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Industry Experts Impart Wisdom at Tenant Association’s Business Seminar

Published

9 years ago

January 28, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Industry Experts Impart Wisdom at Tenant Association’s Business Seminar

(Press Release)
The Tenant Association at the GiftCenter & JewelryMart (GCJM) hosted a business seminar in early December for its members and invited surrounding businesses to attend. The attendees, including about 40 business owners and their top team members, enjoyed a hosted bar and listened to industry professionals discuss pertinent topics and share their expertise to help improve their businesses.

Sarkis-Sarkissian, Roland-Schluessel and Bill-Boyajian

Roland Schluessel from Pillar and Stone gave an educational talk regarding color gemstones, treatments and how increased knowledge of these products will translate to increased sales. Schluessel is an authority on color gemstones and has authored many publications and books on gems and gemology, including his book “Mogok – Myanmar,” which highlights his travels to this ancient area.

Former GIA president and professional consultant Bill Boyajian gave the keynote address of the evening. Boyajian gave an update on current industry trends and issues, including the effects of synthetic diamonds on the market. He also encouraged business owners to empower and motivate their staff to do their jobs and bring the passion back to their businesses. “Business owners need to take ownership of their businesses and to motivate and lead their team to a better future,” he says.

Sarkis Sarkissian, chairman of the Tenant Association who was also the moderator for the evening, stated: “One of our goals as an organization and for the evening is to add value to our members. Our idea is to band together as competitors and create a unique marketplace where the consumer feels confident and secure that they are making the right choices for their important purchases. Our philosophy is every small business should be connected and add value to his/her neighborhood and community.”

The GCJM is a jewelry-centered marketplace located within San Francisco’s tech heavy SOMA neighborhood. Located in the 888 Brannan, the Mart has about 80 small businesses situated near the ground floor of AirBNB’s world headquarters.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”