We have all heard the story of two guys with a passion for cars and the outdoors walking into a bar and walking out owners of an LLC…. Or perhaps that is just this story. It all began when Kevin and Josh drove halfway across Michigan just to help a friend install lighting and a lift kit on his Jeep.
This sparked a thought in their heads. It can be a major undertaking to load up all of your new parts, drive hours from home, sit in a waiting room chair (that feels like sitting on a cinderblock) for hours just to get your vehicle upgraded, so why not bring the waiting room to you? That thought took form and the idea for a mobile sales AND installation company became a reality.
With their plan in place the next step was to name it, a name that did the idea justice and encompassed their passion for everything outdoors, from the water to land. Lake and Trail Accessories did just that. Reflecting the spirit of adventure while celebrating the best of Michigan; the endless waterways, the winding trails, and the natural beauty that blankets the state.
With the name solidified, it was time to find a trailer that would allow them to connect to their market. After sending Kevin on what seemed like an unending mission to look at over 200 trailers, the two found the perfect one. What started as a simple mobile install trailer, quickly led to the question of “what happens if we cut a hole in the side to show off our products?”. With a napkin sketch and a whole lot of sweat, the trailer was built featuring premium audio equipment from MB Quart, lights bright enough to melt a rubber duck and forty feet of displayed merchandise. Lake and Trail Accessories finally had a home… on wheels.
Let’s dive deeper into the stories of the two men who started this journey together. Kevin, who was born and raised in southeast Michigan, shares an unwavering passion for the outdoors that is deeply rooted in family traditions. Weekends were rarely spent indoors. Rather, they spent nearly every weekend exploring Michigan; from the coastlines, to the vibrant forests, to the flowing river and streams. Their adventures provided memories of fishing in Manistee, swimming in the river at Ocqueoc Falls, camping all across the state, and boating on any body of water he could launch from.
These memories did not just become stories—they became fuel for a lifelong passion. When not exploring the woods, Kevin could be found assuming the role of his father’s shadow. His father could fix or build anything with just his two hands, which earned him the nickname “Tim the tool man Taylor (oohhh ohhh ohhh)”. This hands-on mindset took root in Kevin. Now older, he can tinker—or break—his own cars, and this early love for tools and machines evolved into a career in the automotive industry. Kevin has done everything from changing the oil in your grandma’s Buick, to cleaning the fries out from between your dad’s seats, to swapping downpipes on a McLaren he could only dream of owning.
Kevin and Josh met in an unconventional way, they shared an awkward two hour drive after Josh had just been hired at the company where Kevin worked. After an awkward two hour drive through the mountains, they quickly realized this was more than just a colleague relationship. What started as a forced carpool developed into feeling like they each had found their long-lost brother. Their bond grew fast, guided by shared passions, humor, and need to push each other, figuratively, and occasionally literally. Countless adventures later, their off road prowess had become second nature. The only logical next step was to help empower others to do the same, by providing and installing tools that make the outdoors easier to be explored.
Before Josh could walk, he was already dreaming of off-road vehicles and the places they could take him. He was raised in the rugged mountains of Utah and the vast deserts of Arizona, where he was surrounded by landscapes that screamed for adventure. His father was always caught up in some kind of vehicle project—whether it was breaking, cutting, lifting, or modifying. This passed down a passion for machinery. From motorcycles and dune buggies to Jeeps and everything in between, Josh’s hands were never far from a tool. As the years have passed, his childhood curiosity has only deepened, developing into a lifelong passion. As his love for vehicles has grown, so too have the price tags on the toys that bring him joy. Over the last decade, his passion and wisdom have opened new doors, from working with America’s Most Wanted 4×4 to collaborating with top manufacturers and participating in events nationwide. Now, at Stellantis, Josh continues to live, breathe, and dream about Jeeps, and continues to learn more about the vehicle that captured his heart.
As this dream began to take on a new form, Josh and Kevin realized they wanted not only a fresh set of hands, but also a heart that shared their thirst for adventure. That’s when Joe entered the picture. Josh and Joe first crossed paths while working at a large diesel engine company.
Bonding over a love for off-roading, crude humor, and the power of teamwork, the two quickly became more than just colleagues. Though Joe is new to the industry, his drive far exceeds his years. Bringing a new perspective and creative ideas, he’s thrilled to contribute alongside the two men who have made their dreams reality. From a young age, Joe’s passion for cars, getting his hands dirty, and exploring the outdoors has only grown stronger. Now, he’s excited to join this new chapter, bringing Lake and Trail Accessories to a larger market and helping the dream reach even greater heights.
Now, if you asked these men what the best part of Lake and Trail Accessories is, they would say it’s about the people. Being able to create lasting relationships with not just the attendees but fellow vendors, they have been able to forge new relationships that have developed into meaningful partnerships as well as being able to share this experience with their families. At almost every event, you can find family members of these amazing founders learning the trade, interacting with the community, and just hanging out for moral support. The heart of Lake and Trail Accessories is community, and they are guided by a compass of love, honesty, and kindness. Starting this LLC has allowed them to help various organizations, such as the Jeep Babes Michigan Chapter, Jeep Church, and donate an entire Jeep build to support suicide awareness efforts.
What is next for Lake and Trail Accessories? Well, their story is only beginning. They look forward to connecting with you at future events and hope you will share in their passion for deepening their connection with both the community, and the great outdoors!
