The Hoover & Strong Experts

Torry, son of George Hoover and 4th generation, started with the company in 1981 while going to night school at VCU to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While there, Torry wrote a college term paper which detailed the expansion of Hoover & Strong by diversifying into finding products. Ten years later in 1991, Hoover and Strong purchased Baker/Fendt Findings (the company Torry selected in his college paper) and expanded its products to include diestruck findings. Torry became Sales/Marketing VP from 1985-2001.

In 2001, he was named President of Hoover & Strong. Torry is an expert in his field, having worked all jobs within the refinery and the manufacturing facility at one time or another. He also designs and makes jewelry and can answer any questions you may have about the jewelry industry.

Jeff Hoover, son of George Hoover and 4th generation, is the manager of the custom casting. Interning in all of the production areas of Mill, Refining and Findings, he settled into casting because it is a balance of art and science as well the most challenging. Jeff was also fundamental in the development of TruPd™, our new 950 palladium alloy. Jeff's extensive knowledge of casting theory as well as hands on experience in product design through finishing will help guide you and facilitate the production of your treasures.

Stewart Grice is the Director of Mill and Refining. His qualifications include degrees in both Physics & Materials Science, and a Masters in Metallurgy & Materials. He is a Professional Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council of Great Britain.

He co-authored the Precious Metals chapter of the ASM International Metals Handbook on Metallurgy and Microstructures, has had publications in Gold Technology and other trade journals and magazines. He has presented seven papers at the Santa Fe Symposium® on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology, co-authored a further three papers, and is the recipient of five awards. Stewart has twice presented at the MJSA "Great Minds of Jewelry" seminars.

Stewart has 16 years experience in the jewelry industry working in alloy and process design, technical support, and production management. He has been a member of numerous councils and committees within the jewelry industry. He also has six years experience in industrial ceramic research. If you have a question, he has the answer.

Hoover & Strong is pleased to announce the addition of J. Tyler Teague as Vice President of its Jewelry Division.

Tyler has been in the jewelry industry for over 30 years. He is the owner of JETT Research, a technical consulting company for the jewelry industry. Tyler has done extensive research and development related to the production of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum jewelry.  

He has also been involved in the development of jewelry production machines, tools, equipment and processes.  He is the inventor of a well-known jewelry-manufacturing product called the Jett Sett Custom Fixturing System used by setters and jewelers worldwide. He is also the inventor of Hoover and Strong’s well known original palladium casting alloy, TruPd™.  

His work has helped many companies improve profit, optimize metal inventories and eliminate excessive refining wastes.  This is right in line with Hoover & Strong’s HARMONY™ Metals and Gems, its exclusive brand of 100% recycled precious metals paired with conflict–free diamonds and fair trade gemstones.

Tyler’s addition to the Hoover & Strong family will enhance the full range of products and services offered to customers.