Origin Stories

Bandito Creative

Bandito Creative officially launched on August 31, 2024, but the wheels started turning long before that. I’m Donnie D, and I’ve been in the design and print business off and on for almost 25 years - printing everything from buttons to billboards. I thought I’d seen it all, but then in 2023, something new caught my eye: Jeeps.

On November 20, 2023, I bought my first Jeep from Tyler the Jeep Guy in Collierville, TN, and, well… let’s just say I got hooked fast. Phase 1 (and Phase 2) upgrades were done by my good friend Moose at Lunes Off-Road in Millington, TN, and I hit the trails. That’s when I discovered Jeep’s Badge of Honor program. While I really enjoyed going on adventures with friends, and earning those badges, I wasn’t about to stick them on my Jeep. There had to be a better way to display those hard-earned accomplishments.

And that’s where Bandito Creative was born—with the idea that Jeepers like me need a cooler way to showcase their Badge of Honor achievements. Our custom Jeep Badge of Honor Displays were designed to help you proudly show off your trails, without sticking anything on your Jeep.

But we’re not stopping there! At Bandito Creative, we’re all about bringing fresh, fun products to the Jeep community. From custom Badge of Honor Displays to one-of-a-kind prints that capture your favorite wheeling moments, we’re just getting started. So, keep an eye out—there’s plenty more cool gear on the way for fellow off-road enthusiasts.

Let’s take those badges, those memories, and those adventures, and make sure they have a place to shine!

Bandito

The name Bandito carries a lot of meaning for me, inspired by a very special four-legged friend: Bandit, a Pomeranian who was by my side for nearly half of his life. Bandit wasn’t mine, but during that time, he became my little buddy, sharing in countless adventures and always eager for a ride in the car.

Bandit had a personality that was larger than life—he was loyal, fiercely protective, a bit high-maintenance (in the best way), and could flip moods at the drop of a hat. One moment, he’d be barking up a storm, and the next, he’d be nudging me for attention. And boy, was he always hungry. As I spent more time with my Jeep after I bought it in 2023, I started noticing some similarities. Like Bandit, the Jeep was demanding, tough, sometimes unpredictable, and definitely needed its share of attention.

Both Bandit and the Jeep are white and brown - though the Jeep gets its brown  from dirt after a good trail run. And, of course, both came with their fair share of expenses!

Naming my Jeep Bandito just felt right. It’s a tribute to my loyal, adventurous little buddy, who loved the open road and shared my passion for the next great journey.

          

Bandit - August 16, 2010 to July 12, 2024