Meet the Team
While a love and appreciation for the sheer beauty of fine jewelry was definitely a draw to the profession, the most important factor in the jewelry business for Lynn and Barb has always been the people—their customers. As a result, they consider customer satisfaction their most important marker of success. Sharing the special moments of people’s lives, their weddings, anniversaries, and other remarkable occasions, is one of the best benefits of their work.
Barb & Lynn Strauss
The Strauss’ have been in the jewelry business for more than 35 years. In fact, they met when Lynn, then a jewelry representative, walked into the store where Barb worked.
They married and started a family, continuing to learn and work in the jewelry trade. Having gained the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully own and run their own jewelry business, in 1986 the Strausses purchased an existing jewelry store in downtown Mount Vernon. They have enjoyed building relationships with their customers over the years. Lynn and Barb now find themselves working with next generation of their customers for their engagement rings, creating a real feeling of community and continuity.
Today, Strauss Jewelers has grown into the vision Barb and Lynn began with—an extraordinary jewelry store where long-lasting customer relationships and excellent customer service are the foundation for success. Barb and Lynn have three grown children and one grand-child, all living in the Skagit Valley.
Dan Wilson
Dan Wilson has 20 years experience in the jewelry industry. He joined the Strauss Jewelers team 12 years ago, and has enjoyed serving the greater Mount Vernon community ever since. A native of Washington state, Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Whitworth College in Spokane, WA. During his off hours he enjoys long boarding (skateboard), working with youth, and exploring the backcountry with his family and friends.
Olen J. Laughlin
Olen has over thirty years of experience in fine jewelry retail sales. He started his career in Montana, going from there to open and manage jewelry departments for several large retailers in Washington and Oregon, before moving to Mount Vernon in 1987. After working for a couple of stores in the surrounding area, Olen joined the Strauss staff in 2004. He enjoys working in his home community in a very special store where the customers receive service from the heart.
Olen graduated from the watch-making program at Spokane Community College and has taken Gemological Institute of America courses and received his Diamond Certificate. Having worked his entire career in fine jewelry, Olen has a natural and genuine gift for providing excellent service, meeting every customer’s needs—whether it’s a repair or purchase, large or small. He sees every day as a new opportunity to help people, make friends and build lasting relationships.
Olen has been married for 26 years and has a son and daughter. They enjoy hiking, bowling, golfing, gardening and spending time with friends and family.