Our Story
Helping People See & Be Seen
The Sparksmith story has its roots in the year 2012, and it all started with our beloved 1999 Mazda Miata.
1999 Mazda Miata
The road ahead was shrouded in darkness, a narrow two-lane path with shoulders scattered with wildlife, including elusive deer and other mysterious creatures. The stock headlights on my compact car proved inadequate for the task at hand. After an exhaustive search, it became apparent that there were no aftermarket headlight options designed specifically for the 1999-2000 Miata, given the unique styling and headlights of these two model years. However, my persistence paid off when I discovered a company offering a retrofit kit that promised to address this issue.
Upon delving deeper into the concept of retrofitting, I became increasingly intrigued and decided to take the plunge. Before I knew it, I was also motivated to embark on a retrofitting project for my 1970 Mustang.
1970 Mustang
Needless to say, I found my lifelong passion. Not long after, I established my own workshop, where I began crafting bespoke lighting solutions for a wide range of vehicles. Whether you're interested in browsing our selection now or reaching out for a personalized consultation, we're here to enhance your visibility on the road. Thank you for taking the time to explore our story, and may your journey always be well-illuminated!
The Full Story
At Sparksmith, we're dedicated to providing top-notch custom automotive lighting solutions. Our expertise lies in optimizing your vehicle's lighting performance, utilizing premium products to ensure your visibility and safety on the road. Alongside our exclusive Sparksmith product line, we also offer a curated selection of items from renowned brands like Diode Dynamics and XK Glow, which we not only sell but professionally install to meet your specific needs.
Being your go-to destination for specialty automotive lighting, we are committed to offering an extensive selection of high-quality products to cater to your needs.
The summer of 2013 marked the inception of Sparksmith, an idea that had been simmering for months. Having successfully completed my first retrofit project on our 1999 Miata, I was thoroughly captivated by the experience. The passion had taken hold, and I couldn't shake the thought of it from my mind.
Sparksmith's First Attempt of Forming
The name was born out of my aspiration for excellence and artistry in the realm of automotive lighting and electrical components.
Our First Business Card
On August 14, 2013, I made the bold decision to leave my job and dive headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. An opportunity to secure my very own workshop materialized in the form of a modest 800 sq. ft. space located just a mile away from our home in Sneads Ferry, NC. This marked the humble beginnings of what would later become the legendary Sparksmith!
As for my personal journey, it has been quite diverse. I spent my formative years in the picturesque mountains of western North Carolina.
Following my high school graduation, I enrolled at NC State University, where I managed to complete a typical four-year degree program in five years, including a memorable semester spent abroad at Melbourne University in Melbourne, Australia.
As my college years drew to a close, a new opportunity beckoned, leading me to embark on a journey in the US Navy Submarine force.
Over the next six years, the Navy became my life, pushing me to my limits, testing my resilience, and imparting invaluable lessons. Among the many things I learned, electrical engineering stood out as a skill that would prove to be consistently beneficial throughout my life. It was an immensely rewarding experience, one I'm grateful for, but also one I was relieved to leave behind.
After my service in the Navy, I found myself in a desk job at Newport News Shipbuilding, officially titled as a Submarine Reactor Plant Fluid Systems Engineer. However, the reality was far less thrilling. While witnessing the construction of ships and submarines from the ground up was a unique opportunity, it left me wanting more. To chase my passions, I decided to use my G.I. Bill benefits to attend Advanced Technology Institute in Virginia Beach.
After 18 months of technical training, I developed a much deeper understanding of automotive mechanics. Prior to that, my knowledge about cars had been enough to make me a novice enthusiast. During my studies, I discovered a knack for electrical diagnosis and repair. Armed with this new skill set, I secured a position as a technician at a local Ford dealership, providing me with a valuable entry into the automotive world.
However, just six months into my new job, my wife received orders to Camp LeJeune, prompting me to follow her down the coast to the tranquil town of Sneads Ferry. There, after a year of working at a local speed shop, I embarked on a new journey as a business owner.
So there you go, Sparksmith in a nutshell. Hope you enjoyed the read.
-Brannen C.