Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Tyler.
Hi Jack, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started working and got the entrepreneurial “bug” at a very young age. My dad who was a small engine mechanic by trade (lawnmowers, tractors, etc.) also started several of his own businesses in which I helped out where and when I could, as far back as I can remember.
But I can always remember wanting to be a police officer and serve others, thanks in part to a close family friend who was a police officer. He would come over to visit in his police car and let me turn on the lights and sirens. He was always patient and understanding and allowed me to “bug” him with questions and talk about police work even as I got older and into adulthood. He was and still is a friend to me to this day.
As I started getting into my mid-teens, I started getting interested in cars more. As I got old enough to drive, my dad and my uncle started showing me how to do car maintenance and other minor repairs. (I am by no means a mechanic). One day, while shopping for a basic car stereo for one of my vehicles, I was introduced to a car audio installer who was into stereo competitions and building nice show cars also.
I was an instant fan and quickly became “addicted”. Over the years, I had several vehicles (lowrider minis) and worked on putting nice stereo systems in them (yeah, you know, the loud booming cars).
After high school, I decided to join the United States Air Force. I wanted to serve my country, and at the same time get experience that would help me prepare for being a civilian police officer. So, I served as a Security Police/Security Forces police officer. After completing boot camp and other training, I was stationed in Germany. During my first year overseas, I got engaged to and then married my girlfriend from back home.
I served in Germany my entire contract from 1994-1998. During my time there, I received several awards, medals and letters of commendation including the National Defense Medal, Overseas Long tour ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Expert marksman ribbon, NATO medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Operation Joint Endeavor), and one of the most important ones – a Life Saving Commendation. One evening while on patrol, I was dispatched to a choking toddler. I arrived at the residence and performed the Heimlich maneuver which was successful. It’s the greatest feeling in the world, let me tell you.
After being honorably discharged from the USAF, my wife and I returned to Texas. I became a civilian police officer, just as I had wanted and hoped for. Unfortunately, I was injured in the line of duty near the end of my rookie year. The injury required a major reconstructive surgery that took six and half hours. A few months after my first surgery, I needed another surgery related to the same injury. I was able to return to work about seven months later. About three years later, another injury would require yet another surgery. The injuries, complications from them and surgeries, and also other unknown health issues at the time would eventually make me step away from law enforcement.
But before I left my law enforcement career, I was awarded numerous letters of commendations from citizens I served, The Texas Department of Public Safety, and my chain of command. I once again was also nominated for and awarded the Life Saving Award.
One evening while on patrol, I was dispatched to a residential fire at a small apartment complex. Another officer and I arrived at the same time and saw smoke billowing from the doors and windows. Neighbors informed us that the resident who lived there had not exited his apartment. The other officer and I kicked in the front door, entered the burning apartment, located the resident who was unconscious on the floor and drug him out to safety. As we got him outside, we were starting CPR as the fire department arrived. The Battalion Chief, who arrived moments later, learned of our actions and nominated us for the Life Saving Award. The nomination of that award must be approved by a board of police and city leaders. Once again, it was a great feeling to be able to help someone that way.
Throughout the years, even though I was working in other Jobs/Careers, I never lost the entrepreneurial spirit. After leaving law enforcement, I started a Laser Engraving Business. After a couple of years, I sold it as we had decided to move out of our hometown and wasn’t sure where exactly we would end up. The DFW area is where we were wanting to live, and eventually we did make our way here.
Due to complications from the injuries and surgeries received over the years, I am currently a stay-at-home-dad, however, I have not given up on entrepreneurship. I am in the early stages of starting on another journey and hopefully will have it going soon.
In the meantime, I use cars and music (car audio) as a type of therapy for myself. It is also a tool to bring people together and share passion, smiles and often hugs. We need more things to bring us together more now more than ever.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. After being injured, I have to deal with a lot of pain and mobility issues. That has been one of the biggest struggles. It is difficult to be able to get out and do the things you need to do, from running errands to networking, for example, when you’re in a lot of pain. The pain is also a distraction, making it hard to focus and concentrate on things quite often.
Also, just starting a small business in general can be hard, and often the odds are stacked against you. There are very few (if any) tax breaks or other things to help a small business owner or startup business. That help usually goes to the larger businesses and corporations.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first ten years. Only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My main background has been in military and civilian law enforcement. I have also worked in the security industry also.
My supervisors (and other supervisors not directly in my chain of command) always told me that they loved my passion not just for doing the job but in helping others. I have had supervisors from other shifts come to me with information about needing to find a dangerous wanted person for example. They came to me because they knew I wouldn’t quit until that person was in custody. In one instance, it took around a year to locate a dangerous wanted person, but my persistence paid off and he was located and arrested in another state. It was a team effort with officers from several agencies, along with the public’s help to locate and arrest this person.
In other instances, it was my compassion towards others, and just sort of “setting the badge aside” and just being there for someone, not as a police officer, but as a friend and neighbor. There have been several times where I just sat with someone whose loved one had just passed away. Often it was to just offer a hug, and sometimes, it was to sit and cry with them. You can’t be afraid to show people that as a police officer, you’re human too. Although we often have to set feelings aside, and make very quick, hard decisions or run toward danger when others are running away.
Also, the proudest moments for me were being there to actually help save someone’s life. It is humbling but yet rewarding to know that I have impacted someone’s life in such a positive way.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost I owe everything to God, and I am thankful for his blessings, and allowing me to bless others whenever I can. I believe he’s got a reason for my path, even when it gets hard. Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to my wife, family and friends. Most people don’t realize how hard it is to be the spouse or family member of a military member, police officer (and other public servants) and even an entrepreneur! Making the decision to be in these career fields means there WILL be many missed birthday celebrations, holidays, and other events. It can be quite hard to miss important events or holidays in your own family and life so that you may serve others.
My wife has been a huge support for me with my entrepreneurial side as well. She has been a friend, cheerleader, assistant, you name it.
She is still standing beside me in the startup of my new business as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesilverphantomhearse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSilverPhantomHearse
