Meet Bret Wells | Small business owner and Industrial QC inspector

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bret Wells and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bret, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Gadget Designworks didn’t originally start off as a business, it started as an interest in the technology to create. During the beginning of the pandemic, I found myself with a lot of free time as work in the oilfield had slowed to a crawl, I wanted to find something to occupy my time. I had found a 3D printer for sale that became my first piece of equipment. It took some time, but I became proficient at using the programs needed to create my own models. My wife had her own small business at the time (Pure Metta Creations) and the first of my work to be sold were pendants and earrings made on that 3D printer. For a time, jewelry was popular, but it made me wonder what else I could make. Later that year after we moved into our new house, I started looking for other tools I could use and found a small laser engraver. Initially I wasn’t sure what it could be used for, but around Christmas that year I had the idea to make custom tree ornaments with family photos on them, this ended up being a very popular idea. The initial success showed me that I could make this more than a hobby if I put my mind to it. Shortly after I created a name for my business, a name that was given to me by my teammates during one of the Spartan races, Gadget. It was picked due to my love on tinkering and technology and fit both the business and me as a person. From there I started investing into better equipment and tools so I could make a wider variety of projects. The birth of my son a few months ago has made me realize how important time is, this has given me the opportunity to spend more time with him and hopefully one day teach him how to shape the world with his creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a combination of technology and creativity, I use tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters to help me bring my vision to life. Most of my work is completely custom, clients will come to me with an idea and my goal is to bring it into reality for them. Frequently the process involves learning new ways to work with tools and materials so I can make that happen. My wife has been a great help for when I need a fresh perspective on whatever project I’m working on. I always seek to improve my abilities where I can and I’ve learned failure is an important part of that process. I’ve never been one to do things the same way as anyone else, and will always seek newer and better ways to bring my creations to life even if it takes a few tries.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We aren’t from Arizona (or even the sates for that matter) but if you are ever in Canada then Lloydminster is probably not on your list to visit haha. That said, we’re unique for being one of two cities that straddle two provinces at once (Alberta and Saskatchewan). One of my favorited places to visit in the city is Bud Miller park, which includes beautiful treed areas and walking paths, a pond and lots of activities for families. A lot of the cities big events are hosted here. Some of the local cuisine I would suggest would be the Timber Cafe (an amazing restaurant housed inside a hardware store), Spiros (the best Greek food) and The Proper (all their food is good). Lloydminster has small town vibes with a lot of big city amenities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A big shoutout to my wife Monique who has been there for me since the start. She has been an enormous support when I decided to start a business and has always been my best source for ideas and motivation. None of this would have been possible without her.

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