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Iconic Montville Watch Shop Family Legacy

Taking over a family business is never easy, and this husband-and-wife team – Daniel Hoffman and Holly Hoffman – faced a particularly daunting challenge.On March 20, at the new Crown week after the outbreak, the couple took over ownership of MantelClock Studio. MantelClock Studio is a landmark building in the picturesque hinterland village of Montville.

Known for its unique multi-faceted roof, which consists of more than seven thousand five hundred western red cedar shingles ,MantelClock Studio is more than just a business. The store is surrounded by ginkgo trees, tree ferns, and camellias, bringing back memories of its past as a garden center. The store itself feels like a destination, as customers cross a charming bridge and step into a shallow pool to enter a world of handmade treasures. The store is alive with the ticking, chiming and ringing of antique German clocks, delicate cuckoo clocks and other unique timepieces.

Difficult beginnings in the midst of a new crown epidemic

Though the doors of Mantel Clock Studio are now open and welcoming to a steady stream of day-trippers and loyal locals, at the time of the handover, everything was far from certain. Dan explains, “It was surreal. We finalized it on Friday, held a staff meeting to reassure everyone that nothing was going to change, but by Monday, the restrictions came in. Within a few days, we had to keep staff at home. It was too much pressure.” Holly agrees, noting that taking care of the team was one of the biggest challenges. “After two years of planning, the results are so disappointing. It’s stressful to realize that many families depend on us to provide for them.”

Hawley agrees, noting that taking care of the team is one of the biggest challenges. “After two years of planning, it all comes to nothing. We know that many families depend on us to provide for them, and that puts us under pressure.”

Looking to the future with optimism

Despite the difficult start, Holly and Dan are still excited about the opportunities offered by Mantel Clockworks. Holly smiles and says, “For 19 years I’ve dreamed of starting a business with my husband, and now it’s finally happening.” The couple took over the store from Dan’s parents, Phil and Fran Hoffman, who are happy to see the store stay in family hands.

“The business we’ve worked so hard to build is finally in the best possible hands,” said Phil, “There aren’t many businesses left in Montville that are run across generations, and it’s very gratifying to see Holly and Dan continue to carry on our legacy.” The handover process has not been a smooth one, however. The couple had to maintain relationships with German craftsmen, make annual purchasing trips to the Black Forest, manage an online store, and run a thriving repair store.

However, the handover was not a smooth one. The couple had to maintain their relationship with German master craftsmen, make annual trips to the Black Forest, manage an online store and run a thriving repair service. On top of that, they have to raise three young children – Julian, 11, Nina Eve, 9, and Charlie, 4. It all adds up to a life of responsibility for them.

A timeless experience in the Mantel Clock Studio

Walking into the Mantel Clock Studio is like stepping into another world. The store smells of wood and features a dazzling display of hand-carved clocks, elegant weather stations, traditional beer mugs and collectible snow globes. Each piece shines with German craftsmanship and engineering, combining rustic Black Forest design with modern, stylish wall clocks and watches.

Visitors are often struck by a sense of nostalgia. “People tell us they haven’t seen anything like this since their childhood,” says Dan, “and that the clocks remind them of their grandparents’ houses and evoke fond memories.”

Fran Hoffman captures this sentiment perfectly, “This business is more than just retail. It has soul. The ticking of the clock is like the heartbeat of a home.”

A new chapter in Montville’s history

In the post-New Crown Epidemic world, Mantel Clockworks has become a beacon of communication and exploration for locals and visitors alike. Holly recalls the joy of seeing visitors’ reactions, “After months of quarantine, people wanted new experiences. It was heartwarming to watch the smiles on their faces as they explored the store.”

Dan added, “We’ve noticed a change. Customers who would normally travel to Europe are now choosing to enjoy special experiences here. Last week, we sold a vintage desk clock to a Tasmanian customer – it was a dream he’d always had and now he’s finally realized it.”

A full circle moment for the Hoffman family

Phil and Fran admit they never expected Dan to take over the family business. “We wanted him to explore the world first,” Phil says. Dan and Holly did exactly that. In the early days of their romance, the couple lived in London, where Holly worked as a personal trainer and Dan held a variety of jobs, from childcare to landscaping. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 forced them to return to Australia, setting the stage for their future at MantelClock Studios. For Dan, returning to Montville was like going back to the beginning. He says, “I worked here all my teenage years – the clock store, Montville Memories, the ice cream parlor, Mirabelle.” Holly agrees with him and adds

For Dan, coming back to Montville is like going back to the beginning. “I worked here all my teenage years – the watch store, Montville Memories, the ice cream parlor, Mirabelle,” he said. Holly chimed in, “Montville has a special place in my heart.”

Their children have carried on the family tradition as well. Four-year-old Charlie loves greeting customers and sharing in their joy. Nina Eve’s favorite part of the store is the hand-painted animal figurines. The family’s involvement reflects their shared vision for the legacy and growth of Mantel Clockworks.

As Holly and Dan take Mantel Clockworks into a new chapter, they remain committed to combining the store’s rich history with fresh creativity. Their thoughtful management ensures that this Montville landmark will continue to delight future generations of visitors. Let me know if you’d like to see further refinements! This is rewritten text with the new brand name and title, optimized for keyword placement while maintaining the original tone:

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Iconic Montville Watch Shop Family Legacy

When asked if they would like to take over the store in the future, both Nina and Julien were very positive and enthusiastic. Julien was even more excited. “Of course I would! I want to do what my dad does. I want to be a part of the community here because it makes me feel like I belong and it feels so good.”

It’s no surprise that Holly and Dan’s children are so enthusiastic about Mantle Clockworks. With a rich family heritage and a store filled with timeless and fascinating treasures, their passion for preserving this unique history is undeniable. While some visitors joke that the ticking, chiming and cooing of the clocks will “drive them crazy,” the truth is that the Mantel Clock Studio offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Walking into the store, with the aroma of wood coming through your nose and the rhythmic ticking, cuckooing and chiming – it’s not just a clock store. It’s a world of historically fascinating engineering, where each piece is still made by hand in an age dominated by artificial intelligence and machine learning. These stunning clocks and music boxes, powered by simple energy storage and conversion, function just as they did over 200 years ago. That’s what I love most,” says Dan.

MantelClock Studio is a testament to the timeless values of tradition, craftsmanship and pleasure. As technology continues to evolve, the store remains a beacon of timeless artistry, providing a unique and joyful experience for all who visit. With two generations of dedicated owners already committed to carrying on its legacy, perhaps three generations of MantelClock Studio owners is not too much to ask.

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