Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Corley.
Hi Joe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
HIPP Customs is a perfect example of how a small hobby can turn into something much bigger than you ever expect.
I grew up in a military family, my dad was a Navy Chief, so discipline and a strong work ethic were just part of everyday life. From an early age, I was taught respect, respect for God, for my country, and for hard work. Along the way, I also developed an appreciation for firearms, not as symbols or statements, but as practical tools.
Like a lot of people who have a lifelong interest in firearms, my journey started pretty simply. Back in September 2011, I bought my first machine, a Bridgeport mill, mainly to work on personal projects. One machine quickly turned into another, and before long, I had a shop full of equipment. Word started to spread, and people began bringing me small firearms projects and other machining work. It grew naturally because I had the tools, the skills, and the willingness to take the work on.
That growing demand really marked a turning point. In December 2013, with encouragement from friends and local dealers, I officially formed HIPP Customs LLC. I obtained my 01 FFL, the Dealer’s License, which allowed me to legally handle firearms for minor repairs and Cerakote work. About 18 months later, I took the next step and secured my 07 FFL, the Manufacturer’s License. That opened the door to producing our own firearms.
In March 2015, a conversation with a dealer and manufacturer I was already working with changed the direction of the business. They asked if we could take on more complex work. The honest answer was no, not because of a lack of ability, but because we didn’t yet have the right equipment. That conversation led to the biggest investment the company had made up to that point.
After months of saving, we purchased a Haas CNC machine, which was installed in November 2015. The learning curve was steep, but it was absolutely worth it. Today, we manufacture our own upper and lower receivers in-house, Manufacture parts for many other manufacturers around the country & do lots of work for local dealers in the Middle TN Area. We continue to expand our product line, and take on increasingly challenging small-production machining jobs. We also file ATF variances for other manufacturers, allowing us to custom-manufacture registered components for fellow 07 FFL holders.
As for the future, it’s still unfolding, but the foundation is solid. At HIPP Customs, we operate on honesty, integrity, perseverance, pride, and faith. We believe strongly in responsible manufacturing, and I truly believe firearms, when handled with respect and skill, are a valuable resource rooted in American craftsmanship.
None of this would be possible without our customers, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being self taught has been the biggest challenge.
I have never worked in the firearms industry at all. I have not worked in a firearms shop at a retail level or at any level. I have not worked in a Machine shop at all, manual or CNC. I have taught myself how to machine on manual machines and how to program CNC Machines on my own. When we bought the first CNC I didn’t know how to turn it on, let alone how to actually make functional parts. The learning curve on all aspects of this business have been challenging, a lot of trial and error. Thankfully with support from my wife first and foremost and lots of friends and acquaintances I have taught myself most of everything we do now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about HIPP Customs?
We are a Federally Licensed Firearms Manufacturer, We make parts for not only ourselves but for about 20+ other manufacturers around the country. We also do custom work from minor modifications to full custom builds for our own customer but also for many of the firearms stores/dealers in the middle TN area. We have our products and services online on our own website (www.hippcustoms.com) and on Optics Planet’s website (www.opticsplanet.com). We are like most other Firearms dealers in the since that we buy and sell firearms, firearms parts and accessories. We also offer laser engraving, Cerakote and custom builds.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was 10 or 12 I was asked by by a real-estate investor to cut the grass for one of his houses because he saw me cutting my parents yard. I was excited and gave him a price of $20 (that was a lot for a little kid that had never had any money) I excitedly ran to tell my Mom, I gathered up my tools and walked to the house (about 2 blocks away) pushing and carrying all the equipment. once there I fount the yard grossly overgrown and no power on the house. Meaning my electric weed eater and other electric tools were useless. After a little while I went back home defeated and my mom asked if I was done? I quickly started telling her how it was too much work and I couldn’t do it and all the reasons I couldn’t do it. All I remember was her asking if I told the man I would do it… I said yes. She told me I had better go do it, “When you tell someone you are going to do something, you do it, no matter what it takes. Your word is all you have”. I went and spent hours cutting the grass twice so it would look like something, Trimming shrubs with hand shears. My mom did come and help me finish up, I think just to make sure I didn’t give up and walk away again.
It was a hard lesson to learn but a hard lesson learned is a lesson that stays with you…. and it has all these years still.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hippcustoms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hippcustoms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hippcustoms
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-corley-54205623/
