Navy veteran John Ray was looking for small business opportunities to be a part of while also continuing to serve as a lawyer in Maryland.
After graduating from Widener University in Pennsylvania with a law degree, Ray began his career as a trial lawyer in the Navy where he worked on cases all over the world, including Cuba, Iceland, and the Bahamas.
“I went into the Navy because I wanted to serve my country,” he said. “That was important to me.”
Four years later, he retired from the military and continued his career as a trial lawyer in Maryland. Ray said in the military, lawyers start off as trial attorneys but as one continues to serve, they eventually get taken out of the courtroom to do other work such as being a lawyer for a ship command or submarine command.
Being a lawyer though wasn’t enough for Ray. He wanted to dip his foot in the water as a business owner.
After extensive research on opportunities, Ray and his wife, Patty, opened their first Batteries Plus location in California in February 2018.
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Founded in 1988 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus has become the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, and smartphone/tablet repair company.
“This company attracted me because its focus is helping those in need,” he said. “People come to us for needs, especially in COVID times where school kids and teachers need electronics to get through school.”
Ray and his wife will be opening a second Batteries Plus store in Frederick, Maryland on March 21 at 118 West Dares Beach Road.
Ray said southern Maryland does not have a place that provides the services that Batteries Plus does.
“We have an experienced management team that can offer key fob services, phone repair, as well as expert battery recommendations. Our team will provide a convenient and enjoyable experience for our customers,” he said.
Although Ray didn’t know much about electronics when opening his first store, he said the company gave a 3-week training and there is constant remote training to keep owners’ knowledge sharp.
“Being the owner of the California Batteries Plus was a great experience, so I wanted to continue growing as a businessman as well as continuing to help others,” he said.
After getting the southern Maryland store opened, he plans to continue opening more.
“Maybe in two or three years I’ll be ready to open another store,” he said. “So when you hear that I’m opening another one, you shouldn’t be surprised.”