Support RT Custer’s Recovery & the Custer Family

On June 30, my dear friend RT Custer - partner to Lindsay, father to two young boys (Sawyer, 8, and Wesley, 6), and the founder of Vortic Watch Company - suffered a massive stroke while on a business trip in Detroit. At only 34 years old, with no prior health conditions, the news was shocking and devastating.

By an incredible stroke of luck, RT collapsed just minutes from a Level 1 trauma center with world-class neurosurgeons. Quick-thinking hotel staff recognized stroke symptoms and called 911. RT was rushed by ambulance, given clot-busting medication, and underwent emergency neurosurgery to remove a clot blocking over 90% of his right cerebral artery. Doctors told the family that if this had happened at home in Fort Collins, where that level of care isn’t available, the outcome could have been very different.

RT spent 10 days hospitalized in Detroit and another 10 days in rehabilitation back in Colorado, relearning how to walk and manage daily life. While he is expected to make a full recovery, neurological healing takes years. Doctors estimate at least 12 months before he can even consider working again, and 2–3 years before he can return to the intense demands of running his company.

In the meantime, his partner Lindsay has stepped in as Interim CEO of Vortic Watch Company to carry forward the business RT has poured his life into. Like many entrepreneurs, RT personally guaranteed the company’s debt, so their family’s financial future is intertwined with the business. Alongside keeping Vortic afloat, Lindsay is navigating mounting medical bills and loss of income for both herself and RT, all while caring for their two boys and supporting RT’s recovery. She's had incredible support from both her own and RT's family, but resources are quickly being exhausted.

So many people have asked how they can help. This fund is one way. Your support will go directly toward:

This family has poured their heart into American entrepreneurship, the kind that stands for resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Now, it’s our turn to be their community.

If you know RT, you know his passion for American manufacturing and entrepreneurship. If you know Lindsay, you know her strength, optimism, and ability to carry this forward with grace and a calm nervous system no matter how hard the road gets (and we're going to help make it less hard!)

Please consider donating if you are able. If not, you can still help by sharing this page with your network, sending encouragement, or simply keeping the Custer family in your thoughts and prayers.

With love and gratitude,

Sierra (COO of Lindsay's business)