The O.G. Bates Company was started in March 1946 by O.G. and his wife Ethel Bates on Texas Avenue in Lubbock, Texas. In the early 1950’s, 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 1960’s O.G. retired and Larry purchased the rest of the company and became sole owner. The company was incorporated on October 7, 1974. In July, 1975, Mark Stiff joined the company as a part-time engraver. in 1982, Mark and Larry Wells joined in a partnership that lasted until Larry’s death in July, 2002. Today, Mark is President of the company and oversees the office and sales representatives. Mark holds the Certified Advertising Specialist designation from Promotional Products Association International.
Roni Stiff joined the sales staff in April 1989. She has consistently been a part of the sales leaders for Bates-Wells, being

recognized for outstanding sales each year since she started. Today, as C.E.O., Roni not only handles multiple accounts but also works with new sales representatives as well as helps make decisions on day to day operations of the company. In 2002, Roni became the majority stockholder of Bates-Wells, Inc.. She and her husband, Mark, own 100% of the Bates-Wells, Inc. stock. Roni holds the Certified Advertising Specialist designation from Promotional Products Association International.
We added a Graphic Art Department in 2003. This department, headed by Wes Smith, has added a new dimension to our company. Not only does this department create artwork for our day-to-day orders, but we also design corporate logos, brochures, and any other art our clients might need.