Jeff Mullins, owner of J. Mullins Jewelry and Gifts
Recently, I had the good fortune to sit down with a prominent business owner, and one of my best friends, Jeff Mullins. Jeff is the proprietor of J. Mullins Jewelry and Gifts at 352 W. Northfield Blvd., here in Murfreesboro.
I have had a longtime curiosity about what it takes to create a successful business. In this and subsequent Business Momentum articles for the Murfreesboro Pulse, I will look at how to start and maintain a business as well as advice to take and pitfalls to avoid. The segments will feature new or re-branded businesses in the area. You may also view entire interview videos at momentumseminars.com.
If you are a native (or MTSU convert) of Murfreesboro, you probably remember the original Mullins Jewelers on the Square. That business was opened March 1, 1938, by James Hershel Mullins, grandfather of Jeff Mullins. The store remained a fixture in Rutherford County for 70 years. No doubt, there are still thousands of wedding rings, watches and necklaces originally purchased at Mullins still being worn by county residents today.
An early photo of James Hershel Mullins, founder of Mullins Jewelers
Once Jeff’s father decided to retire, Jeff had to figure out what to do. Should he buy the business, start his own store or move on to another industry? That is a daunting consideration for anyone in business. Ultimately, Mullins felt jewelry was in his blood, and he made the bold decision in 2010 to open his own shop. It is a decision that has paid off, as he has turned a profit ever since.
When asked what his greatest challenges were at the time he opened his own store, the jeweler responded “It’s just a lot of faith and roll-your-sleeves-up sort of thing.”
Given that 2008 was the beginning of perhaps the worst recession since the Great Depression, faith and hard work obviously paid off. Add to that the Mullins’ love for people and the ability to help them decide on the perfect memento—especially young men looking for just the right engagement ring.
The original store front of Mullins Jewelers on the Murfreesboro Public Square
A big part of any business is locating and keeping customers. Though J. Mullins Jewelry and Gifts does get several social media hits, it all begins with providing good customer service and word of mouth. When it comes to the purchase of a potential family heirloom, people want to trust what they are getting. There are advantages to not being one of the big chain stores.
One distinction Mullins maintains is his refusal to offer lab-grown diamonds. He sees the value of man-made diamonds diminishing in a short time. The diamonds from out of the earth, the “real thing,” will retain their value.
Many consumers might not understand a lot about precious stones, which is all the more reason for them to deal with a reputable company.
“People may start out naive about jewelry but when you come to see us, you get us,” Mullins says. We’re family and we’re going to take care of you.”
When asked what gives Mullins’ business its momentum, the business owner states, “You’ve got to have the passion, you have to expect disappointment and yet, be a go-getter.”
In speaking of setbacks and disappointments, he says, “It’s just part of the process. Nothing is perfect, but you have to keep learning and pick yourself back up.”
He keeps his eyes on his one-, three- and five-year goals as a source of inspiration. He also believes in keeping debt relatively low, which is probably why his business endured during the recession.
If starting a business or wishing to purchase a new accessory, Mullins is a good source. He has a longstanding history of success. Labs can create fake diamonds in a matter of years rather than centuries, but they are not the real thing. Department store counters and online websites will come and go, but Jeff Mullins has stood the test of time. He, too, is the real thing!
