MIDDLEBURG - All Wayne Scott wanted to do in life was be the master of his own demand.

To be his own boss and answer to himself. As the owner of his home-business Lethal Customs, Scott said he is doing just that. And he hopes to teach others how to do the same.

The company aims to provide custom art using laser crafting techniques. Using a 60w JPT Mopa fiber laser, Scott is able to uniquely engrave sentimental sayings, pictures, or designs into any item of his customer’s choice. 

As a retired law enforcement officer, Scott said his specialty lies in customizing firearms. In 2016, he said he began a hobby of making small modifications to his firearms and it eventually became something much bigger. 

By 2020, he began his journey of laser engraving and expanded into customizing other pieces. And, that is when he said everything reached even bigger heights.

“It just kind of fell in my lap and I started out doing some small modifications on my own personal firearms when I was a police officer for functionality purposes,” Scott said. “And, then a lot of people liked that.”

The business is Scott’s passion project and he said with the help of God he is able to make it a reality. 

Scott said he was forced to leave the police field earlier than he would’ve liked. That left him not exactly sure of how to move forward with his life.

But, he said the idea of helping others is what gave him a sense of purpose. What makes Lethal Customs unique is not only the laser crafting aspect, but Scott’s goal to teach others how to start, and run, their own businesses in general. 

This mission prompted Scott to expand his business even more. Earlier this year, Lethal Customs rebranded to begin their new training program.

The training provides an easy and affordable introduction into laser engraving technology. Right now, Scott said he travels to students teaching them how to solely customize firearms.

But he said the new First Coast LaserCraft Academy is going to change things. Opening early next year, the brick and mortar facility will welcome students in house. 

Scott said they are in the first phase of the project–securing a building. He said they are currently negotiating for one in Green Cove Springs.

In light of the current economy, Scott said he knows people who work three to four jobs just to make ends meet. He said this caused him to recognize an immense need that he hopes to help relieve with this new venture. 

“First coast is kind of born into that,” Scott said. “Hey, we want to come alongside people and help them succeed in building their own business.” 

With his future rebranding, Scott said he is excited for what’s to come. Every time he finishes a customized piece, he said it's amazing to see the reaction that he gets from his customers.

In not just the pieces he makes, the lives that he has impacted.

“People are amazing, they’re so amazing,” Scott said. “But you know what, we all have the one thing in common. That we all are in it together.”