Miguel and Maria Dávalos, natives of Zapotlanejo in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, married in April 1970.  Starting from humble beginnings, Miguel and Maria have created a life where work and family go together perfectly and is a big source of pride. 

At the young age of 12, Miguel began his career in leather crafting making shoes with his older brother.  In 1964 at the age of 21, he moved to Los Angeles and worked for MacPhearson Saddlery for six years making leather horse equipment.  He honed his craft by working side jobs at home.  In his garage, Miguel crafted leather pieces including chaps, bridles and tack.  He’d bring his pieces to sell at Western retailers and horse shows where discerning eyes would recognize his skillful work.  In the 70s, Miguel also began working with silver.  Self-taught through trial and error, Miguel learned the art of silversmithing including hand engraving.  Meanwhile, his wife Maria took care of their two boys, Miguel and Carlos, and took sewing jobs at home to bring home extra money.

As years passed, the opportunity to open up a shop revealed itself to Miguel.  However, he had doubts because he had never owned a business.  A friend suggested that his wife Maria, whose outgoing and kind personality would prove to help the business’ success, manage the customer service.  Maria encouraged Miguel to take up the opportunity.  As a pregnant mom with two young boys and no business experience, Maria was undaunted.  In 1975, Silver King was formed in Chatsworth, California.  

Through the years, Miguel and Maria built up their business and grew to a family of six.  Keeping their values of hard work, perseverance and dedication, Silver King has been successful in creating a solid reputation for quality workmanship and personalized client service.

Now more than 30 years from its inception, Silver King employs the entire family.  The secret to their success Maria says is to love your work, enjoy doing it and take pride in it.  But what she is most proud of is having her family together and truly making Silver King a family-run business.

MIGUEL DÁVALOS JR.

Miguel Dávalos Jr., Miguel and Maria’s first son, graduated with a B.A. in Speech Communications in 1994 from California State University Northridge.  Miguel worked at Silver King throughout his teen and college years.  In 1996, Miguel took a job a Dayton Rogers, a metal-stamping manufacturing company.  For the next four years, he learned about all parts of the manufacturing business from purchasing to sales.  Miguel took his learnings and returned to Silver King in Fall 2000.  Since his return, Miguel has helped Silver King streamline its manufacturing processes and update its marketing tools and tactics.  He currently manages manufacturing  for Silver King.

As a child, Miguel showed early talent for drawing.  He enjoyed working with his hands and was naturally drawn to the family business.  Through the years, his interests lied more in the art of silversmithing.  His drawing talent and silverworking skills lent him to designing many products and working with customers to create what they envision in their custom-made pieces.

 MALILA DÁVALOS

The first daughter of the Dávalos clan, Malila is the sassy go-getter of the bunch.  Graduating from California State University Northridge in May 2002, Malila received a degree in International Business. 

Her ambitious ways have taken her to Guadalajara, Mexico where she attended the Instituto Technologico de Estudios Superiores del Occidente and the Universidad of Guadalajara.  She taught English to elementary school students while attending school in Mexico.

 MARCIA DÁVALOS

Marcia, the youngest of four children, graduated from California State University Northridge in December 2003 with a degree in Business Administration and Management Information Systems.  Marcia’s adventurous spirit and friendly personality has made her a well-rounded person and has taken her to many places including the University of Hawaii as an exchange student.  She is the most computer savvy of the bunch. 

In addition, Marcia has also displayed talent for working with leather and silver and does much of the hands-on work with the product.  She also handles administrative, marketing and information systems for the business.

TOPE

Tope, the mascot, is only 5 years old but acts as is if he's 75 (in dog years that is).  He has received an award for most perfect attendance and frequently receives the "Worker of the Month" award.  Although he never finished his schooling, Tope excels in the art of greeting.  Every customer is ensured to get a proper greeting (if he's not asleep).  Not only is Tope an essential part of Silver King's business day, he is also a motivator and time consumer. 

Some of Tope's hobbies include long walks, aquatic sports, and dinner time.