Rita G., Gold Buying Specialist/Wholesale/Retail
Over 41 years ago, Rita stationed herself at the front door of SilverTowne everyday hoping to get hired. Greeting Leon every morning when he opened, Monday-Friday, his wife Hamie told him to give her a chance. After six months of persistence, knowing very well that the company only hired relatives and very close friends, Rita was hired. Since then, she has worked in every facet of the business, gaining knowledge and sharpening her tools along the way, and becoming a cornerstone for the company and the business.
Beginning Job Title: “Generally speaking, I’m not a title person. Over the years I’ve helped in shipping and receiving, in the retail shop, teletype sales and purchasing, in the gift and jewelry departments when needed, NGC/PCGS/ANACS/CAC submissions, bullion trading and contract trading, IRAs, as a phone operator, Collectors Club television host (back when the satellite was bigger than a house), and more. I’ll help wherever help is needed.”
Favorite Part of Her Job: “Everything. Every day at SilverTowne is like Christmas and you never know how it’s going to bring you joy. You can learn something new every day no matter how long you have worked here. With the constant highs and lows in the market, bullion, numismatics, and currency are changing continuously. I am blessed to engage with customers in person and on the phone.”
Biggest Surprise Over the Years: “SilverTowne has customers who drive or fly hours to shop with us. Our local airport extended their runway to accommodate some of the larger planes landing at Winchester Airport because of the customers coming into the shop.
Another thing is just seeing how the grading companies, like NGC and PCGS, have changed the modern and numismatic market over the years.”
Biggest Change Over the Years: “When I first hired in, 99% of everything was done manually. Invoices, purchase orders, shipping labels, switches for gold and silver, all pricing of products, etc. We did have a few computers and the printer was larger than a desk and had its own office.
Wholesale was SilverTowne’s focus when I first started. Through the years, wholesalers have popped up everywhere. Our focus now is retail. When Leon and Hamie added the novelty and jewelry departments, men would come to SilverTowne daily with their wives. They would be bored, so Leon and Hamie thought they would do something for the ladies. The men would look at the coins while the wife's purchased jewelry and collectable figurines.”
Advice For New Customers: “Purchase what you and your wallet feel comfortable with, and understand it’s generally a long term, not a short term purchase.”
Fondest Memory/Memories: “Traveling to coin shows with Hamie and Leon, working alongside Leon as he taught me about coins, currency, and grading, and the Christmas parties when they were at Hamie and Leon’s house. We didn’t have as many employees, and everyone mingled with each other while having an amazing time.
More specifically, I got to help with all the coins (51,000+ gold and silver) and artifacts (14,000 bottles of blueberries and other food) that was discovered from the SS Republic Shipwreck from 1865. Leon was also my instructor at the American Numismatic Association for U.S. coin grading, and he signed my certificate.”
What She Looks Forward To: “SilverTowne growing. Leon was always delighted to see the younger generation interested in numismatics or bullion. I look forward to seeing SilverTowne adapting to the younger generation as far as the website, social media, and digital currency. Change is always great for a company to prosper.”
Favorite Music: “Contemporary Christian, Anne Wilson, Toby Mac, Phil Wickham, Crowder, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, and the latest Jelly Roll.”
Outside of SilverTowne, Rita enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and her son and daughter-in-law, and their six grandchildren and other family. She also enjoys walking, biking, and doing anything outdoors.
