J-Barr
J-BARR designs, manufactures, and sells direct-to-consumer hardtop removal hoist and storage systems for Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco owners, enabling single-person hardtop removal via a modular aluminum ceiling-mounted rig with optional winch.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersGibson City, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What J-Barr does
J-BARR INC. is a privately held US manufacturer of hardtop removal hoist and storage systems for off-road vehicles with removable hardtops. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Gibson City, Illinois, the company's core products are ceiling-mounted and portable hoist systems that enable a single person to remove and safely store a vehicle hardtop overhead. The mechanical system uses an all-aluminum frame with a 7/8 inch reinforcement rod, precision water-jet cut interlocking components, industrial epoxy bonding rated at 3800 PSI, and a 1.5 inch webbing strap system rated at 900 lbs working load per strap, with optional winch (25 ft or 50 ft cable) for solo operation.
The product line covers three vehicle platforms from a single modular architecture: Jeep Wrangler (2007-present, 2-door and 4-door), Jeep Gladiator (from 2019), and Ford Bronco (from 2022). A complementary accessory portfolio includes patent-pending Lexan Door Hangs, replacement straps, fleece sleeve protectors, and gift cards. All products are manufactured locally with materials sourced within a 50-mile radius of the Gibson City headquarters, and J-BARR explicitly disclaims affiliation with Chrysler, Jeep, or FCA.
Revenue is generated entirely through direct-to-consumer e-commerce on a Shopify storefront in the United States and Canada, with no retail, dealer, or marketplace distribution. Pricing is one-time, ranging from $449.95 for a no-kit base unit to $579.95 for a complete kit with extended winch, plus accessories from $59.95 to $149.95. The company is founder-owned by Brett Petersen, operates with 1-10 employees, has no external investors or funding rounds, and markets through video content, social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo), a product recommendation quiz, and customer testimonials.
J-Barr firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- J-Barr
- Legal name
- J-BARR INC.
- Website
- https://j-barr.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- J-BARR designs, manufactures, and sells direct-to-consumer hardtop removal hoist and storage systems for Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco owners, enabling single-person hardtop removal via a modular aluminum ceiling-mounted rig with optional winch.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
J-Barr industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Aftermarket Accessories - Hardtop Removal Hoist Systems
- NAICS
- Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (441330)
- SIC
- Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Automotive Exterior Trim & Appearance Components Manufacturing (Moldings/Badges/Grilles/Chrome/Cladding) (IMACAKAE)
Keywords
Where J-Barr is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gibson City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
J-Barr business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Hardtop Removal Hoist Systems: Primary revenue from selling complete hardtop removal hoist systems. Products available in multiple configurations (no kit, partial kit, full kit with winch) priced from $449.95 to $579.95. One-time purchase model with no recurring fees.
- Accessories and Consumables: Revenue from complementary products including replacement hoist straps ($99.95), fleece sleeve protectors ($69.95), door hangs ($59.95), and gift cards ($50-$250). One-time purchase items.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | No Kit - Base unit with straps only ($449.95) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Everything but winch kit - Mounting hardware included ($499.95) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Full Kit with 25ft winch cable ($549.95) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Full Kit with 50ft winch cable ($579.95) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Replacement Hoist Straps ($99.95) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Door Hangs Set of 2 ($59.95) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ultra Soft Fleece Sleeve Protectors ($69.95) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
J-Barr product offering
Product offeringCore offering
J-BARR designs, manufactures, and sells aluminum hardtop removal hoist and storage systems for Jeep Wrangler (2007-present), Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco vehicles. The products enable single-person removal of hardtops that previously required multiple people, with ceiling-mounted or portable configurations. The company sells directly to consumers via its own Shopify storefront at prices ranging from $350 to $525, complemented by accessories such as replacement straps, fleece sleeve protectors, and patent-pending Lexan Door Hangs.
Product overview
J-BARR INC. offers a portfolio of hardtop removal hoist and storage systems for Jeep Wrangler (2007-present), Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco vehicles. The core product line consists of three main hoist systems (Wrangler, Gladiator, and Bronco), each available in multiple configurations (2-door/4-door, kitted/non-kit, various winch cable lengths). The product portfolio includes accessories such as Door Hangs for door storage, Replacement Hoist Straps, and Ultra Soft Fleece Sleeve Protectors. All products feature lightweight all-aluminum construction with black powder-coated finish, are proudly manufactured in Gibson City, Illinois using precision water jetting, and are designed for single-person operation with modular strap systems. The company was founded in 2013.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- J-BARR Jeep Wrangler Hardtop Removal Hoist and Storage System Hardtop removal hoist and storage system for Jeep Wrangler models from 2007 to present (2-door and 4-door). Lightweight all-aluminum construction with black powder-coated finish, modular strap system, and optional winch kits enabling single-person removal and overhead storage.
- J-BARR Jeep Gladiator Hardtop Removal Hoist and Storage System Hardtop removal hoist and storage system specifically for Jeep Gladiator vehicles. All-aluminum frame, black powder-coated finish, with kit and non-kit configurations to address heavy hardtop removal on the Gladiator platform.
- J-BARR Ford Bronco Hardtop Removal Hoist and Storage System Hardtop removal hoist and storage system for Ford Bronco 2-door and 4-door models. Lightweight all-aluminum construction with black powder-coated finish and modular strap system for easy adjustment.
- J-BARR Door Hangs (Set of 2) Door storage accessory made of 100% Lexan plastic (bulletproof glass material) with a patent-pending design. Enables hanging Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator doors either traditionally or using the window sill lip to reduce strain and paint scratch risk.
- J-BARR Replacement Hoist Straps Replacement straps for existing J-BARR hardtop removal systems, compatible with 2-door and 4-door Wrangler, Gladiator, and Bronco models. 1.5-inch webbing rated at 900 lbs working load with box stitching.
- J-BARR Ultra Soft Fleece Sleeve Protectors Padded micro-fleece rail guard sleeves with 1/2 inch foam padding on underside to prevent the J-BARR frame from touching the hardtop. Attaches with heavy duty industrial velcro, sold as a set of 2, and compatible with all current and original J-BARR units.
- J-BARR INC. Gift Card J-BARR INC. gift cards offered in $50, $100, and $250 denominations that can be redeemed toward products and accessories on the J-BARR storefront.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduces hardtop removal from 4-person job to 1-person operation
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use J-Barr
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
J-Barr technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
J-Barr partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
J-Barr competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Harken: Manufacturer of hoists, winches, and mechanical advantage systems primarily for marine and industrial applications. Comparable as a hoist technology peer whose engineering principles inform aftermarket vehicle hoist systems.
- Rugged Ridge: Omix-ADA-owned brand offering a wide range of Jeep-specific accessories, exterior parts, and recovery gear. Comparable as a Jeep-focused aftermarket accessory brand competing for the same enthusiast customer base.
- Quadratec: Major specialty retailer and brand of Jeep parts and accessories. While primarily a retailer, Quadratec also sells branded accessories and represents the broader Jeep aftermarket ecosystem J-Barr competes within for consumer mindshare.
- Smittybilt: Long-standing off-road and Jeep aftermarket accessories brand with broad product portfolio including bumpers, winches, and tops. Comparable as an established Jeep accessory competitor with retail and online distribution.
- Omix-ADA: Largest independent manufacturer of replacement parts and accessories for Jeep vehicles. Comparable as a Jeep aftermarket manufacturing peer that scales accessory design, sourcing, and distribution across a much broader catalog.
- Bestop: Established Jeep aftermarket brand offering soft tops, replacement tops, and accessories. While Bestop does not specialize in hoist systems, it competes for share of the Jeep owner's accessory wallet and benefits from much broader retail distribution.
- DV8 Offroad: Jeep and off-road aftermarket brand offering bumpers, lighting, and exterior accessories. Comparable as a Jeep-focused aftermarket competitor targeting the same enthusiast segment with broader product lines.
Direct peers
- Lange Originals: Direct competitor in the Jeep hardtop removal hoist category with their Hoist-a-Top product line. Lange serves the same Wrangler and Gladiator customer base with similar ceiling-mounted hoist systems, making them the most direct comparable in product and target market.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
J-Barr social profiles
Digital presenceJ-Barr financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
J-Barr leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
J-Barr funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
J-Barr M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about J-Barr
What does J-Barr do?
J-BARR designs, manufactures, and sells aluminum hardtop removal hoist and storage systems for Jeep Wrangler (2007-present), Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco vehicles. The products enable single-person removal of hardtops that previously required multiple people, with ceiling-mounted or portable configurations. The company sells directly to consumers via its own Shopify storefront at prices ranging from $350 to $525, complemented by accessories such as replacement straps, fleece sleeve protectors, and patent-pending Lexan Door Hangs.
Is J-Barr a public or private company?
J-Barr is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was J-Barr founded?
J-Barr was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is J-Barr based?
J-Barr is headquartered in Gibson City, United States, in the North America region.
How does J-Barr make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hardtop Removal Hoist Systems are the primary driver. The others are accessories and Consumables.
Who are J-Barr's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Harken, Rugged Ridge, Quadratec, Smittybilt, Omix-ADA, Bestop and DV8 Offroad. Lange Originals is listed as a direct peer.
Does J-Barr have an API?
No public API is recorded for J-Barr.
What industry is J-Barr in?
J-Barr's product category is Automotive Aftermarket Accessories - Hardtop Removal Hoist Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAKAE, Automotive Exterior Trim & Appearance Components Manufacturing (Moldings/Badges/Grilles/Chrome/Cladding). Its NAICS code is 441330 and its SIC code is 3714.