Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Glenn.
Hi Edwin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started SWAT Laser Engraving in 2020 while I was still working as a police officer. I wanted a creative outlet that I could grow into something real, so I invested in equipment, taught myself the craft, and started taking custom orders. As word spread, I began working with more individuals and local businesses, and I realized how much people value personalized, high-quality work.
Eventually my equipment outgrew my home, so I moved into a small storage/workspace setup. I operate primarily online, but I keep the process hands-on and personal—consultation, and proofing. Since retiring from law enforcement, I’ve been focused on building the business full-time and continuing to grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The biggest struggle has been building everything as a solo owner—balancing production, customer communication, and marketing, especially during busy seasons. I’ve also had to learn a lot through trial and error, because with custom engraving you have to get it right the first time.
On top of that, the transition from being an employee to being an entrepreneur is real. When you’re used to a steady routine and steady paycheck, stepping into a world where you have to create the structure, make the decisions, and stay motivated every day is a different kind of pressure.
And honestly, one of the most difficult parts has been finding the capital to expand. I can see the opportunities to grow—more equipment, more materials, bigger projects—but funding that growth as a small business takes time and strategy. Even with the challenges, I’ve stayed consistent, and each obstacle has pushed me to build a stronger process and deliver more reliable, high-quality work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run SWAT Laser Engraving, and I create custom engraved pieces for both individuals and businesses. A lot of my work is personal gifts, keepsakes, and items that celebrate milestones but I also work with local brands that want their products or promotional items to look professional and stand out.
I’m also a retired veteran, and a big part of what I love doing is military related work. That includes items like plaques, unit awards, and custom gifts and keepsakes for service members, veterans, and their families. Those projects mean a lot to me because they’re not just products they represent pride, sacrifice, and legacy.
I specialize in clean, detailed engraving and making the process simple for customers. Most people don’t order custom work every day, so I’m big on communication and making sure they feel confident before anything is produced. I walk people through a straightforward process: we talk about what they want, I confirm the details and provide a proof when needed, and then I produce it with a focus on quality.
I’m known for being hands-on and consistent. I’m not a big storefront operation I’m a one man business so when someone reaches out, they’re dealing directly with the person doing the work. That personal touch matters, especially with custom pieces.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built. A lot of my business comes from repeat customers and word of mouth, and that means everything to me. People come back because they know I’m going to take their project seriously and deliver something they’re proud to give or represent their brand with.
What sets me apart is the combination of quality and customer experience. I treat every order like it matters because it does and I make sure the customer feels taken care of from start to finish.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t know if I’d call myself a “risk-taker” in the typical entrepreneurial sense, and a lot of that comes from my background. With military service and law enforcement, risk looks very different. You’re trained to assess situations quickly, think about consequences, and protect people. So I don’t naturally approach things with a “just go for it” mindset I’m more calculated and intentional.
That said, I do believe in taking smart risks when it’s connected to growth. For me, risk isn’t about being reckless. It’s about doing the best planning you can, being honest about what you want, and then being willing to move even when you don’t feel 100% ready.
Starting SWAT Laser Engraving was a major risk. I invested in equipment and materials without any guarantee it would turn into real income, and I had to learn a new skill while building a business at the same time. With custom work, you’re putting your name on every piece, so there’s pressure to get it right and deliver quality consistently.
Another big risk was stepping away from being an employee and committing to entrepreneurship. When you’re used to a steady paycheck and a predictable routine, choosing a path where your income depends on your decisions and your ability to keep improving is a different kind of pressure. Even renting a workspace outside of my home was a risk because it’s an added expense but it was necessary if I wanted to grow.
The way I think about risk now is: I try to weigh the downside, prepare as much as I can, and then take the step. And I’ve learned that sometimes the bigger risk is staying comfortable and not giving yourself the chance to build what you know you’re capable of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swatlaserengraving.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swat_laser_engraving/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S.W.A.T.LaserEngraving
