I've been in the fiberglass business since I was 17 years old. Back in 1977, I started out making fender flares for custom trucks and vans — learning the craft, understanding materials, and building a foundation that would later evolve into something far more creative.
In my mid-twenties, I had a moment that changed everything. I took a taxidermy marlin and decided to turn it into something completely different — a "hot rod" marlin. I sanded it down to near perfection, then designed a custom paint job inspired by classic hot rods — vibrant, flowing flames layered over metallic and pearl finishes.
I hung it in one of my showrooms, and the reaction was immediate. Everyone who saw it had something positive to say. Then came the orders. That single idea turned into a full product line.
I expanded into sailfish, dolphin, tuna, sharks, tarpon, turtles, and more — each one customized with unique finishes, colors, and eventually… corporate branding. Before long, I had built a fully operational and highly profitable company.
The name came to me one day: Flying Fish Factory. From there, I built the brand — logo, brochures, business cards — and took it to market. Major names started coming in: Harley-Davidson, Miller Beer, Charles Schwab, Bentley, Indian Motorcycle, and many others. I've also completed large custom commissions for Hollywood studios like Sony and Paramount.
This is what happens when you create something no one else is doing. You don't compete on price… You set the price. And when you do it right, the margins follow — often reaching 700% or more.
Just another example of what creativity, timing, and execution can turn into a truly unique and profitable business.
