By: Duane Blankenship | Category: Recreation/Leisure | Issue: June 2009
One Billiards – Gameroom Design owners Josh Holmes, Robert Romero and Mike Whitten have fun at work every day.
When entering the beautiful showroom of One Billiards – Gameroom Design, you’ll see why it is one of the fastest growing gameroom furniture stores in the Midwest. Nearly 5,000 square feet of space filled with custom-designed pool tables, bars and barstools, home theater seating, family fun games, and billiard accessories makes One Billiards an essential stop for area homeowners.
Since opening the Broken Arrow location in 2006, owners Josh Holmes, Robert Romero and Mike Whitten have earned the repeat business of happy customers across Oklahoma. Their “overnight success” included years of hard work and dedication.
Josh Holmes headed to Las Vegas after graduating from college. He was intrigued by a job opening at Bulls Eye Billiards, a small retail store. During his interview, Josh began understanding how this small store was growing into the largest billiard supply company in Vegas. The owner’s simple philosophy of carrying the highest quality pool tables, keeping costs low, and providing exceptional customer service was ingrained into Josh’s mind. He put his finance career on hold and got his feet wet in the booming billiards industry.
When Mike Whitten joined the service team in 1999, Josh had become store manager. Robert Romero joined the sales force in 2002 and was soon one of the top salespeople in the industry. By 2005, the business was one of the most successful gameroom furniture operations in the country. Olhausen Billiards, the largest manufacturer of pool tables in the world, took notice and offered Josh and his partners the Olhausen dealer agreement for Oklahoma. Within nine months, One Billiards was open for business in Broken Arrow.
Successful retail businesses begin with quality products. Olhausen pool tables are considered the best in billiards for good reason. All Olhausen pool tables are made in the United States at the state-of-the-art factory in Portland, Tennessee. They are of superb quality and value and are available in a variety of styles, finishes and sizes. Most professional tournaments are played on Olhausen tables.
The team at One Billiards focuses on educating customers about the products and helping them make selections to best meet their needs, budget and décor. The philosophy seems to be working.
Once you’ve made your purchases, outstanding customer service really kicks in for the three partners. “We’re the only owners in Tulsa that personally install everything we sell,” says Mike. Hauling 500 pounds of slate upstairs isn’t easy, but doing the installation work themselves ensures a quality job, plus great service and value to every customer, every time.
To show its appreciation, One Billiards likes to give back to its customers. They host several store events each year, including the annual customer appreciation barbecue. They also provide free pool lessons at the store and sponsor local pool leagues. Beginning this year, they will launch their Christmas gameroom giveaway program, in which a local youth center or children’s home will receive a surprise donation of a complete gameroom. If you know of a worthy location, call or stop by the store with your recommendation.
The annual Olhausen sales event will take place June 11-21 and offers the best savings opportunity of the year. Larry Olhausen, president of the company, will be on hand to meet and greet. Stop by the week before the promotion and begin planning your total gameroom package.
If you’re thinking of turning an empty gameroom into a family fun center, stop by and meet Mike, Robert and Josh at One Billiards – Gameroom Design. Visit them on the web at www.1billiards.com.
Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.
Subscribe
For Free!