July/August 2015

WOMEN TO WATCH: MELISSA KRUSE KELLEY

Refining, making it “ my own, and moving to

the next level are the steps I plan to take to make J.F. Kruse Jewelers a truly world-class, exceptional store. –– MELISSA KRUSE KELLEY

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J.F. Kruse Fine & Custom Jewelers Continuing the legacy with spirit, sparkle, and celebration of stories

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sk Melissa Kruse Kelley about plans for the jewelry store’s future, and watch her eyes glow as brightly as the polished gold and diamonds in the display cases. “Refining, making it my own, and moving to the next level are the steps I plan to take to make J.F. Kruse Jewelers a truly worldclass, exceptional store,” says an enthusiastic Kelley, who will build upon her father’s legacy. Kelley bought the business in 2014 when Jim Kruse retired. Her husband Mike assists her with marketing and technology tasks. Kruse mentored his daughter over the years, bringing her into the store at age 13 to do a bit of cleaning until she began selling at 16. Upon graduation from Apollo High School, Kelley knew she

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wanted to become a permanent part of the business. “I had earned my place on the team and knew the customers on a personal level, including the celebrations in their lives,” says Kelley, who has a degree in Business Management and Marketing, and is a Gemologist through the Gemological Institute of America. “Their stories–– customers’ as well as staff––are valuable and important.” Kelley encourages the staff of 18 to operate in the Christian spirit and to sparkle, providing the best pricing and service and by sparkling in the lives of each customer, the team, and the community. The business also supports Birthline, Pregnancy Resource Center, Youth for Christ,

and the YMCA’s youth programs. During the “Week of Giving,” 10 percent of every sale is donated to Catholic Charities’ St. Cloud Children’s Home. Proceeds from the sale of Tara Gronhovd’s “Becoming” jewelry collection, custom designed by J.F. Kruse Jewelers, are given to support women experiencing crisis pregnancies. Truly, the business’s culture is one of giving. Each employee is encouraged to add to their skillset in order to better serve customers. The store allows them to pursue their education and helps to pay tuition. “We really do have an exceptional group of people here,” says Kelley, who is willing to help support their goals just as her father Jim supported hers.