Brooks Wells was born and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska in the North Western United States of America. As a child, Brook knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps closely, and become an NAIA and Division II Basketball Referee. In time, Brooks and his younger brother Kirby joined their father’s business as Basketball game officials. Brooks Wells began officiating as a high school senior. He quickly fell in love with the job and has continued to follow his passion ever since.
After high school, Brooks Wells attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. There he earned his bachelor’s degree. As a student, he served as a manager and bullpen catcher for the Husker Baseball team. This experience inspired him to branch into numerous business ventures.
At this time, he is an experienced game official, an entrepreneur in the online retail sales environment, and he will be branching out into a lawn care business soon. In Spring 2019, Brooks Wells will be launching Major League Lawn Care, providing exceptional lawn care services to the Grand Island community.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I started working as a referee in high school, inspired by my father who was a referee for over 38 years. This is how I got into the sports side of my business ventures. As for Major League Lawn Care, I worked various odd jobs, helping with landscaping and installing sprinklers. I decided to create Major League Lawn Care to offer the Grand Island citizens a high-quality service based on years of education and experience.
How do you make money?
I sell reffing gear online through Charlee’s Ref Gear. Like any retail environment, when customers visit my website, they exchange payment for the products. Once I launch Major League Lawn Care, there will be an exchange of services for payment. With that new venture, it will be an adjustment that I am looking forward to engaging.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Every entrepreneur experiences doubt. For me, it wasn’t a doubt that the opportunities were right, but in my patience to see the results I wanted. As an active individual, it is important to me to see the results and that comes in time with any and all companies. I did find myself happy with what I learned through experience with Charlee’s Ref Gear. It has really honed my ability to continue to grow and expand into this new venture with Major League Lawn Care.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Word of mouth is the most powerful method of developing new customers. Besides that, we have found that a variety of online promotions will also boost your visibility and increase your sales. When people know you’re providing quality goods at prices they can afford they flock to your store. Charlee’s Ref Gear has been no exception to that.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
When you’re preparing to open a new company there are a lot of tough choices. With Major League Lawn Care there have been numerous concerns that surfaced, but all are what you would expect with opening a new company. In this case, one of the tough ones was creating the website, which is crucial for any company even if it is only local. I wanted to make sure it included important elements to help convey our message and goals to possible clients who surfed in through whatever means.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My dedication to the people who work with me makes success possible. My willingness to work hard and learn from those who know more than I do also fuels my drive to succeed no matter what venture I’m in. Customers are crucial to all of my businesses so I make the time to create connections and relationships instead of just introductions and sales. Together, all of these components create the avenues of success.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future is bright for both Charlee’s Ref Gear and Major League Lawn Care. We are going to continue to grow and expand our reach to new avenues, markets, and opportunities. As we develop our customers and lay out our plans, we will see things come together effectively for everyone. In the next several years we will see a solid customer base that will be valued for years to come.
What business books have inspired you?
Good question. I can’t think of a specific business book, but I do think everyone should always be reading and developing their knowledge base. As far as inspirational books, I would suggest, No Promises in the Wind by Ms. Irene Hunt. When I was a child my father took the time to read this story to me. It is inspirational and shows you the importance of never giving up on yourself or your loved ones. Truly, it is a book everyone should read in their lifetime.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to begin their own business?
You should focus on providing superior customer service, as this will develop life long bonds that will carry your company forward. Make sure you’re following something you’re passionate about or you won’t have the staying power to continue to grow a business into the success you imagine it to be. Also, be honest with yourself every step of the way. Really, be honest with everyone around you as well. It’s important to enjoy what you are doing, but also important to know yourself and your own limitations as they may come to be. Honesty allows you to improve and grow yourself, your company, and help those around you.