True Tales: I Saved Sarge’s Life

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

I was a sergeant in the Air Force for 20 years, which I mention in all my advertisements. One day while I was out of town, an older World War II guy comes in to sell a piece of jewelry. My brother Gil offers him a price, and the guy gets very upset, saying it is worth a lot more. Gil patiently explains the price, but the guy says, “When I pulled the Sarge [that’s me] out of that burning tank, he said someday I will repay you for saving my life. Well, today’s the day. The Sarge would pay me this in a minute!” I don’t remember if Gil paid him more or not, but when I got back into town, my employees were laughing. They said, “The guy who pulled you from that burning tank was in while you were gone.” The 20 years I was in the Air Force, I don’t remember ever even seeing a tank in person. It took the cake, great story!!

ART A.,
LARGO, FL

?About three years ago a lady was bragging about how much more she could get elsewhere and how she was a jeweler
herself on the side. She showed me another piece and I said “Nice Art Nouveau piece!” And she said, “I have had several pieces designed by him.” “Who?” I said. “Art Nouveau”, said the expert seller…. Sheeeesh!?

JEFFREY HESS
Hess Estate Jewelry; St. Petersburg, FL

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.”