Leonard A. "Lenny" Zell

Leonard was born to Harry and Hannah Zell and grew up surrounded by lifelong friends in the Westover area of PDX. He attended Columbia Prep, USC, University of Washington and The University of Portland.
Lenny's father and uncles founded Zell Bros. Jewelers, and Lenny joined the business in 1949, studying the art of selling from his father Harry, a master salesman. He learned early on that he wasn't just selling diamonds, emeralds or rubies, but rather lasting memories. After many years selling in the downtown store, the company expanded to Washington Square where Lenny became the manager, and one day a customer named Marietta walked in.
In 1981, after seeing great success training Zale Corp. students, he started a new business: Leonard Zell Professional Sales Training. He trained students from Singapore to Santiago, Buenos Aires to Bahrain, throughout the US and around the world. His client list included the world's top jewelry companies. His secret sauce was having a great smile and using it often.
Along with training, Lenny wrote the first of its kind "Jewelry Sales Manual" that became an industry standard.
He also wrote sales articles for jewelry magazines in the US and internationally and was considered a "Legend" by those in his field.
Still consulting with clients into his 90's, he freely shared his knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm for selling.
Joined by family and friends in Maui, Lenny and Marietta wed in 1993 and began great adventures together. Entertaining on the river, traveling the world, enjoying the beach and making friends wherever they went.
Lenny had special talents too: going backwards on the golf course, trees that he said jumped out and hit him when he was driving, which created his 'Dentmobile', planes that left 'too early' when he missed them, forgetting to bring money to pay for the wedding license and many other hilarious tales.
He loved photography, skiing, scuba diving, tennis, Cannon Beach, Ringside onion rings, and never missed writing a poem for every wedding anniversary or birthday.
His zest for life was inspiring, his optimism boundless and he was proud to have made a difference in so many lives.
He is preceded in death by his sister Marilyn.
He is survived by his beloved wife, many Zell and Hope family members and countless friends all who loved him dearly.
He was a gem.
~ Happy Trails to you,
Until we meet again ~
Remembrances may be made to:
B'nai B'rith Camp ~ Lincoln City
bb-360.org
Temple Beth Israel, Portland, Oregon
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