Ep58 - Keeping 145 Years of Jewelry Tradition with Hawthorne Jewelry , Erika Godfrey

Welcome back to another fun-filled episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry podcast! Today, Brooke and Chase Brinson, from Ed and Ethel’s Fine Jewelry in Christiansburg, Virginia, are back with us in this episode! 

They’re here to share some awesome insights into their small business journey, which saw a fantastic 50% increase in sales in 2022 and some seriously impressive holiday numbers last year. And as always, they’re not holding back on the secrets to their success! From getting involved in their community to trying out innovative marketing techniques like offering attractive financing options, they’re laying it all out for us. 

Listen in as we discuss the power of digital marketing, their experiences with financing programs, and the importance of constant adaptation in a dynamic marketplace. Get inspired by their resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence as they share invaluable pearls of wisdom for all our listeners. Seriously, these guys are like a goldmine of wisdom when it comes to running a business! 

Plus, find out what’s been flying off the shelves during the holidays—hint: lab-grown diamond studs and yellow gold hoops are having a serious moment. And what’s more? Brooke and Chase are giving us the lowdown on their upcoming events, like permanent jewelry showcases and appraisal clinics, and how they’re teaming up with vendors to make sure every customer leaves with a smile. 

You definitely don’t want to miss out on this chat—it’s packed with inspiration and enough entrepreneurial spirit to light a fire under anyone! 

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Glad to have you here in the first episode of Pearls of Wisdom after the holiday season. 

Didn’t we say we’ll make new memories this year? Well, here we are, kicking off 2024 with a fantastic episode featuring the one and only Joe Thacker, owner of Thacker Jewelry in Lubbock, Texas. 

Joe shares insights into the tremendous success of Thacker Jewelry’s December holiday sales with a record-breaking month despite the previous year’s challenges. What caught my attention was Joe’s strategic approach to clienteling with software to enhance customer relationships and drive sales. 

He shares the importance of continuous customer contact, recounting anecdotes about tracking special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays to foster a personalized experience. 

The discussion takes an intriguing turn toward the jewelry market, with Joe providing valuable insights into the ever-rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds. We talked about their unique strategy of not actively promoting these diamonds but rather addressing customer inquiries with transparency. 

Throughout the episode, Joe generously discusses his wealth of experience, marketing strategies, the importance of video marketing in showcasing their store’s identity, plus the incredible journey of Thacker Jewelry with over 50 years in the industry! 

Joe also shares some golden advice, like the importance of good software, employee care, and the enduring principle of the golden rule. 

He even recalls a heartwarming story about treating every customer with respect — a lesson that is sure to resonate deeply in jewelry retail. 

Join us as we create new memories and share knowledge on the ongoing journey here at the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast. Tune in and enjoy this episode because Joe Thacker has more valuable pieces of advice to share.

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Welcome to the Pearls of Wisdom podcast. Joining us on this episode is Erika Godfrey of Hawthorne Jewelry. Erika’s story is a model of timeless tradition and the enduring spirit of family-owned businesses. Hawthorne Jewelry’s remarkable 145-year history is located right next door to its original storefront in Kearney, Nebraska, a community of about 35,000 people. 

During this episode, we’ll discover more about the Hawthorne Jewelry, from its origins with JD Hawthorne to the present day, where Erika carries on the family legacy. Erika will share the heartwarming tale of a clock from 1878 that her father sold but later returned to the store, which shows the sentiment of preserving family traditions. 

We talk about their successful marketing strategies, digital presence, and television appearances to show how a family jewelry store maintains its relevance and charm in a small town. She highlights the importance of energy and customer engagement in the jewelry industry, where they sell items that people don’t necessarily need but desire.

She also discusses the impact of technological advancements, like lab-grown diamonds, and how the industry has adapted over her 26 years of ownership.  Erika’s involvement with RJO as an approved vendor for their group adds another layer to her expertise.  

And, of course, in the lead-up to the holiday season, Erika shares some of the hot products at Hawthorne Jewelry, such as Basali, Allison Kaufman, and Jorge Revia pieces, along with unique custom designs featuring colored stones. 

So, if you’re a jeweler looking for insights and inspiration or just love hearing about everything jewelry, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in now and listen to the heartwarming stories of Hawthorne Jewelry.  

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In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom podcast, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest from North Carolina—Dan Levinson of Ellis Fine Jewelers. 

Dan first shares the story of his family’s legacy and the origin of the name “Ellis Jewelers.” They recently celebrated their 70th anniversary and marked the occasion with a store renovation to create a fresh and inviting space for their customers.

One of the highlights of this episode is the discussion of a heartwarming initiative Dan and his team started. Learn about their inspiring jewelry design contest that has been running for over a decade. The contest is not just about jewelry but also about nurturing creativity and boosting the confidence of local students. You'll hear about the positive impact this initiative has had on the young participants and the community as a whole.

Dan shares his unique perspective as a third-generation jeweler and his approach to letting his children choose their paths. The importance of following one's passion and finding happiness is a recurring theme in his life and his store's ethos.

Not only that, we also talk about the challenges of competing with larger jewelry stores in the bustling city of Charlotte. Dan reveals the secret to their success: building strong customer relationships and providing a personalized experience many appreciate. With that, Dan shares the exciting developments in their downtown area that make it a vibrant and thriving community.

Tune in now. Don’t miss this chance to learn how this independent jeweler is making a meaningful connection to their community and the valuable lessons Dan Levinson shares about relationships and the pursuit of happiness in this industry. 

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While we’d love to capture all the pearls of wisdom from our special guests this year in a single episode, we don’t want you to miss out on every valuable advice. 

Here’s another round of wisdom-packed fun as we roll out Part 2 of the Best Advice of 2023! 

If you thought Part 1 was filled with great ones, prepare for this second part through the coolest moments and advice we heard exclusively here at the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast. 

While wrapping this up, we cannot help but realize that as our guests generously shared their wisdom, little did they know that their impact would extend beyond these conversations. 

In return for their insights, many of them have experienced transformative moments in their own lives as their connections, experiences, and knowledge grow. Becoming a part of our podcast family has shaped their journeys and created a ripple effect of positive change in this industry. 

Likewise, their stories and advice resonated with you, our valued listeners. You’ve shown us how these conversations have touched your lives, sparked new ideas, and provided a source of motivation. 

With that, we hope to provide you with more inspiring episodes with amazing individuals in 2024.

But before anything else, let’s first tune in as we play the flashback button to 2023. Let’s reminisce and hear all these inspiring words that are truly worth listening to once more.  

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Joining us in this special episode of Chatting with Chuck is Jim Imhof, the Sales Director for Glock Watches. He will share the extraordinary fusion of two worlds you might never have imagined—the world of firearms and watches. 

Jim brings a wealth of experience, having spent 45 years in the watch business, including stints with brands like Boulevard, Citizen, and Seiko. For the past decade, he’s been an integral part of Bering Watches, a company with a 14-year history. 

In this episode, we discuss the remarkable history of Bering Watches, their commitment to quality, and the influence of their owner, Michael Witt. You’ll discover that Glock’s entry into watch manufacturing is a dedication to upholding Glock’s rigorous standards, just as they do with their firearms. They’re designed to withstand wear and tear, which makes them a smart choice for those who demand the best. 

Initially, Bering Watches primarily catered to a female audience, but they have expanded their offerings and have 700 active accounts in the US. 

So, how did Bering Watches and Glock Watches come together? The Glock family, with its roots in the jewelry business, sought to create special project watches. When the task proved challenging, Michael Witt was called upon for his expertise, and thus, the partnership began. 

Glock watches offer a range of movements, including Swiss-made Rhonda movements, Seiko automatic movements, and solar movements. 

Jim reveals that all these Glock watches are set to hit the market soon, and it already has a substantial network of accounts lined up, including independent owner-operators. 

If you’re interested in exploring the opportunity to become a prospective retailer, sales representative, or ambassador, tune in now and discover more about Glock Watches from Jim Imhof here. 

Brought to you by:

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Today, we have two special guests from the Jewelers Board of Trade, Jim Rocchio and Brenda Gamba, who will enlighten us on a topic many in the industry might not be aware of — the JBT rating. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, the Jewelers Board of Trade has been a pillar in the jewelry industry since its establishment in 1884. 

We’ll dive into details of what a JBT rating is and how it works. Jim, with 36 years at JBT, and Brenda, with 20 years, will break down the complexities of JBT ratings and what they mean for businesses in the jewelry industry. 

In this episode, we uncover the historical roots of the JBT, its significance, and the evolution of credit ratings within the jewelry sector. Discover how JBT helps maintain transparency within the jewelry industry and ensures that businesses are legitimate and trustworthy. 

We’ll also discuss the significance of JBT ratings for retailers who want to buy on credit, as well as for suppliers looking to make informed decisions.  

We also explore the lesser-known aspects of JBT, like other condition codes, capital ratings, and the impact of collection claims on your score.  Find out why these codes matter and how they influence your business dealings.   

So, if you're curious about JBT ratings, want to know how they can benefit your business, or simply love all things jewelry-related, you don’t want to miss this episode. Tune in as it’s time to lift the curtain and discover more about your JBT rating!  

Brought to you by:

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Starting a podcast isn’t easy, and we are genuinely grateful for those who have followed us on this journey. In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, grab some turkey leftovers and join us as we take a reflective trip through the highs and lows of this past year. Unlike our usual episodes with guests, this time, it’s just Elisa and me sharing our thoughts on the challenges and triumphs that 2023 brought to the jewelry industry. 

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for everyone, but that makes the journey interesting, right? As we sit down before Thanksgiving, we acknowledge the difficulties many have faced this year and emphasize the importance of gratitude and finding reasons to be thankful. 

We look back to the many wonderful people we introduce to you on this platform, from vendors to retailers, who shared their experiences, insights, and wisdom, providing a unique perspective on the jewelry business from both sides of the fence. 

We talk about the experiences and unexpected joys that Pearls of Wisdom has brought to our lives and the lives of our listeners. We reminisce about memorable guests like the late Kate Peterson and recognize everyone’s impact on the industry. We also shared a heartwarming story of how our podcast played matchmaker! 

This year wouldn’t have been as incredible without all of you tuning in and supporting us. But the love and views you’ve thrown our way have made it worth every moment.  

From the industry’s challenges to heartwarming stories of love found, join Elisa and I as we celebrate and reminisce memorable and enriching conversations we shared in this Thanksgiving episode that make Pearls of Wisdom a podcast close to our home. We’re here to share stories, make connections, and, who knows, maybe help you find a date or a job.

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Welcome to Pearls of Wisdom! In this episode of “Chatting with Chuck,” our special guest, Shelia Bayes of Gem + Jewel, will share her journey in the jewelry industry and what she has accomplished so far to help other jewelers. 

Her first step in the industry began in Lexington, Kentucky, where she worked for a jewelry business while attending the University of Kentucky. After nearly a decade of experience, she boldly opened her store, and this year marks her impressive 30th anniversary! With no prior family background in the industry, her story is indeed an inspiration to all aspiring jewelers. 

Her passion for connecting with people and celebrating life’s special moments through jewelry is evident in her incredible journey. She’s witnessed the industry’s evolution from green books and landline phones to the digital age of e-commerce. 

Speaking of e-commerce, Sheila witnessed how many jewelers struggle with building and maintaining online stores and was determined to change that. In a groundbreaking move, she founded Gem + Jewel in 2018, an award-winning e-commerce aggregator. This platform provides solutions for those struggling with online sales intricacies. It makes e-commerce more accessible for retailers, vendors, and consumers. 

What’s even more exciting is the accessibility of this platform to Jewelers Mutual Insurance policyholders. For a mere $69 a month, retailers can start their e-commerce business without the hefty upfront costs, with the platform taking a modest 10% commission only when a sale is made. If you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear more from Sheila Bayes . 

Tune in now and don’t miss this episode to gain invaluable insights into jewelry and e-commerce. Join us as we Chat with Chuck and Shelia Bayes of Gem + Jewel. 

Brought to you by:

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Welcome to Pearls of Wisdom Podcast. In this episode of “Chatting with Chuck,” we have the pleasure of introducing you to Chris Snowden, the proud owner of Snowden Jewelers from Wilmington, NC, and Brenda Gamba from the Jewelers Board of Trade. 

Chris is a passionate expert with over three decades of experience. He, alongside his father, founded Snowden Jewelers 33 years ago, where you can find the highest quality of jewelry. Chris has seen it all, from being a twelve-year-old bench jeweler to running the show today.  

We first take a trip down memory lane as he reminisces about the fun rib cook-off competition at the Ten Carat Club’s initiation (a unique jewelers’ group for those not quite in the 24 Carat Club). 

Who won the contest? Well, you’ll have to listen to that story to find out. 

But it’s not only about barbecue—we also talk about the ins and outs of this industry.  But don’t let Chris’ casual demeanor fool you—beneath that friendly smile lies a wealth of knowledge about gems, diamonds, and everything in between.

From the latest trends in lab-grown diamonds to the dynamic market, Chris has something valuable to share, like how the jewelry industry is adapting to meet the diverse needs of its customers. And as a reminder to everyone, keep everything real and offer practical insights rather than lofty marketing jargon. 

This episode is filled with laughter, industry chatter, and the essence of the show itself— building connections and exploring new opportunities in the jewelry industry. Stay tuned, and don’t miss out! 

Brought to you by:

Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/

Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/

Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast

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