b'RONALD LEITZEL & TONIA LEITZEL ULSHFriends in the industry attribute their balance as co-owners toRon, meanwhile, handles the finances and big-picture decisions their mutual respect for each other.for the business. Ron and Tonia have their own skill sets in the jewelry industry,Its so nice to see a brother and sister team that work so close-that when combined, are what allows Mountz Jewelers to be success- ly together, that really harness each others strengths, says Asaf ful. They see each other as business partners and equals.Herskovitz, CEO of Philadelphia-based GN Diamond, a supplier to Tonia is always on the salesfloor, moving among their three stores.Mountz Jewelers. Our personalities are such that we definitely balance each other Ron and Tonia with their father, Marvin Leitzel (left),out, says Tonia. who taught them to always lead by example Ron is the risk-taker, not me. Anybody who knows us will tell you that thats where we are definitely opposites. He takes the risk, and I follow behind and make sure everything happens. Ron cites their separate upbringings and educational backgrounds as the reasons why they complement each other so well. Together, they have grown their independent jewelry store to three standalone locations that bring leading jewelry brands like A. Jaffe, Lagos, and Rolex to smaller cities. When we see somebody wearing a designer that we carry, we know that it came from our store because there is not another place in our market where you can make that purchase, Tonia says. TREATING EVERYONE LIKE FAMILYWhen Ron first hired Tonia out of college, he explained that he needed someone with her education and gemological skills because of the growth happening within the business. Congratulations to Tonia and Ron of Mountz JewelersFor your 2024 induction into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame.With love from The John Hardy Team32 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2024'