Published in Show Me the Ozarks Magazine November 2002
Located on the corner of 5th and
Main Streets in Joplin, Newton’s Jewelers supports not only a successful
business, but a successful family as well. With four generations involved in
building on its history, the Newton family is committed to the Joplin area.
"Main Street between 4th and 7th was the prime business area in Joplin,"
explains store owner, Bunny Newton. "There was a bus stop right outside our
front door so our location was a great one for shoppers. We were surrounded by
department stores that attracted shoppers and on their way they came to us." And
why did they stay in the downtown area? "We have faith in Joplin. We had been at
the Mall too, but decided to leave there and focus on this store," shared
Newton. "Here we know that people are coming with the intention of finding what
they need. They aren’t just passing time or waiting for a movie to start. We can
be our own person here and do what we want with the building and our hours." Son
and business partner, Brian Newton agrees. "By the time you average in the cost
of rent and utilities and add that to the price of the jewelry, you have priced
yourself pretty high. Here we can continue our focus on quality and fair value."
Bunny Newton’s family history with Newton’s Jewelry
stores is legendary. With strong business lessons learned from his father, Bunny
is anxious to provide the same knowledge to his son, Brian. "Brian contributes
youth and fresh enthusiasm to the business. He can work with the younger people
and relates well to the public in general. I am real proud of him, he’s doing a
great job" he said. Brian started working with his dad when he was ten years
old. "I have always enjoyed people and sales," he states. "I took off for about
eight years and worked as foreman of a cattle operation and sowed some wild
oats. Yet it was a natural for me to come back in to the business." Brian and
his wife, Peggy, are now both with the store full time. "It takes dedication and
long hours," states Brian. "Dad’s been a great mentor. I have total respect for
him and we have a great working relationship."
Brian Newton’s 16-year-old nephew, Sam Newton is ready to
learn the business and plans to come on board after college. "The store has been
here through many generations and I would hate to see it die out," said Sam.
"The best thing about getting involved and working with the family is that they
have known you your whole life and you can trust them." And is there a negative
side? "Well," states Sam, "if you do something wrong they all know it and
they’re all on your case at the same time!"
Bunny Newton explained that his
father had never forced the business on him or his siblings. "We worked in it
because we enjoyed it. That’s how I work with Brian and Sam. The opportunity is
here if they want it. I am fortunate that they do." And how do they work
together? "We are a team. We work on challenges together and we all know each
other’s responsibilities. We all have a great working relationship." One reason
for that is that they surround themselves with professional employees. In
addition to Brian’s wife, Peggy and Bunny’s sister-in-law, Carolyn Bennett, the
staff includes Jack Rule who has worked with them for 30 years, Joe Beaty who
works as the goldsmith for 15 years and Kelly Kelly who has worked in area
retail for many years and at Newton’s for the past three.
"We’re now the oldest business
in Joplin," states Bunny Newton, "and we’ll be here for many years to come."