In the world of entrepreneurship, age often correlates with experience, but for Ivan Sutton Smith, the 21-year-old founder of LA Airsoft, it’s simply a number. His journey from his parents’ attic to managing a 3700+ square-foot facility in Fort Worth, Texas, stands as a powerful example of young entrepreneurship in the digital era.
The Early Vision: From Hobby to Hustle
Sutton Smith’s entrepreneurial story began in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Where many saw limitations, Sutton saw an opportunity to turn his passion for airsoft teching into a thriving business. His free time, newly available due to school closures, was invested in upgrading airsoft guns and creating an online platform.
“I started my business in my parents’ attic,” Sutton recalls. “I used Instagram and my website to promote my tech work. I posted detailed build lists and tutorials on airsoft gun modifications, helping others improve their setups.”
This content quickly caught the attention of the airsoft community, and Sutton’s teching services and part reselling soon turned into a business opportunity.
The Turning Point: Scaling into E-commerce
As demand increased, Sutton transitioned from custom builds to e-commerce. By late 2020, he launched an online store, selling high-end upgrade parts globally. The shift to selling parts provided a more scalable revenue model, allowing Sutton to handle the growing demand.
Balancing school, sports, and business, Sutton spent long hours answering support emails during classes and packing orders late into the night. His dedication paid off, as he soon became a trusted name in the airsoft community.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
The rapid growth of LA Airsoft presented new challenges by mid-2021, particularly when supply chain disruptions caused part shortages. Undeterred, Sutton took matters into his own hands.
“I started manufacturing my own products,” he says. Working closely with a CAD engineer, Sutton reverse-engineered parts and improved upon existing designs. LA Capa Customs, the manufacturing arm of his business, quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality pistol parts.
Balancing Business with Education
In 2022, Sutton moved his business operations to a complex in Shreveport, Louisiana, while attending Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth. Despite being a full-time college student, Sutton grew his business exponentially, surpassing $1.7 million in revenue that year.
His commitment to education didn’t hinder his entrepreneurial growth. Sutton demonstrated extraordinary time management skills, juggling Greek life, a full class schedule, and overseeing a multi-million-dollar company.
Expansion and Innovation
2023 marked a year of significant expansion for LA Capa Customs. Sutton secured two utility patents, manufactured over 300 different parts, and produced 40,000 components annually. With an impressive $2.3 million in revenue, the business thrived under his leadership.
The major expansion came in 2024, when Sutton opened a 3700+ square-foot facility in Fort Worth, complete with retail space, tech rooms, media areas, and an improved fulfillment system. The company was rebranded: LA Airsoft for retail, LA Capa Customs for pistol parts, and LA Innovations for non-pistol products.
Transforming the Airsoft Industry
Sutton’s ambitions went beyond selling parts; he wanted to revolutionize airsoft. After visiting Taiwan and Japan in 2023, he introduced large CO2 cartridges as an alternative to HPA tanks, reshaping how airsoft was played in the U.S.
Collaborating with the leading HPA manufacturer, LA Airsoft sourced 25,000 CO2 cartridges—the first operation of its kind at such scale in the country.
Recognition and Legacy
By 2023, LA Airsoft was voted “Best Hi Capa Company” for two consecutive years, and the business fulfilled over 30,000 orders. Sutton’s brand is now synonymous with high-end airsoft products and innovation.
Looking forward, Sutton envisions expanding LA Airsoft’s retail locations, growing its manufacturing capacity, and even selling products via Amazon FBA. His vision remains centered on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Values at the Core: Community, Quality, and Empowerment
Despite rapid success, Sutton maintains a deep commitment to the airsoft community that supported him. From sponsoring teams to organizing giveaways, he continuously gives back.
Beyond community engagement, his business thrives on employee empowerment, a customer-centric approach, and competitive pricing strategies. “Being able to delegate responsibilities to trustworthy people has been key to my success,” Sutton explains. His streamlined operations, from order fulfillment to inventory management, enable LA Airsoft to maintain competitive prices while still offering high-quality products.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ivan Sutton Smith’s journey provides key insights for young entrepreneurs:
- Seize Opportunities: Sutton’s ability to identify opportunities during the pandemic catapulted his success.
- Innovate to Solve Problems: By becoming a manufacturer, Sutton solved supply issues while creating a competitive edge.
- Manage Growth: Sutton skillfully balanced his expanding business with the demands of a college education.
- Take Calculated Risks: His decision to manufacture in-house and open a retail facility were strategic risks that paid off.
- Leverage Technology: Operating a multi-million-dollar business with just a handful of employees showcases the power of automation and e-commerce.
The Road Ahead
At 21, Ivan Sutton Smith has already built a multi-million-dollar empire, but this is just the beginning. He has aspirations of launching new ventures, exploring investment opportunities, and expanding his business footprint. With his relentless drive and entrepreneurial spirit, there’s no doubt his journey will inspire others for years to come.
Connect with Ivan Sutton Smith
LinkedIn: Ivan “Sutton” Smith
Email: sutton@laairsoft.com
Instagram: LA Capa Customs
Instagram: LA Airsoft
YouTube: LA Airsoft
