Toner Jewelers

Sep 27

In their own words

“I started collecting coins with my father when I was ten. He was a coin and stamp dealer, so I was going to shows at a very young age. I always had that blood in me as far as wheeling and dealing. Right out of high school, I got into the precious metals buying business in 1980 when the markets heated up. My brother was in a partnership, and I went to work for him. They knew another gentleman who was opening a store. I went to work for him at eighteen, ran his store, and he decided to change it into a jewelry store.”

-Mike Toner

Jason’s Interview with Mike

Jason

Today is going to be interesting. We have a father of six, a granddad of three, has two dogs named Elvis and Chloe, and he hunts on his family farm and goes fly fishing. Really interesting gentleman. And not only does he know the jewelry industry, like nothing better in life, but he also has a fun side of him. And his jewelry store has been making an impact in and around the area of Overland Park. So happy to have you on Mike. Tell us, how did you get into the industry?

Mike

I started collecting coins when I was ten with my father. He was a coin and stamp dealer, so I was going to shows at a very young age. Right out of high school, I got into the precious metals business in 1980. My brother was in a partnership with two others. I went to work for him for a year. One of the partners had a friend who was opening up another store. This was an incredible time in the gold and silver business. I went to work for him at eighteen, ran his store, and within the first three years, he decided to change it into a jewelry store.

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He was a fellow con coin dealer. He had a coin show up in New York. We changed the name of the store, hired a jeweler, and started building a clientele. I have numerous customers that I've had thirty-five years that come in on a regular basis.

Jason
There's a lot of great jewelers in and around the area. What is it about you that makes you stand out in Overland Park?

Mike
I believe it is a family environment. It’s building relationships. Knowing that we're going to take care of them. I've had the philosophy for many years that you don't know how good a business’ customer service is until you have a problem.

Jason
When someone has a problem at Toner Jewelers, what happens?

Mike
I’m certainly going to be patient with them, hear them out, and do our best to take care of it however we need to.

Jason
What does your training look like for your staff?

Mike
We have great communication with one another. We have sales meetings often. Being the owner, I've been doing my best the last few years to work on the business, instead of being so active in the business. What's crucial is a sales manager who knows how to run the store, keep people accountable, knows the trends.

Jason
Tell me if this is true or not: you guys have one of the largest pre-owned Rolex collections in the area.

Mike
We do. I don't know of another store that has the inventory that we do.

Jason
What sets you apart?

Mike
I think going to shows, having a keen eye, looking for something that's unusual has been a key throughout my career.

Quality. I won't scamp on quality. I handpick so many of the gemstones.

Jason
You do so much for the community. You have a discount offer for people who come in with pet adoption papers. Tell me what pets mean to you.

Mike
I was introduced to dogs about fifteen years ago when I met my second wife. She had two Dobermans at the time. Before that, I’d really never been around dogs a lot. We've had two to three at any one time since then. It's the epitome of unconditional love. I miss them when I'm traveling. I can’t wait till I come home. Elvis now has been coming to work with me full-time. He earns his kibble. He greets every customer when they walk in.

Jason
Tell me about some of the causes that are top of mind.

Mike
The one that’s my go-to, that just pulls my heartstrings is Hope House, the local charity, and Healing House.

Jason
Tell me about a moment that you were so happy to be in the industry.

Mike
A day of joy is when the store is full, we’re doing lots of business, I'm dealing with customers that really get excited about jewelry and wanting to own it.

Jason
Let's hear a fun proposal story.

Mike
One most recent was pretty cool. The client was one of Kentucky’s basketball players. Bought a ring from us. His fiancé just happened to be a cheerleader and he proposed during halftime at the game.

Jason
Here's your chance to say whatever you like. Tell us why we should come and meet you.

Mike
I think the assortment that we have. We have a huge estate jewelry selection. That in itself brings its own clientele. The fashion jewelry that we have, you're not going to see it everywhere else, and very seldom would you see it in another store.