Our Staff
Ruben Sierra, Jr., Vice President
Ruben Sierra, Jr. was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is basically a jewelry prodigy, as he was bred to work in the jewelry industry. Ruben is a third generation jeweler, and never dreamed of doing anything different. While still in High School, he became a jeweler’s apprentice under Ruben Sierra, Sr. After doing that for two years, he quickly became a bench jeweler. After designing and manufacturing jewelry for 8 years, he entered the world of sales.
Ruben Sierra, Sr. began working for TMJ in January 2002; 4 months later he went through open heart surgery. After Thomas Markle came to his house to visit Ruben’s father and tell him his job was still waiting for him at TMJ, Ruben knew exactly where he wanted to start his career. In 2003, Ruben joined the TMJ team knowing he wanted to become a leader in the company. Because of his drive and motivation, a short 6 years later he did! In 2009, Ruben became the manager of our flagship store, in Kingwood. An even shorter 2 years later, Ruben became the first Vice President of Thomas Markle Jewelers.
When asked, “what is your favorite line?” Ruben smiles and lights up, with the response “Rolex!” because he loves what the company stands for, “it’s a symbol is success and hard work. Also, its one of the only companies around today that donates to multiple charities. After the company pays its employees, the rest goes straight to charity. How amazing is that!”
When Ruben isn’t gracing his presence at TMJ he likes spending time with his friends & family, listening to music and talking sports! He is also a HUGE sport’s fanatic. If you want to talk sports, jewelry, or Rolex with anyone, Ruben is your guy!
Jae Back, Manager
Jae Back was born in Seuel, Korea but at the age of 8 made the big move to Houston, Texas. Jae was raised in Houston, so, of course, had to attend a University in the Big 12! He graduated from Texas A&M University (Class of ‘01!) with a Bachelor’s degree in MIS and architecture. At the age of 18, Jae was working part-time in the jewelry industry and simply fell in love with designing jewelry, so he quickly decided to move to New York then Los Angeles to learn more about designing jewelry. Since he started his jewelry journey, he hasn’t looks back since. After managing one of the largest chain stores in the Nation, Jae was looking for a change of pace, that’s when he jumped on board with TMJ. Jae came to TMJ because he loves the family environment, and most importantly, treating his customers like a family member instead of a $ sign.
If you ask Jae what his favorite jewelry line is he will quickly say Hearts on Fire because “it represents the best of the diamond.” When he isn’t at work selling diamonds and designing jewelry, he likes to work on cars and motorcycles, but most importantly learning how to be a great dad!
Penny Velez, Manager
Born in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Penny is TMJ’s engagement ring extraordinaire! After working for a National Bank in California for over 7 years, her wonderful customer service and need to please drove her to the jewelry world, and she hasn’t left since (except for when she had a daycare in her home for a short 2 years). Penny has been the manager for many national jewelers for many years, but decided she wanted to get out of the corporate world. She wanted to create a more personal client base and really get to know her clients, as family members, not just customers. She came to Thomas Markle Jewelers because she loves the way we treat our customers, “we don’t stop at anything to please our customers, and that why I love working here!”
Penny’s best memory is when she helped a man who was about to propose. He wanted to be his soon-to-be fiancé’s Knight and Shining Armor. So Penny took on the task! She found a white horse and knight costume and had it waiting for him at the park he was going to propose at. He and his girlfriend ate lunch at the park and when he went to the restroom, inside was waiting his knight and shining armor costume! He jumped on his white horse and rode into the park to propose to his girlfriend… “That is my greatest engagement memory. It was so amazing seeing the look on her face when he came riding out on his white horse and costume.”
She loves the jewelry industry because “everyone who buys jewelry is happy. It’s just an exciting time. Getting engaged is such a special moment, and we are aloud to be apart of it. We are apart of a couple's future together; that is simply amazing.”
Penny loves the Tacori jewelry designer the best because of its “unique and detailed look. Jewelers can’t even duplicate it, that’s what makes it special.” When Penny isn’t selling engagement rings she is cooking, watching the New Orleans, Saints, or Reading.
