National Jeweler Hall of Fame 2008 - (Page 3)

20th Annual Retailer Hall of Fame 2008 FROM THE EDITOR BY WHITNEY SIELAFF Table of Contents Believe One of the most gratifying aspects of celebrating the annual inductions to the NATIONAL JEWELER Retailer Hall of Fame this year is that, for an evening at least, the process takes us outside of the normal flow of business. The year 2008 has been a grind, demanding every day that we remain positive in the face of adversity. their businesses consistently through change and position them as market leaders. In our interviews with the inductees this year, one thing became clear: Each of these men has a deep-seated belief in self that has enabled them to achieve sustainable success. Molina began two decades ago with a dollar, a dream and a tanker’s worth of salesmanship, and went on to create a business with profits that surIt’s not always easy being the one pass the industry average by many responsible for making the hard multiples. As he relates, Molina decisions necessary to build, grow did it his way, selling unique, and maintain a strong company. stellar pieces and demanding top Saying “no” and breaking the mold dollar. Pollak is also of tradition takes a strong will, a self-made man. He carved out his courage and determination. business through differentiating ment is a thorny one. Because his company, embarking early if there’s a common thread, into the field of branded beyond jewelry, that binds jewelry. Most recently, he Alfredo Molina, Michael is spearheading the trend Pollak and H. Marvin Beasley, of launching single-vendorit’s been an ability to lead brand stores. But the Hall of Fame honors individuals for their careers of achievement. So it’s not just about the current business cycle. It’s about jewelers who have been able to thrive across the troughs and crests the market has thrown at them for several decades, at least, apiece. So it is with the three men the Hall is inducting this year. Perhaps it’s appropriate that the current business environAs a corporate retail executive, Beasley made his way through formats including the once-powerful catalog showroom category, running jewelry for Best Products, before bringing his abilities to Helzberg. Today, the North Kansas City, Mo.-based operation is among the industry’s top-performing chains, sailing smartly on a course of steady change with Beasley’s hand on the tiller. It’s not always easy being the one responsible for making the hard decisions necessary to build, grow and maintain a strong company. Saying “no” and breaking the mold of tradition takes a strong will, courage and determination. But it’s those same attributes that give rise to our greatest achievements. 20th Annual Retailer Hall of Fame 2008 6 Alfredo Molina Savoring his reputation as Arizona’s most expensive jeweler, our single-store independent inductee Alfredo Molina of Molina Fine Jewelers proudly puts his brand on a pedestal, thriving on exclusivity. 7 Michael Pollak Smart, selective branding, an instinct for the business and a tech-savvy mindset helped Hyde Park Jewelers owner Michael Pollak, multi-store independent inductee, win kudos from his note-taking peers. 10 H. Marvin Beasley For a large jewelry chain, fielding curve balls and adapting to change is a retailer’s top requirement, says H. Marvin Beasley of Helzberg Diamonds, our Majors category honoree. 12 Past Inductees Send your comments to: Whitney Sielaff Editorial Director wsielaff@nationaljeweler.com (646) 654-4924 As our Retailer Hall of Fame turns 20, we take a look back at past inductees into the finest club in jewelry retailing. www.nationaljewelernetwork.com 20th Annual Retailer Hall of Fame 2008 I National Jeweler I 3 http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of National Jeweler Hall of Fame 2008

National Jeweler Hall of Fame 2008
Contents
Alfredo Molina
Michael Pollak
H. Marvin Beasley
Past Inductees

National Jeweler Hall of Fame 2008

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