Celebrating 25 years in Scottsdale, the John Brooks team reflects on its accomplishments and looks ahead to the future.
The John Brooks team, including, from left, vice president Ben Menke, founder-owner Art Ellsworth and founder-owner Marvin Wilkinson
John Brooks is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 25 years in Scottsdale. Led by founder-owners Art Ellsworth and Marvin Wilkinson, and vice president Ben Menke, the company, which first opened its doors in Denver in 1993, has grown from a modest 2,000-square-foot showroom with a single employee to a prominent design powerhouse with five showrooms and a dedicated team of 24.
A peek at the Holly Hunt gallery at John Brooks
With locations in Aspen, Denver, Bozeman, Salt Lake City and Scottsdale, the latter is considered the brand’s flagship. “Besides being the largest of our five showrooms, Scottsdale is where most of our behind-the-scenes work happens, like order processing, sampling and marketing,” says Menke. Since opening in 1999, the Scottsdale showroom has expanded from 4,000 square feet to over 36,000 square feet, incorporating a range of exclusive brands such as Holly Hunt, Phillip Jeffries, Pierre Frey and Clarence House. “This remarkable growth transcends the concept of mere evolution,” Menke explains. “It’s intriguing to reflect that while much of what we do remains rooted in our original mission, the scale and scope of our operations have transformed beyond recognition. We embrace and encourage change, and often, we are the ones responsible for it.”
John Brooks’ recent innovations include exciting new brands and a showroom refresh featuring Troscan and Studio Art. Wilkinson explains their selection process: “It really takes an educated and discerning eye to confidently decide what works best for our client,” he shares. “Combined with a little bit of luck, and trusting our intuition and dreams, we have been able to provide our clients with access to the industry’s leading brands in one place,” adds Menke. “Most importantly it is a group decision. Every person at John Brooks adds their own taste, experience and personal feeling to help with the onboarding process, and, in some cases off-boarding. At this point, we have traveled with most of our staff around the world one time or two, or twelve, so their insight and knowledge is paramount to adding new partnerships, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”
A Vladimir Kagan vignette
Another fresh addition to John Brooks’ repertoire is JB Studio. “Though connected to John Brooks, JB Studio operates as a distinct space with its own access,” Wilkinson explains. “Here, you’ll find a rotating selection of items we’ve gathered from years of travel, including vintage Angelo Donghia chandeliers from Murano and contemporary Mexican onyx accessories.” The evolving showcase is a perfect stop for designers and clients looking for a project’s finishing touches. “While our primary focus is serving design clients, we are also happy to assist walk-in customers, who are sold items at retail prices,” Wilkinson adds.
Clients not in close proximity to a John Brooks location are in luck: The company takes its wares on road trips to places like Sun Valley, Santa Fe, Jackson and more. “These clients are exceptional—some of the most talented, yet humble designers in the country,” says Menke. “They possess a unique blend of laid-back charm and sharp expertise.” Adds Ellsworth, “Over the years, building relationships with these designers has made us feel at home wherever we go.”
With its own access and cash-and-carry items on display, JB Studio offers a rotating selection of unique items the team discovered while traveling.
With a legacy of passion, dedication and design excellence, John Brooks is poised for a bright future, continuing to inspire and create exceptional spaces for years to come. johnbrooksinc.com
