Press Releases

Fortuna Names Executive VP of Business Development

He has several decades of industry experience.

Published

4 years ago

July 10, 2019

INSTORE Staff

Fortuna Names Executive VP of Business Development

Sam Ziefer

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Fortuna announces that industry veteran Sam Ziefer has joined the company’s management team as executive vice president of business development.

Ziefer brings over 50 years of industry experience, most recently as VP of sales at White Pine Trading Co. Prior to that, he lead the retail division at CIRCA, a prominent buyer of pre-owned jewelry, gemstones and watches. He is the former president and owner of Mayers Jewelry Co. and WC Edge.

“Sam is an industry veteran with decades of experience spanning retail, manufacturing, sales, distribution, and more. Most importantly, he aligns strongly with our company values and ethics,” said CEO John Saxon. “He will be instrumental to Fortuna’s growth and we are thrilled to have him on the team.”

Ziefer will focus on building strategic partnerships and strengthening Fortuna’s nationwide footprint.

“It is an exciting time to join Fortuna,” Ziefer said. “I’ve been in this industry for a long time and Fortuna is a breath of fresh air. They are always honest and transparent, and represent an evolution in how both consumers and retailers can get the maximum value for their assets. It’s the right time to expand, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Fortuna has recently launched a monthly live “Exchange” auction as well as a “No-Reserve Watches” auction, offering a broad range of fine jewelry and iconic watches.

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”