the night after finishing homework and sports practices. The long hours paid off—by early 2021, Sutton had firmly established his e-commerce presence, and LA Airsoft became a trusted name in the airsoft community.
From Challenge to Innovation: Manufacturing His Own Parts
By mid-2021, Sutton encountered a new challenge: the supply chain issues that had initially propelled his business were now becoming a limitation. With demand for high-end airsoft parts exceeding supply from Asian manufacturers, Sutton decided to take matters into his own hands. “Instead of waiting on external suppliers, I collaborated with a CAD engineer to start reverse-engineering and improving existing products,” he shares.
Thus, LA Capa Customs was born—a manufacturing brand focused on high-end pistol parts. Sutton’s decision to manufacture his own components not only solved his supply issues but also turned LA Capa Customs into a leading player in the global airsoft market.
Juggling Business and College Life
In 2022, LA Airsoft reached a turning point. Sutton moved operations from his attic to a commercial facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he hired employees to handle fulfillment and customer service. At the same time, Sutton enrolled at Texas Christian University (TCU) and moved the business to Fort Worth, Texas, to manage it remotely while attending college.
Remarkably, Sutton achieved $1.7 million in revenue in his freshman year, all while juggling a full class schedule, involvement in Greek life, and the complexities of running a growing business. “Time management was crucial, but I learned how to delegate effectively,” Sutton explains.
Expanding Manufacturing and Cementing Market Leadership
2023 marked a year of significant growth for LA Airsoft. Expanding beyond pistol parts, LA Capa Customs manufactured over 300 different airsoft components, producing 800 SKUs and selling more than 40,000 parts annually. Sutton’s ambitious vision led to two pending utility patents, cementing LA Capa Customs’ place at the forefront of the airsoft industry.
With these manufacturing capabilities in place, LA Airsoft achieved an astonishing $2.3 million in revenue by the end of 2023. The business had outgrown its initial setup, and Sutton was ready for the next stage of expansion.
LA Airsoft’s New Home: A Major Expansion in Fort Worth
In early 2024, LA Airsoft moved into a 3700+ sq ft facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The new space allowed for a retail storefront, expanded office spaces, and dedicated areas for technical work, media creation, and fulfillment. Sutton seized this opportunity to rebrand the different arms of his business—LA Airsoft became the retail and e-commerce side, LA Capa Customs continued as the manufacturing arm for pistol parts, and LA Innovations was introduced as the brand for non-pistol parts.
This expansion also allowed LA Airsoft to offer over 200 new products, including a variety of rifles and essential airsoft gear. Sutton’s vision was clear: “I wanted LA Airsoft to be a one-stop shop for enthusiasts, both online and in person.”
Revolutionizing Airsoft Technology: CO2 Cartridges as a Game Changer
One of Sutton’s most innovative projects involved revolutionizing airsoft gameplay itself. After trips to Taiwan and Japan, Sutton collaborated with a leading manufacturer to introduce large CO2 cartridges as a gas source for airsoft guns, an alternative to traditional HPA (high-pressure air) tanks. This breakthrough allowed LA Airsoft to source and distribute 25,000 CO2 cartridges, a first in the U.S. airsoft industry on such a scale.
Core Values and Community Engagement
Despite his rapid rise to success, Sutton has remained committed to supporting the airsoft community that fueled his growth. LA Airsoft frequently sponsors competitive teams, runs giveaways, and supports airsoft organizations. “Giving back is important,” Sutton emphasizes, underscoring the community-oriented ethos that defines his company.
At the heart of LA Airsoft’s success is a dedication to its core values:
- Employee Empowerment: Sutton stresses the importance of a dependable and diverse team, managing both in-office and remote staff.
- Customer Satisfaction: LA Airsoft boasts quick order fulfillment and exceptional customer service, often handling requests within the same day.
- Quality Assurance: The company offers only top-tier brands while maintaining options for enthusiasts.
- Competitive Pricing: Through optimized operations, Sutton ensures that LA Airsoft provides high-quality products at affordable prices.
Key Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sutton’s journey is full of lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Embrace Opportunities: He turned the pandemic into a business opportunity.
- Innovate: When faced with challenges, such as supply shortages, Sutton didn’t hesitate to manufacture his own products.
- Effective Delegation: As his business grew, Sutton learned to delegate critical tasks to his trusted team.
- Take Risks: Sutton’s decisions, from entering manufacturing to expanding retail, have been bold but calculated moves that paid off.
- Harness Technology: By utilizing optimized e-commerce platforms, Sutton was able to operate efficiently with minimal staff.
The Road Ahead: Expanding Horizons
At 21, Ivan Sutton Smith is just getting started. As he continues to explore new business ventures, including expansion into Amazon FBA, his entrepreneurial drive shows no sign of slowing. With his focus on innovation and calculated risks, Sutton’s success story is set to inspire young entrepreneurs across the globe.
As LA Airsoft continues to grow and evolve, Sutton remains a leading figure in both the airsoft and young entrepreneurship communities, proving that with passion, persistence, and innovation, the sky’s the limit—even at 21.
Connect with Ivan Sutton Smith:
- LinkedIn: Ivan “Sutton” Smith
- Email: sutton@laairsoft.com
- Instagram: LA Capa Customs
- Instagram: LA Airsoft
- YouTube: LA Airsoft
