Don Brose Jr. once worked as a cleanup boy in his dad’s shop in Detroit on weekends, mopping the floors where customers bought the lighting fixtures or accessories needed to brighten their homes.
Now as an adult and third generation lighting specialist, Brose not only continues helping people illuminate their homes; he helps brighten their lives.
Brose’s positive attitude and smile, familiar to many in the area, were officially recognized recently when he was elected District Governor of the Michigan District for Optimist International.
During the one year term, which starts October 1, Brose’s duties include many speaking appearances statewide. With a goal of making the Optimists grow and building more clubs, Brose anticipates anywhere from 50?100 appearances (a few of which may be out of state).
One of the first things Brose plans to do is help rebuild a club in Rochester whose adult club failed around five years ago. He noted that the Rochester club was influential in building the Clarkston club.
‘You want to get your philosophy out to people. My job is to help the club succeed. I go out and speak, encouraging them to do more and encourage growth in the Optimists. The more clubs, the more kids served,? said Brose.
Brose said the Optimists estimate that for every adult member of the organization 35 kids are served. He said there are approximately 100,000 adults working on the continent, with 4,000 in Michigan.
‘In a nutshell, the Optimists are an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people in very creative ways, at the same time building ourselves up and learning about ourselves while staying involved in the community,? said Brose.
In contrast, Brose acknowledges that a disrespectful and demanding attitude often plagues much of the retail industry. Joining the Optimists in 1992 provided him an opportunity to help kids and spread his own positive attitude.
The Clarkston Optimists boast six youth clubs serving roughly 250 kids. Those six clubs are more than any other state or Canada, said Brose, who felt the number of youth clubs here offered a glimpse at what makes the area a nice place to live.
‘Fifty percent of our kids that have gone through our schools have recited the optimist creed,? said Brose. ‘The Clarkston area’s not tiny anymore, but we still have a sense of community like I’ve never seen. People care about each other and that’s evidenced by the size of our Optimist Club.?
Brose expressed a thankfulness to the community and other Optimists when reflecting on his years volunteering in Clarkston.
‘Anything I’ve ever asked for as a committee serviceperson I’ve gotten. Money for this and help for this, it’s always there. That’s pretty amazing,? he said.
Being elected as District Governor is not the first honor collected by Brose. In among the light fixtures and mirrors of Brose Electric hang numerous plaques and certificates recognizing his service to several communities.
Previous honors and services include 1994-95 President of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarkston’s Business Person of the Year in 1996, Lieutenant Governor for Michigan Optimists 1999-2002, Optimist International Youth Club Advisor of the Year 2002-2003, Michigan Optimist of the Year in 2003-2004. Also, the mayor of Flint named April 12, 1997 Donald Robert Brose Day for his efforts in helping with an educational program for needy kids.
When not helping serve the community, Brose continues as owner of Brose Electric, a name in lighting for the Detroit and Clarkston area since 1927. The first Brose Electric was opened in Detroit in 1927 by Brose’s grandfather William. The store was moved to Allen Park in the early 1970’s.
After working at JCPenny for a year after graduating with a degree in economics from the University of Michigan, Brose decided to join the family business in 1979.
In 1983, Brose and his father Don Brose started a business in Clarkston. Consequently the Brose Electric in Allen Park is still run by his uncle Don Svenson.
‘I worked in high school in the store from the age of 13 as the cleanup boy. It was a great place to be working with my dad all the time. He instilled a good work ethic,? said Brose. ‘My dad taught me honesty, integrity and fairness.?
Brose also fondly recognized his mother Carolyn as the person key to keeping the family together.
Prior to working with Brose Electric, Brose credits a job as a tour guide in Greenfield Village during college with impacting his life.
‘That’s where I met my wife, we were both tour guides? It taught me personality. You learn how to talk to people when you have to talk to people,? Brose said.
The Brose family moved to Clarkston in 1989 due to a long commute. His wife Robin works as a Mary Kay director. The Brose’s have two children. Rob 23, is fluent in Japanese and manages a Japanese restaurant in Chicago; and Lee Anne, 19, is studying elementary education at Oakland University.
With any time left after work and service, Brose enjoys winter skiing and golfing. In the future, Brose intends to stay active and aspires to become involved with the Junior Optimists Octagon International.