Company History

The company was founded in 1978 as a sole proprietorship operating in Mountain View, Arkansas as The Entertainer Audio-Video Center, owned and operated by Jim and Joyce Wait. It was originally a retail electronics and music store with a diverse product line including such “cutting edge” products as VCRs and cassette tape players, as well as a full line of televisions and musical instruments.

In 1980, the Wait’s decided to pursue other interests and sold the TV portion of their business to Gerald Brewer, an employee of the business, who renamed it Brewer’s TV. Brewer successfully continued operations in television sales and service until 1998. During his ownership, many technological advances were made, including the advent of home satellite reception. Brewer’s technical expertise, combined with a market area where television reception via conventional antenna was normally unsatisfactory, contributed to the steady, profitable growth of the business.

An unusual series of events resulted in the sale of Brewer’s TV and Satellite, as it had become known, back to Jim and Joyce Wait, the original owners. The transfer of ownership was effective on June 1, 1998 with the name of the business being changed to J & J Satellite & Communications.

The introduction of less expensive satellite receiving equipment that utilized a small stationary dish had begun to bring increased sales even before the change in ownership. The incredible timing of this new technology, coupled with aggressive marketing techniques and enhanced product offerings, resulted in explosive growth almost immediately.

In August of 1998, J & J Satellite entered into an agency agreement with Southwestern Bell Wireless (now known as AT&T Mobility) to market their products and services. In October of that year, a second store was opened in Melbourne, AR. That location was also immediately profitable.

The company was incorporated in Arkansas in April of 1999, as Wait Enterprises, Inc.. A third store was added in April, 2000 at Batesville. In July, 2001, a franchise agreement was reached and the Melbourne store became a Radio Shack Authorized Dealer. Then, in May 2003 the Mountain View Radio Shack franchise was purchased and merged with the existing satellite TV and wireless phone operation. In April 2008 the Batesville location was sold in order to allow the company to focus on its Radio Shack business. Wait Enterprises, Inc. continues to explore opportunities for healthy, profitable growth.