We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike De La Vega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what do you attribute your success to?
It probably sounds corny, but it’s the customer experience. Treating people with respect and having just a little fun with it. Good customer service can smooth over any bumps and should be a standard with any brand. The having fun part, well that is about building friendships for life. I have clients that continue to stay in contact just to say hi. I love that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So, I started this in a garage with a hundred bucks. Being someone that always loved 80s and 90s scifi I just wanted to see some of those items come to life. I had the chance to meet one of my biggest influences Jose de Braga just by chance. This man was accomplished and worked making things for films I had loved. He took an interest in me, and had motivated me, have me tips, shared ideas, all the things. He helped send me customers as he retired. At Zeist Armories we use modern technology like 3d modeling, cnc, 3d printing and lasers. We combine that with old school carving techniques, metal forging, mold making and sometimes sewing to bring new original designs and recreate iconic designs based on the adventures we love to watch and read about.
Tech is pricey and skills take time to develope. So I’ve reinvested 90% of every dollar into equipment and most of my free time to study and practice things.
A challenge will always be fine management. Being a texas Air national guardsman had taken me to other countries and states. And that takes away time from Zeist. But in building those relationships with my clients. They always seem to be checking in on me while I’m away. That part is awesome.
Getting to where I am today, hmm. First I’ll quote Jose… if you don’t love what you do it’s work. If it’s work it’s not fun. So have fun and you’ll love what you do. So I keep to that value and continue my own personal mantra of its not about me, it’s about them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hah a planned week lol. Hmm. I’m a pretty chill person. I like hanging out and cooking at home. But hey I’ll give it a try. Being in Houston… i’d start them with Space center and the area around NASA. Slide over to kemah and Seabrook for some fun and food. Some many cool little shops and eateries. Next day head over to galveston. Show walk the wall, swing by the spot. Hit the strand check out the shops. Do a ghost tour, have a drink in that bar on top of the Tremont. Maybe catch a show at Scout during that week. Oh… one of my favorite places that I am always looking for an excuse to get to , it’s Del Vista on Del Monte. It’s a drive but worth it. The owner is a friend and amazing. I’m going to swing them by Ellington Field to show them around and brag on the troops there.
After that I’m kind of burnt out lol. I’m ready to head home, make some drinks and cook some food. Nothing is better than breaking bread with your people and talking about life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I wanted to give a shootout to an organization it would be too the men and women of 147th attack squadron @ Ellington field. They have challenged, pushed and help mold me. They have taught me about accountability. These airmen are doing amazing things everyday right here in Houston. They, keep me inspired.

Website: https://Www.zeistarmories.com

Instagram: @zeistarmories

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-de-la-vega

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeistarmories/

Image Credits
None all done in house

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