(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.”
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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.
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.
