The Texas Gadget Company is more than just a store. It’s the embodiment of the Lavengco family’s love for the outdoors, their commitment to family, and their passion for serving the community they call home.
For Michael Lavengco, the Texas Gadget Company is the culmination of a lifelong dream. After a 40-year career in corporate America, primarily in the waste industry, Michael yearned to immerse himself in his true passions: hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. This aspiration found fertile ground in Dripping Springs, where the area’s natural beauty and strong sense of community aligned perfectly with his vision.
The journey began during a duck hunting trip to Oklahoma, where Michael and his sons connected with J.P. Hewitt, owner of the original Gadget Company in Tulsa. This meeting ignited the vision of establishing a similar venture in Texas. After years of planning and securing the ideal location just off Highway 290, the Texas Gadget Company opened its doors, bringing a unique blend of high-quality outdoor gear and familial warmth to Dripping Springs.
Choosing Dripping Springs wasn’t just practical; it was personal. We know it as the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” The Hill Country’s wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities—hunting, fishing, hiking—created the ideal backdrop for a business centered on nature and adventure.
“Visiting the Tulsa store, I loved their vibe. It was comfortable; it felt familiar,” Michael’s wife, Cheryl, shares. “The feeling when you go into a store and don’t want to leave—that’s what we wanted.”
The Texas Gadget Company is undeniably a family affair. Cheryl, Michael, and their children, McKenzie, Michael II, and John Matt, have all been integral to the store’s development. From early childhood, the Lavengco kids were immersed in outdoor activities, fostering a love for nature that now drives the business.
“Family is so important,” John Matt shares. “I learned a lot from my dad. Being picked up from school early to go on hunting trips is a memory I’ll always cherish.”
John Matt’s journey is particularly noteworthy. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2023, he gained valuable retail experience at the Tulsa store, which not only prepared him for the Dripping Springs venture but also sparked a newfound passion for fly fishing. His enthusiasm has influenced the store’s offerings, ensuring that customers receive knowledgeable advice and access to premium products.
The carefully curated product selection reflects the Lavengcos’ dedication to outdoor pursuits. The store offers a wide range of high-quality hunting and fishing gear, knives, tools, apparel, luggage, and accessories from reputable brands such as SITKA Gear, Orvis, and Yeti. “The products we choose for the store are quality—they are meant to last through the generations,” Michael explains. “I was the customer. I’ve used and appreciated these through my personal outdoor adventures, and I wanted to share these brands I trust with our customers.”
Texas Gadget Company is about more than selling gear; it’s about creating connections. “There was a need for this type of premium outdoor outfitter in this community, without having to venture into the big city or big-box store,” Michael notes. “We are different—a concierge of sorts. We want to hear about your adventures, help you find the best product, and make you feel like family.”
Customers feel this connection immediately. Within moments of stepping into the store, new visitors often express their excitement: “This is dangerous,” laughs a new customer.
“I will definitely be back,” adds another. “I could do some damage in here!”
“When you come in the door, it’s like a welcome to our home,” Michael shares. At the heart of this welcoming atmosphere is River, the family’s high-energy hunting dog. “As with everything else, River is a big part of our family,” Michael says. “He symbolizes family for us.”
At its core, the Texas Gadget Company is about fostering community connections. The Lavengcos believe the outdoors serves as a unifying force, bringing people together to create lasting memories. Their store isn’t just a retail space; it’s a gathering place where stories are shared and relationships are built.
As the Texas Gadget Company continues to grow, the Lavengco family remains committed to their founding principles: a love for the outdoors, dedication to family, and a deep respect for the community.
In a world that often feels disconnected, the Texas Gadget Company offers a sense of connection through its love of nature. By bringing people together with a shared adoration for the outdoors, it reminds us that home isn’t just a place—it’s where you’re surrounded by those you love.
TexasGadgetCompany.com | @texasgadgetco