Great Fathers, Great Entrepreneurs

The Story of Jake Boyd, Brandon Gray, & The Birth of Southern Comfort Shuttle

Jake Boyd and Brandon Gray have proven that you can be both a great father and a great entrepreneur. These two men invest in their children, their families, their careers, and now, their business.

Jake Boyd was born in Denison, Texas, and raised just across the Red River in Durant, Oklahoma. He graduated from Durant High School and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. “During my childhood, I was active in football, basketball, and baseball. I have one sibling, a sister. I also hold a master’s degree in criminal justice,” Jake says. “I met my wife at Durant High School; she was a cheerleader, and I was a jock, embodying a classic first love story. We’ve been married for 12 years but have been together for 20 years.”

Today, Jake and his wife have two beautiful daughters: Dallas Layn Boyd, ten years old, and Drue Love Boyd, eight years old. Dallas is a Texas State Champion Gymnast, and Drue is a tumbling beauty queen. Looking back at the first time Jake became a father, he says, “Becoming a father has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Bringing a new life into the world and falling in love with my child almost instantly is a feeling beyond words. My precious little ones represent everything that is beautiful and pure, and I would do anything to protect and care for them. Every day, I strive to be a loving and responsible father, hoping they will continue to be the light of my life as they grow and discover the world around them.”

Jake’s father was somewhat present in his life growing up, but his stepfather played an active role. “My stepfather passed down many admirable qualities, including leadership, integrity, and wisdom. He instilled in me essential values, teaching me what it means to be a man, to embrace humility, and to never forget where I came from,” Jake says.

Speaking of essential values, Jake firmly believes in fully engaging in your children’s lives, as a father’s love and support play a vital role in their development. Jakes encourages fathers to demonstrate unconditional love and prioritize God in their family life. “Teach them the significance of loving and respecting others. By embodying these values, you’ll help nurture compassionate and resilient individuals who appreciate the importance of faith and love. Encourage them and set a positive example for them to follow. Maintain open communication and remind them that life will present many trials and tribulations. Still, these experiences will shape their character and help them grow into who they are meant to be,” Jake says. “Lastly, strive to be a good father and a good person. Each day, wake up and thank God for your blessings, and commit to being better today than you were yesterday.”

Brandon Gray moved to New Boston, Texas, when he was ten years old. His father worked for the prison system and was promoted to major in the Telford unit in 1999. “We actually lived on the prison farm in New Boston and had a ton of land and ponds to fish. I had two little brothers with me in New Boston, and we would ride four-wheelers and bikes and play out in the yard. I also have two sisters who lived with my mom growing up. I have always loved sports and played baseball since I was five. Once I got into middle school, I played football, ran track, and played baseball. I attended New Boston High School, where I graduated in 2007, and lettered in baseball, football, track, and golf. I also met my wife, Courtney, in high school! We started dating in 2005 and have been together ever since. We celebrate 15 years of marriage now,” Brandon says.

When it came to Brandon’s father, he was military and very tough, but he taught Brandon a lot about manners and respect. He even passed on a love for fishing and sports to Brandon. “My father always would build me up and make me feel like I was the best person on the planet! Unfortunately, he passed in November 2023 and is very missed!” Brandon says.

Today, Brandon has three beautiful children: Landon Gray (14), Jaxon Gray (10), and Anna Claire (8). Landon attends Pleasant Grove Middle School and is in the eighth grade. He plays football, throws the shotput in track, and plays the trumpet in the middle school band. Jaxon is in fourth grade at Pleasant Grove Intermediate School and plays travel baseball for the Border City Backs. He also plays league baseball here in Texarkana and plays basketball and football for PGYS. Anna Claire is in the second grade at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. She dances at BC Dance and cheers at Twin City Cheer & Gymnastics.

“I had my first son when I was 22, and it was a very overwhelming yet rewarding experience. I had no idea how to be a father, but I knew I loved him and wanted the best for him! I have always prided myself on being an active father in my kids’ lives, and I try always to make sure they know Dad will be there and that they are loved!” Brandon says.

Brandon’s advice for younger fathers includes always being present. He says, “Kids typically won’t remember gifts and money, but they will remember all the times you showed up and were there for them!”

These two great fathers would soon become great entrepreneurs. In 2018, the two fathers met after becoming friends while coaching their kids’ tee ball team. “The idea for our business emerged around 2021 when we frequently utilized a local party bus company. We loved the concept, and when we learned the company was for sale, we were both eager to pursue ownership. However, the price was beyond our budget at the time. Fast forward to 2024, and a new opportunity presented itself. We recognized that Texarkana needed a party bus, and we were determined to be the ones to bring it to town,” Jake says.

The idea was born, and the two purchased a bus; however, the business needed a name. “Interestingly, the name of our business was conceived on our way home from purchasing the bus in San Antonio, Texas,” Brandon says. “During the seven-hour drive back in a snowstorm, dealing with a single headlight and failing windshield wipers, we began brainstorming names. Our Southern roots influenced our decision, and we wanted it to reflect a fun and comfortable transportation experience for everyone.”

Southern Comfort Shuttle was born, and it does not disappoint in terms of comfort. It has plush leather and upholstered seats with ample space for large groups. Its convertible seating arrangement allows for maximized socialization. The shuttle has a high-quality sound system to which you can Bluetooth your favorite jams, a flat-screen television, ambient LED lights, strobe and disco lights, and accent lights to set the perfect party mood.

There is a dance floor to move and groove on, a cooler to store drinks, and plenty of wi-fi access. These amenities make the Southern Comfort Shuttle ideal for various events, allowing passengers to enjoy a lively and engaging experience while traveling to their destination. “Our bus is available for various purposes and events, making it a versatile choice for group transportation. All ages are welcome. Some popular uses would be for weddings, Prom and high school events, birthday parties, concerts and festivals, bar hopping, bachelor and bachelorette parties, family reunions and sporting events,” Jake says. “There is no set distance that we are unwilling to take our passengers. The most common areas in the four states are Dallas, Texas, Shreveport, Louisiana, Hochatown, Oklahoma, Little Rock, Arkansas, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and other surrounding areas.”

If you want to book the Southern Comfort Shuttle, you can find them on their Facebook page or contact them by phone for reservations.

“The main goal of Southern Comfort Shuttle is to offer you and your group a fun and enjoyable transportation experience. We prioritize you arriving at your destination safely, allowing you to fully enjoy your time without the stress of driving, especially after indulging in drinks. We aim to provide a worry-free service that lets you focus on making great memories while we take care of your transportation needs. Overall, Southern Comfort Shuttle is dedicated to providing an exceptional transportation experience that promotes safety, comfort, and enjoyment. We’re here to ensure that your journey is just as memorable as your destination!” Brandon says.