CustomOut Smokes is more than just a dispensary — it's the product of decades of entrepreneurial grit, hustle, and evolution.
It all began in 1996, when founder William launched an online music store that quickly became the nation's leading distributor of cassette tapes to prison systems across the U.S. From there, he pivoted into the commercial tax industry in 2007, opening five successful locations across Brooklyn, NY. But like any true entrepreneur, William knew when it was time to adapt.
When the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how Americans handled their taxes, William recognized the shift to digital convenience. With fewer people walking into tax offices and more filing from home, he began scaling back brick-and-mortar operations and repurposing his resources. That pivot gave rise to a new venture: garment decoration — including DTF, DTG, and embroidery — and educating aspiring business owners on how to launch their own tax firms.
Then came March 2021, when marijuana was officially legalized in New York. While many rushed to open unlicensed smoke shops, William’s experience in the underground cannabis scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s taught him patience, discipline, and strategy. He waited for the right time and the right approach.
With over two decades of experience across marketing, finance, and product-based businesses, William brought everything full circle with CustomOut Smokes, a Legal THCa online dispensary launched in April. Backed by sister brands CustomOut Tees and CustomOut Pack N Ship, our mission is to deliver premium products with professionalism, creativity, and community-rooted service.
Custom Out is not just a brand — it’s a lifestyle built on legacy.