Industry Spotlight

Rising to New Heights

PHOTOGRAPHY: courtesy of Jake’s® lift kits

With a renewed focus on craftsmanship and innovation, Jake’s® lift kits are taking the industry by storm—all proudly engineered and manufactured in Shreveport, Louisiana.

When it comes to redefining an industry, few brands boast the legacy, innovation, and enduring trust of Jake’s®. For years, Jake’s® has been synonymous with high-quality lift kits for personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), becoming the gold standard in the market. Now, with a strategic move to Shreveport, Louisiana, and a reinvigorated commitment to American craftsmanship, the brand is preparing for its most exciting chapter yet. By blending a legacy of excellence with cutting-edge technology and engineering, Jake’s® isn’t just maintaining its reputation—it’s elevating it to new heights.

The decision to move operations to Shreveport, Louisiana, was about much more than geography. This was a deliberate step to return to the company’s roots while equipping the brand with advanced tools and a specialized team. Shreveport is already home to Nivel’s Off-Road Vehicle Division (ORV), which oversees several premier brands like High Lifter, Seizmik, Falcon Ridge, and EPI. With world-class manufacturing capabilities, cutting-edge machinery, and a highly skilled suspension engineering team, the facility is perfectly suited to bring Jake’s® vision to life.

“Everything from ideation to engineering to manufacturing now happens under one roof,” explains Donnie Jouppi, CEO of Nivel. “This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about precision, quality, and accountability. The move enables us to uphold the highest standards in every lift kit we produce.”

There’s a reason Jake’s® lift kits have long been considered the industry benchmark. By manufacturing in-house, the company is able to enforce stricter quality standards, creating a consistent product that exceeds expectations. This commitment to excellence has allowed Jake’s® to offer an unprecedented lifetime warranty on all its lift kits—a bold promise rooted in trust and confidence.

PHOTOGRAPHY: courtesy of Jake’s® lift kits

Jake’s® lift kits are designed with the same rigorous attention to detail that Nivel applies to its UTV suspension systems under the High Lifter brand. This cross-pollination of expertise ensures that every product is built to perform at the highest level, whether it’s for off-road adventures or daily transportation.

Over the years, the brand has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its customers, delivering groundbreaking products that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the PTV industry. A shining example of this is Jake’s® new External Reservoir Shocks.

The inspiration for this product came directly from the market. Dealers and customers expressed a desire for a superior suspension system, and Jake’s® responded with a product that delivers unparalleled performance. These shocks improve ride quality, offer greater installation flexibility, and include features never before seen in the industry. This commitment to listening and adapting to customer needs is what sets Jake’s® apart.

Being an all-American brand isn’t just about where products are made—it’s about the values that guide every decision. For the brand, it’s about earning the trust of dealers and consumers alike. Dealers can confidently offer Jake’s® lift kits, knowing they are selling the best, most reliable American-made product on the market. Consumers, in turn, can trust that they are investing in a lift kit that will perform flawlessly, backed by a company that stands behind its work.

Additionally, by manufacturing in the United States, Jake’s® is helping to support local jobs and contribute to the economy. “It’s about more than just making a product,” says Jouppi. “It’s about making a difference—right here at home.”

The decision to move to Shreveport wasn’t just strategic—it was inspired. The city’s manufacturing capabilities are unparalleled, offering state-of-the-art machinery, top-notch fabrication teams, and a culture of innovation. This environment allows the brand to produce products faster, better, and more efficiently, all while staying true to its commitment to American craftsmanship.

PHOTOGRAPHY: courtesy of Jake’s® lift kits

Moreover, Shreveport’s central location makes it an ideal hub for distribution. With the ability to produce lift kits at a higher volume and ship them more quickly across the country, Jake’s® is poised to enhance both product availability and delivery speed.

The transition to Shreveport has also sparked a cultural transformation within Jake’s®. The team at the Shreveport facility has embraced the brand with renewed pride, channeling their skills and expertise into creating products that live up to Jake’s® iconic reputation. “It’s exciting to be part of a brand with such a strong legacy,” says Jouppi. “We’re not just making lift kits—we’re making history.”

As Jake’s® looks to the future, the possibilities are limitless. With innovations like reservoir shock absorbers and long-travel kits on the horizon, the brand is doubling down on its commitment to excellence and ingenuity. And for those eager to see the next evolution of lift kits, Jake’s® will be showcasing its latest products at the 2025 PGA Show, booth #3143.

From its all-American roots to its forward-thinking approach, Jake’s® is proving that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to return to where it all began. In Shreveport, Louisiana, Jake’s® is building more than lift kits—it’s building a legacy.