True Tales

I Was Feeling Down Until This 94-Year-Old Client Reminded Me Why We Do What We Do

She helped break this jeweler out of the blues.

Published

4 years ago

December 29, 2019

INSTORE Staff Instore January 2020 Issue

I Was Feeling Down Until This 94-Year-Old Client Reminded Me Why We Do What We Do

WINTER HERE IN the Midwest was brutal. Sales were way down. The news of more and more great stores and jewelry manufacturers closing was starting to weigh on me. Then last week, Lorraine walked in and wanted to design a ring. She had some gold and a 5 mm CZ that she had received for making purchases on a website. She just wanted a wide gold band with the CZ in the middle. She asked me how long it would take, then she told me she would be 94 the beginning of May, pointing out she didn’t know how much time she had left, so the sooner the better. She made me realize that I had forgotten to live forward and be in the moment. She was exactly what I needed to get out of the slump. Her ring was delivered within the week, and she was thrilled. — Jo Goralski, The Jewelry Mechanic, Oconomowoc, WI

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”