Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry marked a major milestone October 16, as they celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of their first store. Originally from Texas, Lee Michael Berg, founder and CEO, and his wife Brenda chose Baton Rouge as the ideal location to establish a successful business.
Located between Karamel Korn and Spaceport in Cortana Mall, the first Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store has grown into one of the largest family owned and operated jewelry retailers in the nation, employing more than 150 people and posting revenues of more than $56 million.
Shortly after the original store opening at Cortana Mall, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry opened in Shreveport in 1981, followed by a store in Lafayette in 1985, Jackson, in 1995, New Orleans in 1996 and San Antonio in 2000. Due to demand, Baton Rouge and San Antonio have two locations. After 40 years in business, the brand continues to expand into new markets with the September opening of the first New Mexico store in Albuquerque. With roots firmly planted in Baton Rouge, where the corporate headquarters are located, there are currently nine stores located in four states.
“Building the Lee Michaels brand for the past 40 years has been a labor of love for me and our family,” said Lee Michael Berg. “Every member of our family is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.” Berg continues, “My three sons, Ryan, Scott and Chad grew up in the family business. After they each made the decision to work at Lee Michaels, they graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and learned from some of the finest craftsmen and jewelers in the business.”
After 15 years of planning and preparation they transitioned into the position of owners of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry in 2016. Lee often says his success is not in building the business, but in how well he transitions that business to his sons.
“As we became more involved in the management of the company, my brothers and I recognized early on that the key to our success is the dedicated employees in the nine stores and here in the Baton Rouge headquarters,” said Chad Berg, senior vice president. “We really believe that we are only as strong as our employees.”
