Meet The Scoutman

My first memory of a Scout was as a young boy, spotting one on the road and thinking how awesome it was.  As a young man, I traded a four-wheeler for a Scout 800, and so the story began.  With little mechanical knowledge, the Scout became my teacher.  I spent hours in the garage figuring out how to take the truck apart, and put it back together again.  My Dad shared an interest as well, and together, we breathed new life into this rugged piece of Americana.  Over the next ten years, we bought, restored, and sold numerous Scouts in our spare time, and learned a little more with each project.  

In the spring of 2017, I found myself at a crossroads, torn between what was comfortable and familiar, and the idea of pursuing a longtime passion.  Unsettled, I set out on a trek through the woods to be alone with my thoughts, and determine if I was willing to risk everything to start my own business.  That day, it was as if the Good Lord planted two strangers along the trail, who both happened to be entrepreneurs.  Without knowing me, they shared their stories, which confirmed the restlessness I felt was my inspiration to become The Scoutman.  

After years of working on Scouts as a hobby, I decided to take a risk.  With a little savings in hand, and the offer of free shop space 70 miles from home, The Scoutman began to take shape.  Several months later, I realized what I was saving in shop space, I was spending in fuel, and so I found a space close to home that would enable me to work more hours in a day and be closer to my family. With a larger workspace and increased workload, I began building a team of enthusiasts who have joined me on the journey.  

I am inspired by each new project and refreshed by relationships with my customers. Unlike most business owners who begin with a complex plan, I started with the simple idea that I wanted to use my skills and passion to keep Scouts on the road while creating a work environment that is refreshingly different. As the son of a Vietnam Veteran who served in the USMC, I have a deep sense of gratitude for our military and leaders, and the freedom to create my own business. Restoring Scouts brings out a sense of pride and patriotism as they celebrate American craftsmanship. 

This business has brought both joy and exhaustion.  I’ve been pushed to my limits and down to my last dollar in the process of building The Scoutman.  I am grateful to those that have entrusted me with the restoration of their Scout. It is humbling to work on them knowing that they will be passed down for future generations to enjoy. I am also thankful for those that have inspired, encouraged or helped me in some way on this journey. I look to the future with anticipation as The Scoutman story continues to be written. 

-Dustin Reed