Show Me the Ozarks August 2022

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Newton’s Jewelers 428 S. Main Street • Joplin, MO • 417.623.2800 Brian Newton, owner of Newton’s Jewelers, is the third generation to his family’s legacy. This business has been part of Southwest Missouri for more than 80 years. Originally founded by George and Ora Newton in 1914, they fell in love with Joplin on a layover while traveling from McAlester, Oklahoma, to Iowa and official opened a store here in 1939. At one time in the 1960s, there were 16 stores in multiple states. Brian remembers, “My grandfather had a motto ‘Never say I, WE work as a team.’ Today, the motto still stands. It’s not ‘I have this in stock, it’s WE have this in stock.’” Brian started at 12 or 13 years old and kids he’d gotten fi ed a few times. Along the way, Brian did everything from cleaning windows and sidewalks before getting to repairs and sales. About 30 years ago, Brian’s dad made him vice president and said he could sign checks. The elder Newton instructed his son to keep busy, sell and clean customers’ jewelry. “Our business has evolved by being family-oriented,” Brian says. Today, Brian, along with his wife, Peggy, operate the family business. Their son, James, is learning jewelry repair and daily operations. Other important team members include Carolyn (bookkeeper), Greg (master jeweler), Kylee (sales manager) and sales associates, Autumn and Shelbi. “We’ve always had a fun, happy environment and very professional,” Brian emphasizes. “For over 108 years, our goal is simply customer satisfaction.”

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