Brookfield Jewelry Store Brings Together 3 Generations

BROOKFIELD, WI— The first job for a teen may involve working the burger grill or keeping tabs on children. But 16-year-old Aidan Husar gets to dress up in a suit and work in a spacious building with jewelry and glass display cases.

"I feel lucky considering the other jobs my friends have," he said

His first job since August has been working side-by-side with his father, Craig Husar, and grandfather, Lyle Husar, at Craig Husar Fine Diamonds & Jewelry Designs, located at 20100 W Bluemound Road.

"I do a lot of restocking and labeling. I will do watch battery replacements," the 16-year-old told Patch.

Watch repair and battery changes aren't necessarily easy. Sometimes there is a watch that is difficult to open and tiny screws that fall out.

"Watchmakers are perfectionists. Everything has to be exact," Lyle Husar said.

Craig Husar said his son has always been talented with his hands.

"I knew he would have skills like my father (Lyle) with watchmaking and thought it be interesting for him to learn more about the family business," Husar told Patch.

Three generations under one roof

The eldest Husar is excited to have three generations of the family working together. He told Patch he thinks it is great and that "good help is hard to find."

"I think every family business the children, whether they like it or not, they are involved at some level in the business. That's how you learn," Craig Husar said.

Lyle and Alice Husar opened Husar's Tic-Tok Shop in 1968. Two of their children (Christine and Craig) are still involved and one granddaughter worked there for eight years.

The original sign from the Tic-Tok Shop is displayed in the Brookfield store.

"It is a true family business. It is exciting to stand here as three generations of the Husar family," Craig Husar said.

Lyle Husar mentioned his 6-year-old great-grandson who is moving through the ranks. The child is already showing an interest in watches and clocks.

"He made me a clock last year for Christmas," he said.

Husar often tells his son Craig that the minute he doesn't enjoy the craft is when he will give up the keys.

Rings are forever

The pandemic has changed the way employees interact with customers. Everyone wears a mask and the Husars offers virtual showroom appointments. They use Zoom and Facebook for customers who are uncomfortable with going into the store.

"Our industry is a lot closer and in touch with people more so than in other industries. We have to be cautious with everything," Craig Husar said.

The store was considered nonessential and was closed in April and May.

"Many of our customers, especially female customers, said they thought Husars was essential," he laughed.

Since its reopening, the store has experienced a phenomenal rebound for the business. Craig Husar said it is turning into a record year.

"Since people are not dining out as much and not traveling like they used to, they are spending more money on jewelry," he said.

The biggest growth for the business has been in proposals. Craig Husar told Patch even though people are rethinking how they are getting married, they are still proposing.

"They are getting married in smaller venues and using creative thinking to have a wedding," he said.

Craig Husar has found customers buying larger diamonds than in years past due to not having a large wedding.

What hasn't changed is the importance and tradition of the ring, he added.