When he was 15 years old, Bernie Ochs was hired by a family jewelry business, where he continued to work through high school and college. After graduating with a Bachelors degree in Finance, the same family jewelry business wanted him to manage one of their jewelry stores. Bernie did just that until he decided to open his very own store. In October of 1987, Bernie Ochs Jewelers opened its doors to the public in Monroe, Michigan. He teamed up with Ron Carroll in March of 1990 to open a second store in Toledo, Ohio. This union became Carroll/Ochs Jewelers. Since then, Ron has retired and the Toledo store was sold, leaving Carroll/Ochs Jewelers in its present Monroe, Michigan location.