In the competitive world of airsoft, few have managed to make as big an impact as Ivan Sutton Smith, the 21-year-old founder of LA Airsoft. His journey from a high school student working out of his parents’ attic to the CEO of a multi-million-dollar enterprise is nothing short of extraordinary. Sutton’s story is one of grit, innovation, and an unwavering passion for airsoft technology, inspiring young entrepreneurs to believe that age is no barrier to success.
From a Passion to a Business: The Genesis of LA Airsoft
Like many success stories, LA Airsoft had humble beginnings. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, but for Sutton, it also presented a unique opportunity. With the lockdowns in full effect, he suddenly had more free time away from school and extracurricular activities, allowing him to dive deep into his hobby of airsoft teching.
“I had always been interested in upgrading airsoft guns, but the pandemic gave me the time to focus on it fully,” Sutton recalls. “I started by building custom configurations and creating detailed upgrade guides, which I shared through a website and Instagram.”
His attention to detail and passion for the mechanics of airsoft guns quickly gained him a following. He began offering custom builds and selling upgrade parts, filling a market gap exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions.
Scaling from Attic to E-commerce: The Turning Point
By late 2020, Sutton realized that selling upgrade parts was far more profitable than custom builds. In response to the increasing demand, he expanded his website into a full-fledged e-commerce platform. This move marked a significant shift in his business strategy, transforming his operation from a local hobby into a global enterprise.
However, running a business as a high school student came with its own set of challenges. Sutton remembers managing customer inquiries during his chemistry classes and working late into the night to pack orders. “It was all about balance, and I was determined to grow the business despite the sacrifices.”
Innovation: The Birth of LA Capa Customs
By mid-2021, Sutton’s business was booming. But with demand for high-end airsoft parts continuing to skyrocket, he faced yet another challenge: manufacturers in Asia couldn’t keep up with the supply.
Rather than waiting for the market to adjust, Sutton took matters into his own hands. He partnered with a CAD engineer to reverse engineer existing products, creating improved versions and manufacturing them under his own brand, LA Capa Customs. This bold decision not only solved his supply issues but positioned LA Capa Customs as a leading name in high-end airsoft pistol parts.
Growing Pains: Balancing College and a Multi-Million Dollar Business
While his business was thriving, Sutton had another responsibility on his plate: college. In 2022, he moved operations to a larger facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, hired key staff, and prepared for his freshman year at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas.
Remarkably, Sutton managed to balance his academic life, Greek life, and business, all while growing his company to $1.7 million in revenue by the end of his freshman year. His success lies in his ability to delegate effectively and manage his time wisely, an essential skill for any entrepreneur.
Expanding Horizons: The Birth of LA Innovations and LA Airsoft
Ivan Sutton Smith
2023 was another pivotal year for Sutton. With the growing demand for products, he continued expanding LA Capa Customs, introducing over 300 different airsoft pistol parts and manufacturing more than 40,000 units annually. Additionally, Sutton filed for two utility patents, solidifying his company’s innovative standing in the industry.
As his business grew, Sutton recognized the need for a larger space to accommodate new products and services. In early 2024, he moved LA Airsoft to a 3,700+ sq ft facility in Fort Worth, which included a retail store, office spaces, a tech room, and enhanced fulfillment capabilities. Alongside this expansion, he rebranded, launching LA Innovations for non-pistol airsoft parts, while LA Capa Customs continued specializing in high-end pistol parts.
Disrupting the Airsoft Industry: CO2 Innovations
One of Sutton’s most ambitious ventures was introducing large-scale CO2 cartridges as an alternative gas source for airsoft guns. Inspired by his travels to Asia, where CO2 was commonly used, Sutton collaborated with a top HPA (high-pressure air) manufacturer to scale CO2 usage in the U.S. market.
By sourcing 25,000 CO2 cartridges, Sutton created a new market for airsoft enthusiasts, revolutionizing how airsoft is played. His commitment to innovation is one of the driving forces behind LA Airsoft’s ongoing success.
Giving Back to the Airsoft Community
Throughout his rise, Sutton has remained committed to giving back to the airsoft community. “We’ve always been passionate about supporting the community that helped us grow,” Sutton says. Whether through sponsoring teams, organizing giveaways, or partnering with competitive airsoft leagues, Sutton’s dedication to his customers and fans is at the core of his company’s ethos.
In addition, Sutton places immense value on empowering his employees. “I’m grateful for my team, both the in-office staff and remote employees, who manage customer service and order fulfillment. Their dedication allows me to focus on growth, and it’s a team effort.”
Building an Industry Leader: The Core of LA Airsoft’s Success
At the heart of LA Airsoft’s success lies a set of core values that have guided the company from its early days in Sutton’s attic to its current multi-million-dollar status:
- Customer-Centric Focus: Same-day order fulfillment and rapid customer service have helped LA Airsoft build a reputation for reliability.
- Quality and Variety: The company offers a wide range of high-end upgrade parts, appealing to both enthusiasts and professional players.
- Competitive Pricing: Despite offering premium products, LA Airsoft keeps prices competitive by maintaining lean operations and using software to streamline processes.
These principles have helped LA Airsoft fulfill over 30,000 orders, earning it multiple awards, including being voted “Best Hi Capa Company” by the airsoft community in 2022 and 2023.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sutton’s story is a treasure trove of lessons for young entrepreneurs looking to follow in his footsteps. His journey underscores several key takeaways:
- Turn Challenges into Opportunities: The pandemic could have been a setback, but Sutton used the downtime to launch his business.
- Innovate Relentlessly: From manufacturing his own parts to scaling CO2 cartridges, Sutton’s willingness to innovate has been key to staying ahead of the competition.
- Invest in Yourself: “Reinvest in your business, even when it feels risky,” Sutton advises. His investments in manufacturing and expanding his product line paid off in spades.
Looking to the Future
Despite his remarkable success at such a young age, Sutton isn’t slowing down. His plans for the future include expanding LA Airsoft to multiple locations, enhancing the company’s online presence, and exploring new business ventures.
As he looks toward the future, Sutton is a prime example of how passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take calculated risks can lead to extraordinary success—even at the age of 21.
LinkedIn: Ivan “Sutton” Smith
Email: sutton@laairsoft.com
Instagram: LA Capa Customs
Instagram: LA Airsoft
YouTube: LA Airsoft