Press Releases

Borsheims Presents Ike-It Award to Shop Manager Marti Stephens

Stephens began her career at Borsheims in 2000 as an Appraisal Lab Coordinator.

Published

2 months ago

February 25, 2024

Press Releases

Karen Goracke & Marti Stephens

(PRESS RELEASE) OMAHA, NE – Marti Stephens, Shop Manager for Borsheims, has been awarded the company’s most prestigious honor. Stephens was presented with Borsheims’ Ike-It Employee of the Year Award on February 20th after being nominated and selected by her colleagues at Borsheims.

Stephens began her career at Borsheims in 2000 as an Appraisal Lab Coordinator. She left briefly and returned in 2012 as a Jewelry Appraiser. Since then, she has been promoted several times, being named Sr. Jewelry Appraiser; Shop Support Supervisor; Assistant Shop Manager; and Shop Manager, the position she currently holds. As such, Stephens oversees the day-to-day duties of each department in the Borsheims Shop – Bench Jewelers and Polishers, the Appraisal team, Shop Support Services, Engraving and Watch Repair.

Stephens holds a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as well as a Jewelry Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has been an Omaha resident for 23 years and resides with her husband Cory and children Bennett and Norah.

Borsheims CEO and President Karen Goracke applauded Stephens for her many years with the company and her unwavering commitment to her team. “Marti’s dedication and passion represent the very spirit of Borsheims. Through her exceptional leadership, she has not only elevated the performance of our Shop team, she has also set a benchmark for all of us. She is a true asset, and her impact extends to the positive culture she fosters. We are fortunate to have her as a driving force in our organization.”

Borsheims’ Ike-It Employee of the Year Award is named for and is a tribute to Ike Friedman, who owned Borsheims from 1947 to 1989. The honor was started in 1992, the year following Friedman’s passing. It is awarded annually to one associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and who demonstrates the company’s core values. This year marks the 32nd anniversary that Borsheims has given the award.

ABOUT BORSHEIMS

Borsheims is one of the nation’s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents, Borsheims continues to operate with the vision that has guided the company for more than 150 years: “We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customers’ lives. We will treat each opportunity with the respect and importance it deserves by providing exceptional service.”

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.”