Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Nix.
Hi Ryan , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m 30 years old and a disabled Army veteran. Growing up very poor in South Carolina, I saw my family struggle just to keep the lights on and food on the table. My grandpa owned a small sign company there, and that was my first spark — it showed me that business ownership was possible, even if you didn’t come from much. From a young age, I made up my mind that my three daughters would never grow up the way I did, always worried about bills and basic needs.
When I left the Army, it was difficult because I thought I’d spend my whole career there, and suddenly I needed a new purpose. I started a landscaping and tree company, but when an opportunity came up to work overseas, I closed that down. While waiting to deploy, I needed steady income, and a friend showed me a job posting for towing semi-trucks in West Texas. That’s what brought me to Texas.
From there, I worked in towing for several companies, but I quickly saw the dark side of the industry — dishonesty and bad business practices — and I knew I wanted more than that. I transitioned into roofing and construction, which gave me a chance to build something from the ground up. That’s how DFW Roofing and Construction was born.
I’ve always been driven by the idea of helping people and solving real problems. That mindset led me into automotive as well, when I acquired Reserve Customs. The previous owner was tied to Reserve Auto, which has since been caught up in a major fraud investigation. To distance ourselves from that and build a trusted brand, we’re now rebranding to Forge Customs and Service.
What ties my story together is resilience and vision. Every setback has been fuel — whether it was growing up in poverty, leaving the Army, or starting over in different industries. I’ve learned how to adapt, create opportunity where others don’t see it, and build businesses that not only support my family but also serve the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up poor gave me a deep drive, but it also meant I started with no safety net — no family money, no blueprint, just determination. After leaving the Army, one of the hardest parts was adjusting to civilian life. I went from having structure and a clear purpose every day to having to figure it all out on my own, and that was a struggle mentally and financially.
In business, I’ve faced almost every challenge you can think of — starting companies with little to no capital, working long hours just to keep the lights on, and learning hard lessons about who to trust. In towing especially, I dealt with dishonest employers and companies doing very questionable business, which pushed me to strike out on my own. Even when I started roofing, there were months where I didn’t know how I was going to make payroll, but I had to find a way.
More recently, buying Reserve Customs came with its own struggles. The previous brand name was tied to a fraud investigation, so I inherited the uphill battle of rebuilding trust from scratch. That’s why the rebrand to Forge Customs and Service is so important — it represents resilience, integrity, and a fresh start.
Through it all, the biggest struggle has been balancing growth while making sure my daughters have a better life than I did. That pressure is real, but it’s also what keeps me pushing forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Forge customs and service ?
I currently own and operate two businesses — DFW Apex Roofing & Construction and Forge Customs & Service.
DFW Apex Roofing & Construction focuses on roofing, storm restoration, and construction projects across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. What we’re known for is our honesty and dependability in an industry where a lot of homeowners unfortunately have to deal with broken promises. We’ve built our reputation on doing what we say we’re going to do — showing up, doing the job right the first time, and standing behind our work. Our mission is simple: protect families’ homes and investments with integrity and quality craftsmanship.
Forge Customs & Service is the automotive side of what I do. We’re in the process of rebranding from Reserve Customs, and that rebrand is very intentional — it’s about moving away from a name that was tied to past issues and creating something people can trust. At Forge, we specialize in custom automotive builds, restorations, and repair services. From classic car restorations to everyday service needs, our focus is on quality, transparency, and building something lasting.
What sets both companies apart is the same core value: integrity. I started these businesses because I saw too many people getting taken advantage of — whether it was in construction, towing, or automotive. I wanted to create businesses that do things differently, where customers know they’re being treated fairly and honestly.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’re building. Both Apex and Forge represent strength, resilience, and quality. These aren’t just businesses to me — they’re legacies I’m building for my daughters and brands that I want the community to know they can always count on.
If readers remember one thing, I’d want them to know that when they choose us — whether it’s for their home or their vehicle — they’re getting a team that genuinely cares, puts in the work, and always does things the right way.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories actually comes from a pretty tough time. We didn’t always have food, water, or even power at home, but I had a dirt bike. That dirt bike became my escape. Whenever things got bad, I’d get on it and ride for hours — it gave me a sense of freedom and peace when everything else felt heavy. Looking back now, it taught me the value of having something positive to pour your energy into, even when life isn’t easy.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQynmq9Py/
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=forge+customs+and+service
