Brainstorms

Staff Spat? Bring in Frankenstein to Sort Things Out

Consider it horror therapy.

Published

4 years ago

March 23, 2020

INSTORE Staff Instore April 2020 Issue

Staff Spat? Bring in Frankenstein to Sort Things Out

Faced with a workplace riven by friction among employees, Jon Walp, the manager at Long Jewelers in Virginia Beach, VA, called a store meeting and forced his staff to watch the fight scene from the old Frankenstein Vs. The Wolf Man movie. “The point was how silly it was and that by working together, we would all make more money,” he recalls, adding, “It worked — for a while.” The bigger lesson is that when it comes to human relations and employees’ fragile psychologies, it pays to be imaginative.

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.”