Local business, R & B Fireworks, welcomes next generation
Family business success depends on the interest of future generations to carry on and prosper. In Borger, one family business is ready for its fourth generation to take a turn serving local customers.
William East, a full-time middle school student at Borger Middle School, looks forward to his time at the R & B Fireworks stand established by his great-grandmother Laverne East in the 1950s. The stand is located at the west edge of Borger on the Fritch Highway.
“Growing up here, I have seen my parents and grandparents help customers. They get to know people, and they come back year after year. It’s hard work, and I look forward to helping,” William said.
An active middle-schooler, William is a Boy Scout. He is well known among his peers and recognizable for his small stature. William is a dwarf.
“The Boy Scouts teach us values that apply to us now and throughout our lives. Honesty and hard work make most things possible. In business, you need to be honest and provide customers with the products they want,” William said. “I know that I have a lot to learn, and I am lucky to have the best teachers,” he added
“Covid kept a lot of people home last year. We look forward to seeing lots of friends and neighbors come back this year,” William said.
His parents Billie and Rebecca East, took over the business following the death of Billie’s dad Bill East about ten years ago.
The Easts look forward to William joining them at the fireworks stand.
“State law allows family members to work in the stand after they turn 12 years of age. Despite his small stature, we can accommodate William working the counter and will have help for him to reach the upper shelves,” Rebecca East said.
“We are glad that William can start helping us in the stand,” Billie East said. “He has always shown interest in the wide variety of products we have. That gives him a good base of knowledge,” he added.
“When it comes to fireworks,
safety is the most important thing. If you don’t use fireworks the right way, you can hurt yourself or start fires. We want everyone to have fun safely,” William said.
R & B Fireworks will open on June 24 and run through July 4. Regular hours are 10 am to 10 pm and later nearer July 4. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact R & B Fireworks via its Facebook page.