Meet Jake Bryan | Maker/Woodworker/Metalworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Bryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We (my wife and I) stumbled into starting our own business(es). I’ve been a teacher and strength & conditioning coach for 8 years, and while that’s been great for providing financially and materially (…maybe great is a stretch), it hasn’t always been very fulfilling for certain aspects of my personality. I wanted some creative outlet that allowed me to work alongside my wife, Taylor, and that would (eventually) be my way out of the classroom and the “typical 9-5”.

“Making” has fulfilled that need. As a child I grew up surrounded by my mom’s creativity and my dad’s welding/mechanic skills…and although I didn’t realize it until my late 20’s, these gifts were something that were worth exploring myself. Taylor and I began to mess around with some home projects in 2018, and I also began taking welding classes locally through Eastfield College. I bought my first welder in 2020, and we converted our garage into our shop and that’s where it all blossomed.

I love to build and to create and to have a tangible “finished product” to deliver once I’m done. I enjoy meeting with clients and developing relationships through the process of making their visions a reality. The challenge that each and every project presents give me a chance to critically think and solve problems, which keeps me engaged and locked-in to the entire process. Wood & metal working require constant growth; mastery is elusive. There is always room to improve and to learn. The pursuit keeps us moving forward.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is to creatively meet people’s needs and make their visions become a reality.

We primarily do custom work, but what we do ranges so far and wide that I don’t think it could fit into any one category.

I think what sets us apart is how we develop strong lines of communication with the customer immediately, and we maintain those throughout the entire process so that we’re always on the same page. We’ve developed some great friendships and connections through our very own customers!

We got to where we are today by working…as simple as that. From our very first job, we have continued to pour our time, energy, and resources back into ourselves and our business. We are always trying to better ourselves and the products that we provide, and that’s a process that will never end. Currently, I am a full-time teacher/coach, a full-time welding student at Dallas College, and running Bryan Built. My wife is a photographer, co-runs Bryan Built, and is also a full-time student. We sacrifice the time and energy now with the hope of what our future holds. We love the things that we’re building through our pursuits, and that gives us fulfillment and fresh energy each day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had friends coming to Dallas, we’d definitely make our way around the area.

We’d play some Spikeball around White Rock Lake.
We’d eat a Stromboli and some cheesecake at Lover’s.
We’d definitely get some hot chicken at Lucky’s and some strips at SuperChix.

We’d have to get dressed-up one night and grab a ribeye at Del Frisco’s.
Depending on the time of the year, you’ve got to try to catch the Mavs or Stars at home.
We’d visit White Rock Ale House, Community, Vector, and Martin House Brewing. (so many good ones to choose from…)
We’d have to get a workout in because that’s just what you do when you come visit me.
We’d spend an evening or two down in Deep Ellum at the Angry Dog and enjoying some live jazz and blues at The Freeman.
We’d wrap up the colder evenings around a beautiful, Bryan Built fire pit in our backyard. (Shameless plug)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my successes God, to my wife Taylor, and to my family.

I am thankful for the privilege that being an entrepreneur is; I am thankful for the opportunities that are afforded to us.

My wife supports all of my many interests. I am what many refer to as “a jack-of-all-trades”, although I prefer more positive terms, like “generalist”. My interest range far and wide, and they change often. My wife has supported each and every rabbit hole that I run down (although sometimes reluctantly). I love that this is something we get to share.

My parents instilled these things in me at a young age that lied pretty dormant for a majority of my younger years. I’m thankful that these interests have now surfaced and provided so much challenge, growth, and fulfillment.

Website: www.bryanbuiltllc.com

Instagram: @bryanbuiltllc

Facebook: Bryan Built, LLC

Image Credits
Taylor Bryan Photography