EARLY LIFE
Jerry Logan was born into a modest family in Rockford, Illinois, as the second of three brothers. From a young age, he developed a deep passion for cars and automotive mechanics. His father was employed by Anheuser-Busch and drove beer delivery trucks along I-55 between Chicago and St. Louis — perhaps sparking young Jerry's interest in transportation and mechanics. Jerry also excelled in swimming during high school, earning accolades as an All American swimmer.
MILITARY SERVICE
After high school, Jerry joined the United States Marine Corps’ Aircraft Wing and was stationed at Quantico, Virginia from 1957 to 1960. His service involved hydraulic and sheet metal repair for helicopters and propeller planes, which would prove invaluable in his later career.
PROFESSIONAL BEGINNINGS
Upon leaving the military, Jerry returned to Rockford and joined Sundstrand Aviation, where he completed a four-year engineering apprenticeship. This program equipped him with design and drafting skills which would later be instrumental in his entrepreneurial ventures.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Jerry moved to Portland, Oregon in 1964, driving his cherished 1963 Corvette Sting Ray across the country. He initially worked in Freightliner’s design and development department, transitioning to Gage Industries in 1967 as its Head Design Engineer, where he specialized in molds and designs for thermoformed plastic components used in trucks.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
That same year, Jerry launched LTD Enterprises — later known as Bushwacker, Inc. — inspired by a friend's need for better mud protection on his Jeep CJ. Jerry’s innovation led to the creation and patenting of the “fender flare,” which became his company’s cornerstone product.
leadership
Under his leadership, Bushwacker grew from a one man operation to employing more than 300 at its peak. The company became renowned not only for its fender flares, but also for a variety of automotive accessories like bedrail caps, hood protectors, and mudflaps, among others, serving both aftermarket and OEM markets. After 47 years at the helm, Jerry sold the company in 2014.
personal life & hobbies
Jerry has a large family, with five children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His personal passion continues to be cars: He has built a collection of more than 100 vehicles, restoring and customizing many into award-winning hot rods and classics.
the collection
Jerry has over 100 classic cars in his collection and growing. Notable mentiones include:
1960 Cadillac Coup DeVille "Copper Caddy" — Featured on "Bitchin' Rides"
1963 Corvette Stingray "Silver Bullet"
1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350S "Logan Edition" — Featured on "MuscleCar"
1934 Ford Pickup "STAXX" — A Great 8 winner at the 2020 Detroit Autorama
1950 Chevrolet Hardtop "Vanilla Shake"
an enduring impact
Jerry’s contributions to the automotive world extend well beyond business, and into the community of classic car and hot rod enthusiasts, where he continues to participate in and win awards at various shows. His life is a testament to turning personal passions into professional success, impacting both the automotive industry and the vast community of fellow car aficionados.