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Leonard Zell, Jewelry Sales Trainer, Dies at 97

He wrote a jewelry sales training manual that became an industry standard.

Published

3 weeks ago

August 26, 2024

INSTORE Staff

Leonard Zell, who was a well-known sales trainer in the jewelry industry, has died.

Leonard Zell

He was 97.

Zell passed away in Albany, OR.

He joined the family business, Zell Bros. Jewelers, in 1949 and, studied the art of selling from his father, Harry, according to his obituary. He worked in the retail operation for many years and in 1981 started a new business, Leonard Zell Professional Sales Training.

Through the business, he trained students in the U.S. and throughout the world. Zell created a jewelry sales training manual that became an industry standard, and he also wrote columns for INSTORE in the early 2000s.

Zell attended Columbia Prep, the University of Southern California, the University of Washington and the University of Portland.

He continued consulting work into his 90s.

Zell is survived by his wife, Marietta, along with many other family members.

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