MEET THE EXPERTS

Glen Watts

Owner
H.Williams Jewellry
Website: www.hwilliamsjewellery.com
Phone: 905-529-2761

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Glen Watts’ first full-time job turned out to be a golden opportunity that launched a lifelong career. Now the president and owner of H. Williams Jewellery, the job really chose him.

He was looking for a job when Ralph Travis hired him 39 years ago. Although he liked jewellery and had an interest in gem stones and diamonds and how jewellery was made, at the time Watts had no career aspirations. A country kid fascinated by the hustle and bustle of the city, he grew into the business.

Travis eventually became his business partner and the pair started working together. It was a small organization in the beginning with only three employees. Strategic buying kept the price point down and resulted in strong growth through the ‘70s and ‘80s. Over the years, Watts has witnessed an increase in the number of women purchasing jewellery for themselves as a fashion statement. As their personal wealth has increased, so has their ability to treat themselves to something beautiful.

Watts describes the jewellery business as relationship-based, in terms of customers and suppliers. In many instances these are long-term relationships involving multiple generations. This continuity is reflected by his own family with son Mark joining the business full-time last year. Watts’ brother Kim Watts manages the Hamilton Mountain location that opened in 1998 and Watts’ cousin, Dan Smith joined the staff five years ago.

As much as Watts has a passion for his product, he’s also passionate about being a local business owner tied to his community. It’s why he’s stayed at the James Street store location and why he’s considering moving into a future condominium development located just up the street. Being involved in business and community groups is important to him. He’s the past-president of the board of the Neighbour to Neighbour Centre and still serves on that board. It’s a local non-profit organization, supporting families in need, that his father Dave Watts was also involved in.