About Bates-Wells Advertising

The O. G. Bates Company was started in March 1946 by O. G. Bates and his wife Ethel Bates on Texas Avenue in Lubbock, Texas. In the early 1950s, Larry Wells, stepson of O. G. and son of Ethel, joined the company. This was the beginning of what was to soon become the Bates-Wells Company.

In the early 1960s, O. G. retired and Larry purchased the balance of the company and became the sole owner. The company was incorporated on October 7, 1974. In July of 1975, Mark Stiff joined the company as a part-time engraver while he was a college student at Texas Tech University. In 1977, he started in sales and in 1982, Mark and Larry joined in a partnership that lasted until Larry’s death in July 2002. Today, Mark is Vice President of the company.  He holds the Master Advertising Specialist designation from Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).

Roni Stiff joined the sales staff in April 1989. She has been recognized for outstanding leadership each year since she started. Today, as President and CEO, Roni not only handles multiple accounts, but also works with new sales representatives and helps make decisions on day-to-day operations of the company. In 2002, Roni became the majority stockholder of Bates-Wells, Inc. She holds the Master Advertising Specialist designation from Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).

Bates-Wells is truly a family operated business, Roni and Mark’s daughters are both involved in the company. Britt is the Vice President and runs all of the day-to-day operations.

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary in business, we want to thank all of our loyal customers and sales representatives for your part in making Bates-Wells the success we are today.

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