• Ep62 - Insider Tips for Successful and Fun Jewelry Marketing, Kate Marks
    Apr 22 2024

    Welcome to the Pearls of Wisdom podcast. Today, we have a fantastic guest, Kate Marks of Marks of Design, a well-known jewelry store that specializes in custom jewelry design in Shelton, Connecticut.

    Kate will be pulling back the curtain on her most successful marketing events to give you an inside look at what it takes to spark interest, drive sales, and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

    Have you ever wondered how to host successful online auctions? Kate shows how platforms like Facebook Live can be your best friend when it comes to connecting with customers in real-time.

    She also mentions how you can use these using social media to promote your event. Everyone’s already doing it but Kate knows how to do it RIGHT. Some of her most innovative events are ladies’ nights, wish list extravaganzas, and even whiskey and rocks nights. Plus, she’ll tell us all about the heartwarming diamond dig event that’s not only fun but also gives back to the community.

    Speaking of fun, she also recounts a thrilling encounter with a film crew reenacting a jewelry robbery in her store! What exactly happened there? You have to find out!

    We know you’re also curious about her staffing strategies. Discover how she manages to maintain a welcoming environment for customers while fostering a close-knit, family-like atmosphere among her employees.

    Oh, and did I mention the national rarities event? It also attracts new customers from far and wide. You won’t want to miss hearing how Kate Marks does that.

    So, if you’re ready to learn from one of the best in the business and learn the right way to market your jewelry, then grab a seat and tune in now! Kate Marks is about to drop some serious pearls of wisdom, and you won’t want to miss a single one!

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

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    26 mins
  • Ep61 - Looking forward to retiring and his unconventional way to find a successor
    Mar 18 2024

    Welcome to the Pearls of Wisdom podcast. We’re back with another special episode with a special guest: Kendall Wiley, the founder of Wiley’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.

    After graduating from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Kendall took the bold step of starting Wiley’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in 1994. But what makes his story so intriguing is what he’s built since then.

    He shared insights into his meticulous process of finding the right employees, using trusted networks like JHJ and RJO, and the importance of vetting candidates thoroughly to find his successor.

    He also mentioned exciting secrets about the fine jewelry business. His business has proven itself reputable in the industry, from sourcing the finest gemstones to staying ahead of the latest trends. With three decades of dedication to the industry, they have endured the industry’s hardships and, likewise, gained more experience and expertise.

    We also discussed the values that have guided Kendall’s business all these years — family, the special bonds he’s formed with his customers, and the invaluable support he found within the jewelry community.

    And with so much more to discover in life, Kendall yet again takes on an exciting journey beyond the confines of his jewelry store. Discover how he and his wife found a new adventure managing a lodge in Seward, Alaska, as part of their retirement plan. With breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay and a thriving business, Kendall proves that retirement can be an exciting adventure.

    Tune in and hear about his experiences meeting people around the world and the joy of running a successful business. Don’t miss out on Kendall’s journey from Texas to Alaska, filled with wisdom, adventure, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

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    23 mins
  • Ep60 - Celebrating Festive Jewelry Sales & More with Ed & Ethel’s
    Feb 23 2024

    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! 

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

    • Apple Podcast = https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my.-..

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    41 mins
  • Ep59 - First Taste of Success in 2024 with Thacker Jewelry, Joe Thacker
    Feb 5 2024

    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.

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

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    29 mins
  • Ep58 - Keeping 145 Years of Jewelry Tradition with Hawthorne Jewelry , Erika Godfrey
    Jan 23 2024

    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.  

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

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    24 mins
  • Ep57 - A 70-Year Jewel in the Community with Ellis Fine Jewelers, Dan Levinson
    Jan 8 2024

    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. 

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

    • Apple Podcast = https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my.-..

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    40 mins
  • Ep 56 - The best moments and advice from 2023 Part 2
    Dec 29 2023

    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.  

    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

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

    • Apple Podcast = https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my.-..

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    25 mins
  • Ep54 - Firearms and Timepieces Coming Together with Glock Watches, Jim Imhof
    Dec 1 2023

    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:

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

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

    Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast

    https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast

    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:

    • Apple Podcast = https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my.-..

    • Amazon Music/Audible = https://www.audible.com/pd/Pearls-of.-..

    • iHeartRadio = https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-pe...

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    16 mins