Betz Jewelers and Rachel Flynn: “Beautiful Moments Begin at Betz.”

Four generations, beginning with patriarch Charles Betz, anchor Betz Jewelers, a family-owned and operated jewelry store with a reputation for exceptional jewelry and outstanding customer service.  

Rachel Flynn, great-granddaughter of Charles, who did jewelry repair and eyeglass repair in downtown Columbia, granddaughter of Glenn Betz, daughter of L’Mont Betz, and marketing director, described the scope and history of the business. “When you step into our store on the third floor of the Executive Building in Downtown Columbia, 601 E. Broadway, Suite 303, you’ll be greeted by one of our helpful associates. Whether you’re looking for a three-carat diamond engagement ring or to engrave a special pendant, we can help. Know that you’ll be welcomed into our store, no matter how large or how small the job. We’re proud to say that our success is measured in satisfied customers.”  

Born and raised in the Columbia, Missouri, area, Glenn Betz, Charles’ son, began his apprenticeship as a jewelry craftsman in 1941. In 1945, Glenn settled in St. Louis as a designer and maker of fine jewelry, creating unique custom pieces to commemorate special occasions for his clients. He became the sole proprietor of Glenn Betz & Associates in 1969.

Today, the Betz family continues to build a business with a reputation for superior standards, exquisite design and personalized service. The Betz Jewelers team, now consisting of sons L’Mont, who operates L.C. Betz Jewelers in Columbia, Missouri, and Craig Betz, of Glenn Betz Jewelers in St. Louis, Missouri, their wives, children and other loyal associates, strives to live out the legacy of the business model that Glenn originally created. The Betz name is well recognized for four generations of honest business practices, accommodating associates, and of course, high-quality merchandise. Services include custom jewelry design and manufacturing, jewelry repair, engraving, appraisals and cleaning.

Rachel, a jewelry designer and dedicated team member, elaborated on their history. “L.C. Betz Jewelers in downtown Columbia was started by my father, L’Mont Betz, in 1983, after he worked for years alongside his father, Glenn, in St. Louis, learning the skills of a bench jeweler as well as jewelry sales. He wanted to bring the same caliber of merchandise and excellent customer service to the Columbia area. Today, our family, my parents, L’Mont and Kathi, husband, Robert, and I, play a large part in the day-to-day operations and success of the business, along with team members who have been with us for decades.” 

Rachel is deeply gratified by the work she does. “The best part of this career is working with people at some of the most beautiful moments of their lives, whether it’s an engagement, wedding, birth of a new baby, anniversary, birthday celebration. When a customer is moved to tears after seeing a meaningful custom piece we’ve created, it’s very special. We also love getting texts and calls full of excitement, such as all the ‘She said yes!’ stories and wedding invitations. Our customers really do become our friends.”

Having the fourth generation involved in continuing the legacy of Betz Jewelers is very meaningful to Rachel. “I feel like my Papa Glenn would be very proud, if he saw me working alongside my husband and successfully growing the business by over 30 percent since becoming involved,” she affirmed. “It’s rewarding to know our family makes a great team. Within the past two years, I’ve also designed my own jewelry line, Flynn & Stone, which I never imagined I would have accomplished. It feels good to surprise yourself sometimes!” 

Rachel and her team have important projections for the family of Betz Jewelers businesses moving forward. “We’d like to continue to grow our digital presence, connecting with our customers all over the world through social media,” she affirmed. “We’ll soon be launching a brand-new ecommerce website, which is especially critical during these times. I’m excited that our entire inventory will be fully shoppable online. We’d also like to open a second Columbia location, in time.” 

“Be yourself,” is Rachel’s advice to future female entrepreneurs. “Be transparent with your customers and clients. People crave authenticity and relationships, especially women. It’s fully possible to build a brand on everything that makes you uniquely you. If you’re a mom, let people see that side of you. If you’re nervous or you’re taking a chance or you make a mistake, don’t hide that. Own it. We can all learn from each other. We’re all human and we need human connection now more than ever. People just want to see realness, not perfection. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from ever getting started in the first place.” ■

Visit betzjewelers.com, call 573-449-1070, or drop by the location in the Executive Building to learn more.