Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Lykos.
Nick, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We got started in fall 2013, with an idea and officially opened for business in spring 2014. From day one, we’ve been passionate about the automotive industry and that’s where we started. We saw an opening in the market for quality aftermarket lighting options serving the truck and off-road market, but at a price point that was more approachable for the average consumer.
Over time, we expanded our offerings from just our own brand of lighting, into name brands of lighting, and then into bumpers. Then in January 2017, a customer asked us if we could get him a Retrax bed cover. I had no idea how we were going to do it, but we were going to make it happen. He had a bed cover on his doorstep three days later. Since then, we’ve greatly expanded our offerings and serve the aftermarket truck and off-road industry, with a focus on the Ford Raptor, but serving all makes and models.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not. Within the first year, we had a former friend and client try to steal our business idea. We also faced threats of litigation from another company. And we’re in an industry of fierce competition. But we always come back to our core values and we make every business decision, customer decision, and culture decision based on those core values. They are our guiding principles.
We’d love to hear more about the business.
We’re a full outfitter for trucks and off-road vehicles, with an emphasis on Ford Raptors, but still serving all makes and models. I’m most proud of the fact that we always do the right thing. We live by a set of core values here at Apollo, and we have them on our site for everyone to see: https://www.apollo-optics.com/pages/core-values. These core values are how we make every decision in our company. It’s how we treat our customers, our team, and our vendors and business partners.
In addition to our core values, what sets us apart is our service. The time and attention to detail that we pour into every customer, every build, and every project gives us our purpose every day and gives our clientele the experience that they’re looking for and won’t find anywhere else.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve always believed you make your own luck. If you do what you’re supposed to do and you have the right mindset, you will be successful. Sure, some times, good things happen. But I think with the right work ethic and good karma, you put yourself in the position to seize those opportunities and make the most of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.apollo-optics.com
- Phone: 713-425-8072
- Email: sales@apollo-optics.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/apollo_optics
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/apollooptics
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
