Carrolls Jeweler, a Coral Gables landmark for 53 years, recently was awarded the Pat Murphy Best Small Business Award. Carrolls Jeweler was started in Cincinnati, OH, in the 1930s by Carroll Seghers and moved to its present location on Miracle Mile in 1946. It is a third generation family-run business, currently owned by Seghers’ grandson, Steve Moorman, a pinecrest resident.

"We still go by the principals of Carroll Seghers—quality merchandise, fine prices and excellent service," Moorman said. "I think that’s why we won the award."

It is this dedication to these principals that has earned Carrolls Jeweler the Pat Murphy Best Small Business Award.

The annual Pat Murphy Best Small Business Award is an Honor Memoriam named after Pat Murphy, former owner of Gables Air Conditioning. The award is sponsored by the Kiwanis of Coral Gables and Gables Air Conditioning. Murphy was a member of the Coral Gables Kiwanis and owned his business in downtown Coral Gables for 38 years. He had a great rapport with his clients and because he also was the receptionist, the public knew him well. He was admired, respected and loved dearly by those who knew him.

After becoming ill, Murphy sold his business to Bud and Ken Thompson, the current owners of Gables Air Conditioning. Even after Murphy’s death, people would call asking how he was doing. Because of the legacy Murphy left behind, the new owners wanted to honor him in a special way. They contacted the Coral Gables Kiwanis and the Pat Murphy Award, now in its sixth year, was born.

Claud Wilson, the Pat Murphy Award chairperson, said eligible businesses must be in existence a minimum of two years, have more than five employees, but less than 25, and be in the general Coral Gables, South Miami area. On the first of March, nomination forms are sent out to local businesses. This year, more than 400 nomination forms were sent. In April, after the Kiwanis Pat Murphy Award Committee completes the difficult job of selecting a winner, the winning business is presented with the award.

Carrolls Jeweler is a full-service jewelry store dedicated to excellent service and quality merchandise. It carries china, crystal, and fine names such as Tiffany, Waterford, and Versace. They also have a bridal registry and a printing service for stationary and invitations. Carrolls Jewelers is located at 365 Miracle Mile, in Coral Gables. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The telephone number is 305-446-1611.

See Next Story