HENDERSON (KTNV) — A Henderson business founded on friendship and brotherhood is making a living, carving out patriotism. 13 Action News Anchor Todd Quinones had a chance to learn how this creative duo got their start.
It's a Nevada Built company truly building a name for themselves, even striking a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.
CARVING OUT PATRIOTISM
"And so this is that final process that gives it the depth with the waves?" asked Todd.
"Yep," said Scottie Stephens of with Custom Jacks, burning shadows into the stripes of a wooden American flag to give the illusion the flag is waving.
Scottie and his friend Andy Lynam are carving out pieces of patriotism, and also a pretty nice profit as well.
BROTHERHOOD
Two friends. Both veterans.
"It's like those are two huge elements that most people would just be envious to have," said Todd.
"Well, it's the military background, too. I mean, we have each other's backs. It's the premise of brotherhood. You talk to any military guy in the world, in our country, it's a brotherhood," said Lynam, Custom Jacks' other half.
WORKS OF ART
Andy and Scottie started their Henderson business in 2019 with one American flag carved out by a chainsaw.
"That's the original right there. This flag here, the Golden Knights flag," said Andy.
"This is number one?" asked Todd.
"Yeah, this is. Scottie built this and took a picture of it and sent it to me and said, 'Hey, what do you think?' And I said, 'I love it, I want one,'" said Andy.
The works of art often feature the American flag or Jack with any number of different themes that can be custom-made to order.
GOLDEN KNIGHTS DEAL
"Everybody has a second love, whatever that may be, whether it's a sports team, a military branch, a family member's name," said Andy.
Today Custom Jacks is growing with customers across the country.
They say they also recently signed a deal with the Golden Knights and there are also big plans for expansion.
HAND-PAINTED
"This is the process of actually cutting in the stars?" asked Todd.
"On this section right her yeah," said Scottie.
The chainsaws are gone. The carving is done by machine. But each piece is still hand-painted in detail.
COPYRIGHTED WAVES
"So you consider yourself an artist?" asked Todd.
"Some days. I think both of us. Both of us," said Scottie.
"I'd say so," said Todd.
"Yeah," said Scottie.
Then the valleys of the copyrighted signature waves of the 13 pieces of Douglas-fir, representing the 13 stripes of the American flag, are burned.
WAVING OFF THE WALL
"We spent a lot of time and money protecting our design and the purpose is that, when it's on the wall, it looks like it's waving off the wall," explained Andy.
And then the Nevada Built pieces are finished with a lacquer coating so it can shine, in the twilight's last gleaming.
GIVING IT DIMENSION
"Especially when the light reflects off, just how that shine really makes it pop," said Todd.
"In the burn and all that stuff. It just starts bringing several kinds of dimension to it," said Scottie.
"It's beautiful," said Todd.
"Thank you," said Scottie.
"It really is. It's beautiful," said Todd.
Depending on the size and the design, pieces can cost anywhere from $225 to more than $900.
Custom Jacks also donates flags to first responders, medical workers and veterans.
Learn more on customjacks.com.
