Last Laugh: MJ Chanski

Published

13 years ago

September 5, 2011

Last Laugh: MJ Chanski

Love For Sale

An out-of-work newlywed took a temporary job in jewelry sales. After three days of intensive training, the sales manager told him to go home and practice his pitch on his wife. The next morning, the manager asked the novice how he made out. “Well,” the man began, “I did what you said, and after I finished, I asked her if she would buy the ring from me. She said ‘Yes.’ Then I asked her why. She replied, ‘Because I love you.”

[componentheading] About our Jokers [/componentheading]

“When you sell diamonds, you become a friend, a confidant, even a psychologist!” says MJ Chanski, manager of Hannoush Jewelers in Rutland, VT. Chanski has bachelor’s degrees in professional writing and publications and in management, but she claims that neither has taught her as much as 12 years in the hospitality industry did. “The ability to read your customers and anticipate their needs in the first few moments is nothing you can learn in a book.” In her spare time, she takes GIA courses online, loves her boyfriend, Bob, and takes care her “children,” a boxer named Vito and an American bulldog named Ellie Mae.

[span class=note]This story originally appeared in the September 2011 edition of INSTORE. [/span]

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.”