Generally it's dear old dad who starts a family business but the Kilmans, who just opened a second jewelry store,
did it differently.
It was two teenage entrepreneurs, Aaron (Frank) and Joe Kilman, who laid the foundation.
Their grandmother, Mrs, Arlie Doty, who owned the Tebo Nursery on Herbert Street in Port Orange, lived right
next door to the late, lamented Anchor Inn. There were always customers milling around the parking lot, waiting
for a table, because people came from Orlando, Titusville, and all over to eat seafood at Anchor Inn. (Aaron)
Frank and Joe realized that this crowd had time on their hands and money in their pockets, So they set up a card
table and sod them Puka beads. Puka beads were tiny white shells, found on Pacific beaches, especially in Hawaii,
strung into necklaces, and very popular at the time, The boys did quite well.
Their father, Mike Kilman, as an engineer with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, was on the road a lot for the company.
He didn't plan it that way, but he picked up information on jewelry and the jewelry business in his travel.
Finally he invested $80.00 in costume jewelry, which returned $3000.00 by working for hours a night. The family
manned tables set up at Marko's Heritage Inn, Captains Table, and the Safari Motel.
In 1978 the Kilmans opened a jewelry store in the Sunshine Mall (now Outlet Mall), later moving to Daytona Mall.
The two boys who sold the Puka Shell beads as a start, will manage the two stores - Joe in the Daytona Mall and
Aaron (frank) in the new Port Orange Store. Both stores will handle diamonds, fine jewelry, and watches.
Custom-designed jewelry is a specialty of the family, along with the resetting of precious gems.
But sorry - both stores are all out of Puka shell beads!
Update: The Daytona store is now relocated in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Joe is now a Doctor
of medical dentistry....Aaron (Frank) has expanded his Port Orange Store "Aaron Kilman Jewelers" with one of
the biggest diamond and precious gemstone creations in the area.
Meet our fine and experienced store staff...
Aaron - Your Fine Jewelry Consultant
In the Jewelry business since 1978
Master bench jeweler, diamond setter, Appraiser
Certified by Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.)
in:
Gem Identification
Detecting Fracture Filled Diamonds
Certified by Gem School of America in:
Diamond Grading.
Certified by Swest of Atlanta:
Jewelry Casting and designing
Graduate from Stewarts International School For
Jewelers:
Basic Jewelry Repair
Advanced Jewelry Repair and Diamond Setting
Working with platinum
Advanced Stone Setting
Gold and Precious Metals
Renee - Your Fine Jewelry Consultant
Joined Aaron Kilman Jewelers in 1997.
Certified in Diamond grading from Gem School of America.
Other jewelry training from HOF, Seiko, Festina, A. Jaffe, Steve Macleod, Gold Lance, Kabana.
Top customer service and sales person for 2002.
Duties include Inventory control, Staff scheduling, jewelry buyer, shipping.
Long time resident of Port Orange. Renee is often visited in the store by her friends and family who are always offered our signature Cappuccino.
Plans and puts on our annual "Famous" Christmas/Customer Appreciation party each year.
Hank - Your Fine Jewelry Consultant
Joined Aaron Kilman Jewelers in 1997.
In the jewelry industry since 1952
Traveling representative
We cherish Hanks knowledge and expertise
Ceil - Your Fine
Jewelry Consultant
With Aaron Kilman Jewelers since 1998
The best in customer service
Loves to work with people
Debbie
- Your Fine Jewelry Consultant
Joined Aaron Kilman Jewelers in
2004.
She is an important and great member
of this team.
Duties include Inventory control,
jewelry buyer.
Her laugh is beautiful and contagious.
Adam - Your Fine
Jewelry Consultant
Joined Aaron Kilman Jewelers in 2004.
Certified in Diamond grading from Gem School of America.
Other jewelry training from HOF, Bulova Accutron, Galatea, Kabana,
Many other lines.
You want a one-of-a-kind piece. Adam is your man.
Duties include Designing, jewelry buyer, shipping.
John Tanner - Master Bench Jeweler for over 35 years
Certified by Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) in:
money in their pockets, So they set up a card
table and sod them Puka beads. Puka beads were tiny white shells, found on Pacific beaches, especially in Hawaii,
strung into necklaces, and very popular at the time, The boys did quite well.
