In a world where entrepreneurship is often synonymous with experience and age, Ivan Sutton Smith is breaking the mold. At just 21 years old, he has not only launched a business but built a multi-million-dollar enterprise—LA Airsoft—proving that passion and drive can outshine age. Sutton’s journey from a hobbyist modifying airsoft guns in his parents’ attic to managing a 3,700+ sq. ft. facility in Fort Worth, Texas, is a modern blueprint for young entrepreneurs.
How It All Began: The Pandemic Spark
In 2020, when COVID-19 upended the world, Sutton was a high school student. With the unexpected free time that came with school closures, he shifted focus to his airsoft hobby. What started as simple upgrades to airsoft guns quickly evolved into a business. “I started this business in my parent’s house, in the attic area,” Sutton reflects. “I created a website and Instagram to promote my tech work, building custom pistols and offering tutorials on upgrades.” His online content not only showcased his technical skills but helped the airsoft community understand the finer mechanics of the sport. His expertise in custom builds gained traction, and before long, Sutton was fielding requests for parts and upgrades. COVID-19 supply chain disruptions provided him with a unique business opportunity, filling the void left by limited parts supply.
The Shift to E-Commerce
As Sutton’s reputation grew, so did the demand for his services. By late 2020, he transitioned from offering custom builds to setting up an e-commerce store, which quickly outpaced his initial business model. The leap into online retail wasn’t without challenges, though. Balancing school, sports, and a growing business, Sutton frequently found himself working late into the night. Despite these hurdles, his passion for airsoft—and for growing his brand—remained unwavering.
A Manufacturer is Born
By mid-2021, facing an unrelenting demand for airsoft pistol parts, Sutton encountered supply issues that threatened to slow his progress. Rather than let these challenges deter him, he saw an opportunity to innovate. “I started manufacturing my own parts,” Sutton explains. Working with a CAD engineer, he began improving upon existing designs, offering better-quality upgrades to airsoft enthusiasts. This move turned LA Capa Customs, the manufacturing branch of his company, into a leader in the airsoft industry. His keen business acumen and decision to produce parts in-house allowed him to maintain control over inventory, quality, and supply—key factors that contributed to the company’s rapid growth.
The College Entrepreneur: A Balancing Act
Sutton’s entrepreneurial journey took another leap in 2022 when he relocated his business operations to a Shreveport complex, hired key employees, and moved to Fort Worth to attend Texas Christian University (TCU). Despite the demands of running a business while pursuing a college degree, Sutton managed to grow his venture, finishing 2022 with over $1.7 million in revenue. “Managing my business remotely while handling a full college schedule was a challenge, but I was fortunate to build a team I could rely on,” he recalls.
2023: The Year of Innovation
Ivan Sutton Smith
In 2023, LA Capa Customs expanded its product line to include over 300 parts and more than 800 SKUs, producing upwards of 40,000 parts annually. Sutton’s innovation and problem-solving skills were put to the test again as he pursued two utility patents for new products, further solidifying LA Capa Customs’ status as a leader in the airsoft pistol market. The company closed the year with an impressive $2.3 million in revenue.
The Big Move to Fort Worth
In early 2024, Sutton expanded his operations by opening a 3,700+ sq. ft. facility in Fort Worth, Texas, which serves as both a retail space and a fulfillment center. The business was rebranded as LA Airsoft for retail and e-commerce, while LA Capa Customs remained the brand for pistol parts manufacturing. LA Innovations, a new sub-brand, was also launched to cater to non-pistol airsoft products. The Fort Worth expansion allowed LA Airsoft to offer a wider product range, including over 200 new airsoft essentials and base rifles, establishing itself as the go-to destination for airsoft enthusiasts.
Transforming the Airsoft Industry
Sutton’s drive to innovate extended beyond retail. In 2023, he spearheaded the introduction of large CO2 cartridges as an alternative gas source to high-pressure air (HPA) tanks, revolutionizing how airsoft is played. Partnering with the leading HPA manufacturer, Sutton helped scale this new air source across the U.S., sourcing 25,000 CO2 cartridges—an industry first at this scale.
Recognition and Future Plans
LA Airsoft’s growth has not gone unnoticed. The company was voted “Best Hi-Capa Company” in both 2022 and 2023 by the airsoft community. With over 30,000 orders fulfilled, LA Airsoft has firmly positioned itself as a top-tier retailer and manufacturer. Sutton’s vision for the future includes expanding to new locations, enhancing his social media presence, and exploring Amazon’s FBA platform to broaden his reach.
Commitment to Community and Core Values
Beyond his business success, Sutton remains deeply committed to giving back to the airsoft community. LA Airsoft sponsors teams, supports competitive airsoft organizations, and engages in regular giveaways, ensuring that the brand remains connected to its roots. “I try to give back to the people who helped make this my full-time job,” Sutton says. His core business values—employee empowerment, customer-centricity, product quality, and competitive pricing—are at the heart of LA Airsoft’s success.
Lessons from Sutton’s Journey
Sutton’s entrepreneurial story offers valuable lessons:
- Seize opportunities: Turn challenges, like COVID-19, into business ventures.
- Innovate and adapt: Solve problems by innovating, such as manufacturing your own parts.
- Balance growth and education: Sutton managed to scale a multi-million-dollar business while pursuing a degree.
- Calculated risks: Strategic investments in infrastructure and products led to exponential growth.
- Embrace technology: Sutton’s lean business model highlights the power of e-commerce.
The Path Forward
At just 21, Sutton Smith’s achievements already rival those of veteran entrepreneurs. But this is only the beginning for him. With aspirations to explore new ventures and expand LA Airsoft’s footprint, Sutton is poised for even greater success. His journey from attic hobbyist to CEO of a multi-million-dollar business is an inspiring tale of young entrepreneurship in the digital age. Sutton’s story illustrates the potential of innovation, risk-taking, and passion, showing that extraordinary success is achievable—no matter your age.
Connect with Ivan Sutton Smith:
- LinkedIn: Ivan “Sutton” Smith
- Email: sutton@laairsoft.com
- Instagram: LA Capa Customs | LA Airsoft
- YouTube: LA Airsoft
