Press Releases

Biggest Group Yet for RJO Next Gen Experience

Published

7 years ago

June 8, 2018

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) Oak Brook, IL (May 19 – May 21) – Setting aside time to continually learn about the industry and invest in yourself as an employee is not an easy task. It takes planning and drive. Last month, almost 40 members of RJO spent a weekend retreat at RJO Next Gen 2018. These three days were full of networking, idea sharing, and personal development exercises. RJO’s CEO Sarah Streb says, “This year’s turnout surpassed our already high goal for 2018. It’s incredibly reward- ing to see so many new faces each year.”

Co-facilitators Kate Peterson of Performance Concepts and Sam Centellas of Outsight Consult- ing made sure to keep the group moving both physically and mentally so they got the most out of the weekend. With topics that covered everything from communication styles to inventory man- agement, this whirlwind weekend ensured that attendees went back to their stores brimming with new ideas.

The next RJO Next Generation Experience is made possible by sponsorship from RDI Dia- monds, Ostbye, Stuller, Edge Retail Academy, Diamond Producers Association, Rarest Rainbow, and Federated Insurance.

In keeping with their commitment to further education of the industry, The RJO Foundation awarded over $2,000 total to six applicants in their Spring 2018 cycle. Past awardee Samantha Tupper of Wink’s Jewelry in Brookings, SD says, “I am so thankful to RJO and the RJO Founda- tion.” The RJO Foundation awards scholarships twice a year and is currently accepting ap- plications for the Fall 2018 cycle.

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.