A second-generation president and owner of Mitchum Jewelers in Ozark, Randy Mitchum is charged with growing the nearly 50-year-old business.
Founded in 1965 by Mitchum’s father, John Mitchum, the jewelry business has been recognized as one of the 25 oldest businesses in Christian County.
Randy Mitchum, who became president in 2010, manages a staff of nine full-time employees at the store, which he says specializes in unique jewelry. Leading by example, Mitchum also places a focus on customer service.
“I feel my positive attitude throughout my day-to-day activities reflects in my personal motto, ‘Treating others the way you want to be treated,’” Mitchum says. “I don’t feel it’s a big secret to success; I think it’s often overlooked and taken for granted by others. Simply being nice to people will get you a long way in life.”
Mitchum started working for his father in 2001 after graduating from Ozark High School, and in 2007, the father and son decided to build a free-standing store at 2431 W. Jackson St.
“Our store has grown approximately 70 percent in sales since 2007,” Mitchum says, noting he was acting as manager at that time. “Our store has grown tremendously in size and volume.”
In the past two years, Mitchum Jewelers has hosted the Make a Wish, Change a Life event to raise awareness for Springfield children’s nonprofit Care to Learn.
An active community member, Mitchum has been involved in the Ozark Rotary Club since 2005, where he has served on each committee level and as president. During his time with the organization, Mitchum says the club’s membership has grown 25 percent.
Mitchum says his proudest community accomplishment occurred in 2010 while serving as president of Ozark Rotary Club.
“Our club participated in its very first Bingo and BBQ event. All of the proceeds went to the Women’s Domestic Violence Center of the Ozarks,” Mitchum says. “Our first time hosting the event, our club raised more proceeds than we had ever done in our past.
“I took a lot of pride being a part of the leadership of such a beneficial event,” he adds.
“Our club has continued the success of the event, and it continues to grow larger every year in attendance and revenue.”
In 2009, Mitchum became a board member of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks affiliate Finley River Community Foundation, for which he is currently treasurer.
The organization seeks to improve the quality of life for the communities surrounding the river’s banks through grants and other initiatives.
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