Molinelli’s Jewelers

Dec 21

In their own words

“Molinelli’s is Idaho’s oldest jewelry store owned by two families over four generations. What I like about the jewelry industry is it’s associated with life moments. Engagements, anniversaries—the happiest parts about life.”

-Lance Buttars

Jason’s Interview with Lance

Jason

We're back on Meet the Jewelers and today we're talking to Lance Buttars of Molinelli’s Jewelers. How did you get to the industry?

Lance

My introduction to the industry started as a fifteen-year-old kid looking for a summer job. I had a friend at school whose dad owned the jewelry store that I now own. He just needed some help, a gopher, a repairman. In those days, when your blender broke, or your hairdryer, or your shaver, you’d take it to the jeweler and get it fixed. I did that, clock repair, deliveries, and custodial work. That was my summer job. When it came to winter time, they still needed the help and I took an interest in the goldsmith. The goldsmith didn't like me, but he tolerated me because one day he dropped a little tapered baguette emerald on a green floor and it was like a jigsaw puzzle piece, so I swept up the floor and picked through the dirt till I found it. He decided he tolerated me looking over his shoulder and asking questions.

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Few months later, the boss was left without a goldsmith. I said, “I can do it.” That was in 1974. I did a respectable job and became the goldsmith from that point forward. I did that for him for a number of years and then I started a trade shop and did work for twenty-five stores for about a little over thirty years. I was located in the store where I am now. When he went to retire, I bought his store when he wanted to retire—didn't hurt that I married his daughter along the way.

Jason
Do you have any in-laws with you?

Lance
My brother-in-law is our store manager. My nephew is one of the goldsmiths and my sales manager’s son works for us. Molinelli’s is Idaho's oldest jewelry store, so there's been two families over four generations—the founder, his son bought it from him, and then my father-in-law bought it from the founder’s son. And I bought it from my father-in-law.

Since 1903, Pocatello, Idaho.

What I like about my particular thing is my legacy in the community. I'm involved in the community. When I bought the store, everybody who walked in the door and wanted a donation of money, merchandise, or time I accommodated. And I still do.

I thought this community has been great to Molinelli’s to make us Idaho's oldest, and so what's important to them should be important to me. So I think one of the biggest reasons that we made it through tough times in the economy is because of that.

Jason
Why don't you tell us some causes that you support.

Lance
The school district. We have one district that encompasses pretty much our whole area and supports the school district as well as the individual high schools. And then we have Idaho State University and I have consistently contributed and supported to their fundraisers, their alumni, their foundation.

Jason
What's the feeling like when you enter the store?

Lance
We're a fun store. We started a project to expand and remodel, we own the building that we're in downtown. We upgraded technology, lighting, and displays so that we could be a modern jewelry store without losing the feel of being the old local jeweler. We are very active on social media and we love to interact with the community.

Jason
Here's your chance to say whatever you like.

Lance
Our client base goes from eighteen to ninety. Jewelry is an item of trust. We want to keep that trust, but we want to reach new generations of people and make them feel like they have a place that they can trust to take their jewelry. We try to focus and build value and provide service that an online entity can't

Jason
Five-ten years from now, where do you see your brand going?

Lance
Well, I hope it continues. When I approach my retirement in the next five years, I hope to continue the legacy of Idaho's oldest jewelry store.