30 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE Among his other ventures, Mr. Wells became a franchisee for Blockbuster Video, opening stores in Huntington, West Virginia, and in Ashland and Pikeville, Kentucky. During this time, he also obtained his IFR Pilots License and became an aerobatic pilot. When he sold his Blockbuster Video stores, he returned to the real estate industry, constructing several commercial buildings, including three 4,400-square-foot stores, which he leased to AT&T Wireless. Alongside these endeavors, Mr. Wells founded Gemini Investments Inc. in 1995, a company he led until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Wells considers his most notable achievement to be the friendships he has cultivated throughout his career. Many of his former peers and employees have established their own offices, and he remains friends with those he worked with over 50 years ago. Looking to the future, he plans to enjoy his retirement and continue his support of charitable initiatives. After joining the United States Army at 18 years old, James Wells was accepted into the White House Army Signal Agency, where he encoded topsecret messages for former Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy. Following his service, he joined the Kentucky State Police, where he became one of the first Kentucky State Police undercover narcotics detectives. Mr. Wells was later inspired by his father to obtain his broker’s license and launch a company. Working alongside his father, he established James R. Wells Realty, which became one of the largest regional real estate firms. He also served as the local board president and director for the Kentucky Association of Realtors. After seven successful years, Mr. Wells moved to Florida, sold his company and became the president of Foster Pate Realty. He then served as the president of Florida Home Finders, with offices from Ocala to Miami, managing over 10,000 homes. Later, he developed a wholesale car business focused on buying and selling cars at dealer-only auctions. While in Florida, Mr. Wells’ wife, Brenda, applied to enter the McDonald’s owner franchise program. They ultimately opened six stores in Coral Springs, Florida, which they operated for 20 years until her retirement. JAMES WELLS FOUNDER (RETIRED) Gemini Investments Inc. Lake Wylie, SC
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