Mountz Jewelers co-owners Ron Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh have nurtured their business by adhering to this focus which started with their father over 40 years ago.
What is the secret to Mountz’s staying power in an industry where competition is downsizing and pressure from online retailers and retail giants is increasing? “You have to invest in your people—your employees and customers. We make it our business to know every customer, and they feel like family to us. We are now serving second and third generations. Buying an engagement ring is a milestone—it’s one of the most intimate gifts a person can give—and the stories behind the jewelry selections are powerful and poignant,” says Tonia.
One reason Mountz is thankful to be in Central Pennsylvania is that the region did not experience the extreme economic swings that other areas of the country did during the crisis of 2007 and 2008. When the recession did unleash, Mountz responded quickly to changes in luxury purchases and shifted resources to retain their workforce. “Because of the diversification into new areas of the business, as well as lower price point products, we were able to retain our existing sales and hire additional employees during this time, providing uninterrupted customer service”, says Ron.
Mountz Jewelers supports Harrisburg Area YCMA
And this commitment to service extends to their passion to make a difference in their own backyard in Central Pennsylvania exemplified with how they celebrated their 40th Anniversary in business. “Most jewelry stores when they have anniversaries, they have sales, but Mountz did something different. They were recognizing individuals in the community that were impacting the lives of others, and I was blessed to be one of them. I certainly didn’t think people were paying attention to my fitness videos—people are watching so keep going, keep pushing, and inspiring people!” says Major Kristal M. Turner-Childs a recipient of the Mountz #Inspire 40 community gifting campaign.
As a tribute to the rich heritage their father passed on to them, Mountz Jewelers recognized and surprised 40 inspiring individuals and organizations with a personal, hand-chosen Mountz gift as a thank you for making their community stronger, brighter, and more dynamic. “We are deeply inspired by the spirit and stories of our customers who are quietly serving with kindness and love—some are well-known, and some are underknown. People who define grace, generosity, resilience, sacrifice, and who are living with uncommon regard for others. They are the bedrock of our communities, and we enjoyed celebrating their commitment to our community,” says Ron. “From the time we were children, our father encouraged us to always treat our clients as priceless and irreplaceable. We were thrilled to meet our Inspirers in person and show them how grateful we are for their generosity, passion, and heart,” says Tonia.
The #Inspire 40 community gifting campaign is one example of the importance Mountz Jewelers puts on giving back. They routinely support organizations like Children’s Miracle Network, The Salvation Army, Tocqueville Society of United Way, Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, UPMC Pinnacle Health Hospital, the local food banks, the Fur Ball supporting the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, the Harrisburg Symphony, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Pennsylvania Breast Cancer walks, to name a few. “Ron is a past board member of the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce and our employees serve on boards, cook turkey dinners, take care of our animal friends, and exemplify an others-first attitude,” says Tonia.
They are determined to continue this emphasis during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.