Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernie Agbobock.
Hi Ernie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ernie Agbobock. I’m a native Houstonian. I attended Elsik High School in Alief and graduated with my bachelors and Masters from Texas Southern University. I’m also a father of two, a brother, and an entrepreneur. I started my company Kote-It Customs, formerly known as Kote-It Arms, in 2020.
Kote-It Customs is a premier custom shop specializing in the restoration, finishing, and branding of firearms, golf clubs, home decor, and specialty items. Utilizing advanced application tools and a vast spectrum of custom finishes, we deliver bespoke, one-of-a-kind designs tailored to each client’s vision, alongside expert restorations that return worn pieces to their original factory appearance. Beyond aesthetics, our specialized ceramic coatings provide elite protection against rust, wear, and environmental elements to significantly increase the lifespan and durability of every item we touch.
I actually got into this industry almost by accident. What started purely as a personal hobby in 2018 and a deep interest in firearms quickly turned into something I realized I had a natural knack for. I started out working out of my garage and doing personal projects for myself, as well as friends and family. As I honed my craft, I discovered unique, innovative methods to customize and brand everyday items—ranging from golf equipment and automotive parts to custom keyboards, gaming consoles, you name it. If it has a surface, we can find a way to transform it.
In 2020, the opportunity presented itself to pursue moving into a storefront. I went through the process of obtaining the licensing I needed from the ATF and eventually found a suitable location. Now over 6 years later it’s been tough, but the business continues to grow and the journey has been beautiful.
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?
Being an entrepreneur in an industry you are still figuring out is definitely not the easiest thing to do. It’s definitely been a journey, and the road hasn’t always been smooth. Starting out, one of the biggest challenges was doing everything completely on my own. In the early stages, you wear every hat—from technician and designer to marketer, accountant, and customer service representative. Navigating that solo grind required a tremendous amount of resilience and discipline.
Building the business from the ground up meant finding the right vendors, sourcing reliable materials, and establishing quality connections in the industry. Starting without established relationships required a ton of networking to make those contacts, proving my work, and building trust one project at a time.
On top of the day-to-day operational hurdles, operating within the firearms industry comes with a steep learning curve and a heavy regulatory burden. Being in the industry means being involved with organizations such as the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) and the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations. Dealing with complex federal, state, and local laws, securing specific licensing, and maintaining strict compliance with government regulations requires constant oversight and leaves zero room for error. At any point you can be audited without notice which isn’t the most fun thing to handle.
Compounding those operational demands was the challenge of navigating the social and commercial stigma surrounding the firearm industry. Early on, many mainstream service providers, banking institutions, and merchant processors were hesitant or flat-out unwilling to work with firearm-related businesses. Overcoming those barriers meant staying persistent, seeking out like-minded partners who value compliance and craftsmanship, and consistently demonstrating professionalism to change perceptions.
Every obstacle along the way forced me to refine my processes, strengthen my network, and build a business grounded in compliance, precision, and quality.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kote-It Customs is a premier custom shop specializing in custom finishing and laser engraving of firearms, golf clubs, automotive items and a wide range specialty items. We deliver bespoke, one-of-a-kind designs tailored to each client’s vision, alongside expert restorations that return worn pieces to their original factory appearance. Beyond aesthetics, our specialized ceramic coatings provide elite protection against rust, wear, and environmental elements to significantly increase the lifespan and durability of every item we touch.
What sets us apart from your typical shop is our unique blend of and what makes me most proud is our commitment to detail and the 1 on 1 service we provide for our clients. Because we operate by appointment we’re able to focus our full attention to each individual customer to give them that unique, personal feel while creating a comfortable and friendly environment. What our customers enjoy the most is being able to come in and ask questions without feeling judged for not being experts.
What I’m most proud of at Kote-It is our refusal to compromise between industrial-grade performance and uncompromising visual artistry.
Many shops in this space focus purely on the technical side—ensuring a firearm functions or a coating adheres—while letting the aesthetics take a backseat. Others focus strictly on appearance without accounting for how a finish holds up under heavy, real-world use. We bridge that gap completely. Every piece that leaves our shop is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, friction, and environmental wear while maintaining a flawless, one-of-a-kind visual standard.
Furthermore, we don’t put ourselves in a box. While our roots are deeply anchored in firearm customization and Cerakote application our technical versatility allows us to seamlessly transition those same high-end finishing techniques to golf equipment, automotive parts, custom keyboards, and bespoke corporate projects. We treat every single project—whether it’s a tour-grade putter, a milestone receiver, or a custom consumer product—with the exact same obsession for detail, precision, and personal expression.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
No success is achieved strictly alone, and I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my family, friends, a segment of my fraternity brothers, close supporters, and our loyal clients who trusted us with their custom builds from day one. Special thanks to Philip Perez, who has been a mentor to me in the cerakote and art world. Navigating this industry meant building strong community ties, and I’m deeply grateful for local collaborations with brands like Alchemy Golf, Turtlebox, and local businesses and organizations like OST Liquor, Extreme Off-Road Performance, and the Alpha Eta Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha who all welcomed us into their respective charity golf tournaments this year.
Other key industry collaborations like working with Sharps Bros on milestone projects, provided invaluable platforms to showcase our projects. From local enthusiasts to established organizations, the trust, word-of-mouth support, and belief in our work from our Houston community have been the true driving force behind the growth of Kote-It Customs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.koteithouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koteit.customs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoteIt
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kote-it-customs
- Twitter: https://x.com/KoteItCustoms
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/kxNU5IR3tqeCZJae2EviiA
