“ It ’ s funny how life has a way of switching gears ,” Doggett laughed . “ Janice and I were just meant to be together ; and have enjoyed our life together ever since .”
Both now retired , Janice and Doug are enjoying their time together while Doug continues to help their daughters , Kim and Deanna , follow in his footsteps . Proudly , Doggett said his daughters , his prides and joy , are the ones behind the continued success . “ Kimberly has been working here since the beginning , when she was just in high school ,” he said .
Doggett said that even though his other daughter Deanna was only four years old when they opened the store , “ she ’ d come up here and start answering the phones , if we weren ’ t careful .”
Deanna is also Cullman ’ s only Graduate Gemologist , meaning that she can serve her customers with the highest level of education in gold , precious metals , diamonds and gemstones . Kim is just a few classes away from the title herself .
Even though his oldest daughter , Sherry Zoller , who lives in Meridianville with her husband , David , doesn ’ t work at the store , she makes time to come and see her parents once a week .
“ Just to check on us , bring us food , and spend some time with us ,” he said . “ I am proud of all my daughters in every way .”
Another blessing in Doggett ’ s life has been the chance to get up every single morning and do a job he loves .
“ I started with no more than a dream ,” Doggett said . “ And I didn ’ t have enough sense to know that it was hard to start a business on 100 percent borrowed money . But the good Lord was looking after us . And after all these years , I ’ ve never regretted that decision .”
Aside from the family-oriented customer service they ’ re known for the family behind Doug Doggett Jewelers takes pride in giving back to the community .
“ We love Cullman ,” said Deanna . “ Our kids go to school , so it ’ s important for us to give as much as we can . We try to make sure our customers understand that when you shop with us and when you shop local it allows us and other businesses to be able to give .” One of the biggest times for the jewelry store , according to Doggett , is Christmas . February is their next busiest time of the year . “ I can remember years ago , we used to say we ’ d just leave it up to the flower people and the candy people on Valentine ’ s Day . But now it ’ s our second biggest season of the year and we have to spend a good bit of time getting ready for it .”
Deanna says part of the reason is that the jewelry business has evolved over time . At one time , their store only carried fine jewelry , but now it has a large selection of bracelets , earrings , necklaces , and rings at all price points .
“ Someone can come in with a $ 50 budget or a $ 5,000 budget and be able to walk out with something they are proud to give ,” said Doggett . “ Jewelry is an emotional gift that can be handed down . That ’ s why I believe we get so busy this time of year . We want the person who receives our jewelry as a gift to just love it . Because if she loves it , she ’ s going to tell everyone where it came from .”
When reflecting back over his career journey , Doggett says that getting to work with his daughters every day is one of his biggest blessings .
Visit Doug Doggett Jewelers at 215 Compass Way SW in Cullman Monday through Friday 10 a . m to 5 p . m . and Saturday 10 a . m . to 4 p . m .
Doug Doggett with his granddaughter , Jordan Millican , at her graduation from Cullman High School . Jordan will soon be graduating from Mississippi State in May .
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE SPRING 2022 | 11