One of these days, George Poe is going to retire. At least, that's what he keeps saying, but it seems like his business, Cedar Park Jewelry, will continue to keep him busy for years to come. Cedar Park Jewelry has expanded steadily since Poe opened the shop at its first location in The Railyard on RM 1431.

Now at its second location in the Railyard Shopping Center, Cedar Park Jewelry has expanded two times, with the latest expansion happening in 2011. This was not Poe's intention when he came to Cedar Park from Pasadena, Texas. Poe said he wanted to get into a "cleaner" business than the pawn shops he had been running for 10 years.

He decided to get into the jewelry business because he had experience designing custom rings at pawn shops.

"I was just going to run a small jewelry store with three employees. Now, I'm up to 18," he said.

Poe said he attributes a lot of his success to his involvement in the community, and the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce specifically.

"They accepted me with open arms, and word got out," Poe said.

Cedar Park Jewelry buys gold and silver, helps customers design custom pieces and specializes in vintage and antique Rolex watches. The shop also repairs jewelry.

Due in part to omnipresent advertising, Cedar Park Jewelry is a visible brand in the region, and the business supports a multitude of causes and sponsors a variety of teams in the area. Cedar Park Jewelry is an official sponsor of the Texas Stars and the Austin Toros, and the store is the official jeweler of the Toros as well.

"In 31 years, I've never told any worthwhile cause 'no,'" Poe said.

The store's last expansion was in February 2011, and Poe said he doesn't see himself, or his business, slowing down any time soon. Cedar Park Jewelry employs his wife, his mother and father, and his son. So, maybe he will get around to retiring some day, but it won't be in the near future.

"I have 18 employees who depend on me," Poe said.

Cedar Park Jewelry, 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 112, Cedar Park, 259-9430, www.cedarparkjewelry.com

Hours:

• Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Sat. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.