Batteries Plus Franchisee Dustin Brooks Thrilled to Continue Serving Customers During Challenging Times

Dustin Brooks has been with Batteries Plus for nearly 20 years.

His journey with the battery, bulb and device repair franchise began in 2002 when he worked as a manager and commercial sales representative in a store in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area. He then managed multiple stores before leading a region of twelve throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Brooks switched to franchise life in 2018 when he purchased two Batteries Plus locations in the Twin Cities area: one in the city of Apple Valley and the other in nearby Eagan.

So what has kept Brooks attached to the brand all these years?

“We solve problems,” he said. “Customers come into our stores because something isn’t working, and 99.99% of the time they leave satisfied and happy with the solution they were looking for. That ability to help them solve their issues gets in your blood.”

Brooks is especially thrilled to continue serving his community during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the Twin Cities area is a hub for medical technology. His stores have sold a variety of medical-related items to local hospitals and medical manufacturing companies, such as batteries for contactless thermometers. Not only do his stores remain open, but they remain open with normal hours of operation rather than shortened ones.

“We found it was important to be open for as long as possible so that customers could come when it was convenient for them, and they’ve been very appreciative,” he said. “My stores have also been very busy helping households prepare for all of the things they need to do at home. We’ve sold batteries for computers, toys and more. The list goes on and on.”

Should customers choose to enter one of Brooks’ stores, they’ll find that all of the appropriate protective measures have been put in place, including sneeze guards. His locations also offer curbside, contactless pickup.

“We’re prepared to handle customers safely in any way they choose at a safe distance,” he said. “Customer feedback has all been very, very positive. They keep saying ‘Thanks for being open.’”

Brooks appreciates the help and support he’s received from the Batteries Plus leadership team.

“They’ve been fantastic,” he said. “Franchisees get continual communication from CEO Scott Williams, which is important in a time like this. We also get regional data and communication. The leadership team has also reduced marketing expenditures for the franchisees and negotiated extended terms with vendors on our behalf. This helps us to continue serving our customers.”

The Batteries Plus leadership team is likewise thrilled to have franchisees like Brooks on board, especially at this time. The entire franchise system, which comprises more than 720 units nationwide, rolled out curbside operations for all products and services within just two days in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The individuals who make up the network are all passionate about helping both retail and commercial customers keep their devices running during this critical period.

“Dustin has always been a paragon of customer service,” Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President of Franchise Development Jon Sica said. “Historically, he’s one of our best franchise owners in his area. Thanks to his background as a store associate and manager, he knows what it takes to make a sale on both the retail and commercial sides.”

This expert knowledge and high level of customer services are exactly what keep customers coming back to Batteries Plus.

“Customers come to Batteries Plus because they trust us to be safe and fast,” Sica said. “They also don’t feel intimidated the way they might at a big box store. Our expertise assures customers that they won’t be making a wasted trip.”

By offering essential products that are needed in any economic climate, Batteries Plus proves its value as an essential service to customers and as a valuable business opportunity to franchisees like Brooks.

The startup costs for a Batteries Plus franchise range from $201,450  to $385,230. The franchise fee is $37,500. To learn more about franchising with Batteries Plus, visit https://batteriesplusfranchise.com/.