Who We Are...
Hello fellow officials.
My
name is Rex Mehrhoff. I started in this business in 1998. At that time
I served as Operations Manager for another company until March of 2000.
I then went to another company (a printing company) and started a new
division - Diamonds & Hoops Official’s Gear. In 2003 I purchased
the assets of the D & H division and re-named the company Between
The Lines Official’s Gear. I am now 57 years old and am a state
registered baseball umpire & basketball referee. In the recent past
I also worked fast pitch softball for adults and high school and even
high school boys & girls volleyball. What I am is a veteran amateur
official - just like most of you - and I’m proud of it! I am most
passionate about my Creator, family, country and YOU! I have a great
job. Everyday I come to the shop and am fortunate to meet, talk with
and serve other fellow amateur umpires & referees!
Our slogan ‘Proud to Serve the Amateur Official’ truly characterizes our approach to your business. At ‘BTL’ you already have our respect. What we are asking for is a chance to earn yours! Our mission is simple - offer quality name brand products at reasonable prices and then to provide superior ‘Customer Service’! Our focus is to help you look sharper, be more comfortable and perform better. With us, these are not just words - they are our commitment & promise to you! Over the past 10 years we have embraced a growing number of officials all over the United States and beyond - and they have rewarded our efforts. We now have an established customer base that is loyal and without them...none of this would be possible! I sincerely thank each of them!
Business Plan
The larger companies try to dominate the landscape by opening up multiple locations. All this - the stores, staffs, sales reps and large advertising expenses cost money and lots of it! Increasing the prise of products that you pay for! My approach and strategy is different. I choose to operate and build this business from a single location. My ‘staff’ is my wife Farida and me! By limiting and controlling my overhead we are able to offer low prices overall...in many cases on the exact same item! I truly feel ‘BTL’ offers The Best Value for your dollar! Try us - I believe you will see what makes us better than the others.
Thank you for your time and interest. We look forward to hearing from you in the future. Have a safe & fun year.
Warmest regards,
Rex Mehrhoff
Executive CEO & Box Boy - Smile!
Hall of Shame
As a sports referee or umpire, Integrity, Trust & Honesty are the biggest character attributes that are expected from us as officials. Over the past five years I have received many requests to send merchandise first with the promise that the check or money order will follow. I have heard some fantastic stories (and unfortunately believed them)! The best was from an umpire in MN about a fire where he lost everything. As it turns out…there was no fire. Now, I do not want to lose perspective regarding the small number of ‘bad apples’. The truth is 98% were responsible and paid their bill as promised. I appreciate your past business. However, the profit and time lost trying to collect from these individuals has forced us to discontinue sending any orders without receiving payment first. Not so long ago I used to think “If you can’t trust a fellow official…who can you trust!”... The below list represents a small group of people that should not be officiating. Their deceptive actions cast a negative stain over all other officials who understand the importance of living each day by being responsible and respectful to others!
Please understand…that some of the below individuals may have moved or may not be officiating anymore. But the fact remains…they lied, avoided contact letters and did not return phone messages. They hide in the shadows pretending to be ONE OF US.
To the rest of you…good luck and take care of your loved ones.
Best wishes – Rex Mehrhoff – Proud Owner – BTL
| Name | Community | Amount |
| Michael Allsbrook | Virginia Beach, VA |
$500.00 |
| Wes Arneson | Eveleth, MN | $412.23 |
| David C Billingsley | Racine, WI | $278.91 |
| Ronnie J Von Ruden | Viroqua, WI | $111.09 |
| Alfred Banks | Benton Harbor, MI | $198.93 |
| Michael D Porter | St Louis, MO | $69.30 |
| Dan Hay | Mulberry, FL | $102.10 |
| Jeffery L Crawford | Conway, AR | $97.60 |
| Nick G Ciccarone | Lakeland, FL | $122.50 |
| Charlie E Smith | Lakeland, FL | $105.62 |
| Dennis J Martin | Merced, CA | $155.06 |
| Ray Davis | Chicago, IL | $179.40 |
| Tony A Davis | Union Grove, AL | $87.80 |
| Michael H Weber | Kirksville, MO | $263.99 |
| Gary D Maxwell | Church Hill, TN | $81.80 |
| Doug E Spears | Louann, AR | $91.10 |
| Jim D Burdette | Herrin, IL | $30.80 |
| Aaron D Koch | Viroqua, WI | $84.60 |
| Matt I Blosser | Sycamore, IL | $249.80 |
Testimonials From Fellow Officials
August 20, 2008
Guys, if you need to order any gear, I just placed an order at www.btlofficialsgear.com (between the lines is the name of the company). I placed the order last night for 6 items. They had everything in stock and all shipped out today, and their prices were much better than honig’s. If you need anything, I’d encourage you to check them out. Just FYI.
Ken Sellberg
June 18, 2009
Rex,
I received my All Star Head Gear today. I haven't had a chance to
use it in a game yet, but I am already impressed with its light
weight and the obvious improvement in sight lines. I am glad I
took your advise that this was definitely the best choice in
head gear. I have been buying from Honigs for years, but I have
never received a phone call personally from the owner about an
order until last week. You will have all my business
moving forward. I am in sales myself, and it is the personal
relationships you make with people that makes all the difference.
Good Luck with your move and I will be talking to you soon.
Sincerely,
Dave Collins
September 15, 2008
Rex,
I just wanted to say thanks for sending out the wrist down indicator so soon. You didn't have to worry about getting it out so quickly as I realize through experience that things like that happen. The wrist band style worked great in the rain on Saturday as it was nice to have something to wipe the rain from my face. All the officials down here said you are great to order from, so I'm glad I listened. Great Job!
I have a question about shoes. I am good for this year, but I was wondering if you can help me out with size 16 shoes. Yes, 16! I wouldn't need them until next football season, so I am just wondering in advance.
Thanks again,
Rick Carson
February 19, 2009
I just wanted to drop a quick note to you commending you on an excellent job.
I have been an amateur baseball umpire for 15 years and was in need of some new shirts. I have ordered from various companies in the past but I want to say it was a pleasure doing business with yours.
Many times I have ordered equipment and it has been backordered or completely out of stock. I was pleasantly surprised when everything arrived in perfect condition and in only 3 days!!!
I was also very appreciative of the 1-time discount of 9% I received. Thank you so very much.
I update my uniforms/equipment as often as they need to be replaced and I believe I have found the one company that I will definitely continue doing business with.
Thank you!!!
Brent Martens
February 11, 2009
Rex,
It was great to see you again last week and chat a bit about the upcoming baseball season. I a really sorry to see you leave the area, but completely understand your reasons. I will miss you personally as you have been a wonderful mentor and guide for me since I began officiating 5 years ago (can you believe it, 5 years!). I have never looked sharper and that is all thanks to you!!
I very much appreciate you shipping the WIAA hats to me, it did save me a trip! My guess, you didn't want me to come in and bug you anymore!! The note you wrote was very heartfelt. This is the type of service I have come to expect from my equipment supplier :) It meant a lot, Rex. Thanks for the great deal on the entire order and again for shipping to my house. Please keep my name on your mailing list as I will look forward to seeing your new layout and products as you transition to your new home. I am sure you, your wife, and your business will be very successful and be appreciated in Missouri as well!
Keep smiling Rex, you are a great man and wonderful official!
With Heartfelt Thanks,
Brent
February 4, 2009
Rex,
Boy! Was I surprised when I received an order for some socks today from an e-mail order I placed Sunday night! THAT'S SERVICE!!!!!!
Thank you not only for the fast shipment, but the quick turn around.
I
have been umping since college - This will be my 46th year. I
have looked for, ordered some and seen other guy's equipment over the
years, so I have a pretty good idea who makes good equipment and who
doesn't, especially for the amateur official. Most of the time, I
have to shop several sites, numerous stores and other venues to find a
complete set of equipment that suits my specifications. Your
recent catalog contains most of the brands and models that I prefer and
recommend to my younger colleagues - a refreshing find - one stop
shopping! Getting a chest protector in Florida, shin guards in
Michigan and other stuff in Texas is so labor intensive.
For
years I have worn Ace elastic knee bandages to prevent my knees from
being rubbed raw by shin guards. I found your thigh-high leggings
for that purpose intriguing, and am anxious to give them a try and
avoid the burning behind my knees for the rest of the evening.
The
generous gift of your discount did not go unnoticed, as well.
Thank you, I more than appreciate it. You seem to have a
propensity for for generosity. If you recall, you went out of
your way last year to get me some impossible to find parts for an
All-Star chest protector. I haven't forgotten that gesture,
either.
While in your website, I read, and was impressed with your down-to-earth, matter-of-fact open "Who Are We" letter. I applaud your philosophy and appreciate your approach vs. that of The Whistle Stop. They have been "robbing" the unpaid official for years and continue to do so with the unwarranted support of Little League Baseball. I don't like Little League showing favorites - it's just wrong, ... it's just MONEY!
Again, thank you for the swift order, the reduced price and being a great resource!
Best Regards,
Scott
February 3, 2009
To: Rex – The absolute, greatest, super magnificent Sport Official Supplier……..and I mean all of that.
You are the best I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with……So I sent the e-mail on Monday morning at 6:57am. When I got home on Monday, there was this box sitting on my front steps!!!!! Guess who it was from………my favorite Sports Official Supplier – Rex Mehrhoff!!!!!
Now that is Service!!!!!!!!!
You are the best. That is why I always come to you first……the absolute best customer service in the industry!!!
When you get a chance, can you give me an idea of when my new jackets will be arriving…….(I figure if I send the e-mail tonight then they will be here tomorrow—ha ha ha ha)
Thanks so much for everything and thanks for putting up with a royal pain!!!!
Talk to you later
Bill McManus
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2008 1:26 PM
To: info@wiaawi.org
Subject: Gerry Davis Sports "partnership"
I
was pleased to receive in my packet of basketball materials a
"promotional" flyer announcing the partnership of "Gerry Davis
Sports" and the WIAA. On surface, this appears to be a good
thing.....however, when one steps back and takes a 'bigger picture'
look, there seems to be something missing in this arrangement.
Are all vendors
being afforded the "WIAA endorsement" if they provide the same options
that Gerry Davis has provided the WIAA in return for your endorsement?
I
like the fact that Gerry Davis is "local" in terms of a Wisconsin
business doing business to serve Wisconsin officials. My
preference has always been to do business with Wisconsin vendors first,
when possible! But, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I
have done business with another Wisconsin vendor.....providing similar
officiating equipment and service.....offering quality products,
"personalized" attention to my orders....and also provides a 7.5%
discount to a regional official's association I belong
to. The firm I speak of is "Between The Lines Official's
Gear", also located in Appleton, Wisconsin.
I have no
axe to grind with one or the other business....I have purchased
gear from both, and other Wisconsin firms, if they provide what I am
looking for. Product pricing seems comparable between both
Gerry's and Rex's operations.....with "Between The
Lines" generally being lower in most categories. But that's
not my biggest concern. I don't know how the "agreement" was
hammered out....but just wonder what the role/philosophy/policy of
the WIAA should be when endorsing specific vendors. As
the sole State
Association, shouldn't the position of the WIAA be
to "promote" ALL vendors who meet an "OPEN" criteria in which
the WIAA vendor endorsement is given? To my mind....in
effect....the WIAA has prompted a psuedo "monopoly" environment with
your endorsement of "Gerry Davis Sports"...ONLY! Did you consider
offering the same opportunity to other Wisconsin vendors to obtain this
valuable WIAA Endorsement?
Don't misunderstand me....I
enjoy doing business with both these firms. We're fortunate to
have there quality products and services right here in
Wisconsin. It just seems unusual that one is "endorsed" by the
WIAA while the others are not. I would be interested in
hearing the WIAA's rationale, if you choose to respond.
Respectfully,
-- wilson
Wilson Y. Leong
