Navy veteran leverages military experience with two Color Me Mine locations

Jason Stucky joined the Navy when he was just 19 years old. Today, he’s leveraged his military experience to become a successful business owner, operating two Color Me Mine franchises in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Stucky was stationed at the China Lake Naval Base in California following his enlistment.

“I learned about discipline, resilience and how to adapt,” he said.

Stucky met his life partner during his time in the Navy, which coincided with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era. That forced him to keep his LGBTQ+ identity a secret, which Stucky said he did.

After transitioning to civilian life following his honorable discharge, Stucky began a 13-year career with Petco in San Diego, where he climbed the corporate ladder even as he and his partner began raising their two children.

“Petco gave me a solid business foundation,” he said. “But, I wanted to have the ability to make decisions in line with my values and be present for my kids.”

That desire led Stucky and his family to relocate to Geneva, Illinois. They soon discovered the paint-your-own pottery studio Color Me Mine. Guests can choose from a variety of unpainted ceramic pieces – everything from plates to mugs and bowls to figurines. The selections can then be personalized with each guest’s own designs and colors.

“It allows you to tap into your own creativity,” he said.

Stucky went from being a customer to co-manager at the Geneva location.

“I learned about the business model and the day-to-day operations,” he said. “Then I was given the opportunity to buy the studio.”

Stucky and his partner weighed the options and soon came to the decision that the opportunity was too good to pass up. They took a leap of faith and Stucky used his 401K to turn his dream of business ownership into reality.

“Buying the Geneva studio gave me the opportunity to apply everything I’d learned in the Navy and at Petco, with the benefit of creative freedom.”

Stucky began events like BYOB nights and painting with a sloth Under Jason’s ownership, the Geneva studio grew. He introduced innovative events like BYOB nights and painting with a sloth while remaining committed to both his employees and ensuring the best possible experience for his customers.

His ambitions didn’t end in Geneva, however.  In 2021, Stucky purchased a second Color Me Mine studio in Glenview. At both locations, he focuses on providing the best possible customer experience while remaining committed to his employees.

“My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued,” he said.

Stucky said he’s learned something new in every step he’s taken along his entrepreneurial path.

“Whether it was in the Navy, at Petco or with Color Me Mine, each step has contributed to my growth as a person and business owner.”

To learn more about Color Me Mine franchising opportunities, visit here.

R each Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .