Photo courtesy of Howard’s Jewelry Centers
Howard Hurwitz, born and raised in Cleveland’s Eastside. Starting life surrounded by family in the Glenville area; then, moving to University Heights and graduating from Cleveland Heights High School.
Howard graduated from the Ohio State University with a BA in marketing and business. He was offered positions in various jewelry companies in Cleveland, but choose Robinson’s owned by the late Larry Robinson. With this challenging mentor, Howard was immersed in the retail and buying of jewelry.
In 1972 Howard married Leslie and over the next ten years they started a family.
In 1982 Howard and Leslie took a plunge and opened their own retail jewelry store in the well-known Southgate USA, Maple Heights. Over the years additional Howard’s Jewelry Centers have opened in Parma Heights and Mentor. In the early 1990’s a financial slump hit the country and with gusto the financial downfall hit Ohio. To offer assistance to customers needing financial assistance during these lean times, Howard and Leslie became licensed pawn brokers. But, only loaning on jewelry; this is their expertise.
Through the years and currently Howard and Leslie, plus their Associates, for the growth of Howard’s Jewelry Center and the betterment of the communities have participated in various groups. BNI, which brought many new customers and many business partnerships. Scull and Company, which intimately helped grow both financially and technically the jewelry growth. Devoted Enterprises, which continues to guide and alert the pawn growth, along with the NPA. JFC introducing Howard, then the Associates and finally the communities to ‘helping the children’ of St Jude, Make-A-Wish, CASA, and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. Chambers of Commerce in each of Howard’s Jewelry Center communities are physically and financially supported, plus, the Kiwanis. CBG allowing Howard’s Jewelry Center to be a buying strong retailer against the bigger box stores.
Currently Howard is taking more time enjoying retirement; enjoying grandsons; enjoying daughters, all who remain in Cleveland.