Send us a Text Message. Mike is joined by CEO of Punchmark, Ross Cockerham, to have a conversation about the latest season of jewelry trade shows, innovations at Punchmark, and Ross's recent experiences balancing business and family. We explore the importance of work-life balance, succession planning, and empowering team members to step up. Learn m…

Send us a Text Message. If you carry INOX Men's Jewelry, you've probably met Cole Rowland at a jewelry show, as he traveled to almost every jewelry show imaginable as a vendor for several years. However, when an interesting opportunity to step in as the next generation jeweler for Ware's Jewelry, he couldn't resist. Cole made the jump from vendor t…

Send us a Text Message. Omni-Channel is a term used in ecommerce and retail to describe a business strategy that aims to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including in store, mobile, and online. At Punchmark, we are constantly encouraging our clients to integrate their online presence with their in-store ones, by integrati…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how to turn a small local business into an industry giant? Join Mike as he speaks with Dennis Steele, the Co-Founder of Podium, who shares the incredible transformation of his company from its modest beginnings. Discover the innovative strategies that helped Podium elevate businesses like Eric's father's tire s…

Send us a Text Message. What does it take to lead one of the most respected organizations in the jewelry industry? Mike sits down with Alexis Padis, the newly appointed President of the American Gem Society (AGS) and a driving force behind Padis Jewelry in San Francisco. Alexis opens up about her unexpected journey from avoiding the family business…

Send us a Text Message. Michael sits down with the two minds behind Jeweler's Advantage, the AI Powered tool designed to help elevate jewelry stores to new heights. Their tool, AI CoPilot helps stores reach new markets, build a stronger brand, and, most excitingly, concept new custom jewelry designs in seconds rather than days. With the emerging to…

Send us a Text Message. The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of family-owned jewelry businesses. Mike spoke with 3 members of the RJO Board about where RJO is headed and what topics are of greatest importance to them. Mike was joined by: RJO Board of Directors Joe Schiavone, Z’s Fine Jewelry (Peoria, AZ) RJO Merchandise Review Comm…

Send us a Text Message. This episode was recorded LIVE from the 3rd Annual Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC! Mike was join by Alex Schlindwein (also known as Diamond Diaries) of Kiefer Jewelers, and Caleb Falls from Fall's Jewelers, two Next Generation Jewelers for a retailer roundtable! They talk through their views on jewelry trends, ho…

Send us a Text Message. Join Mike for an exciting vlog-style podcast episode as he takes you behind the scenes of the THIRD annual Punchmark Client Workshop, in Charlotte, NC. He shares what goes into organizing an educational summit for 35 clients, 8 sponsors, and 20 Punchmark Team members. It's a lot of fun every year, and we are already planning…

Send us a Text Message. Mike is away at the 3rd Annual Punchmark Client Workshop and teases a few upcoming episodes he is excited about! See you next week! Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmark.com Inquire about sponsoring In the Loupe and showcase your business on our…

Send us a Text Message. Mike meets with Savannah Kell, Junior Designer at Punchmark, to talk about everything she's done to renovate the Punchmark Instagram account, what goes into managing an account sustainably, and the differences in approach for a B2B account versus a B2C account. Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/lou…

Send us a Text Message. Kevin Jack, the creator behind Jack Custom Jewelry on social media, is known for his mesmerizing time-lapse social media showcases. From snowflake ring designs to dragons that will wrap themselves around your finger, Kevin's designs in CAD are inspiring. Mike spoke with Kevin to learn about how he got his start in custom jew…

Send us a Text Message. Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the transformative impact of AI on your business's online strategy. This episode, featuring the insightful Dan Sirois, CPO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, offers an exclusive look into the future of client engagement and web development. We talk about Punchmark's new Creative Strategy Assessment…

Send us a Text Message. Unlock the secrets of luxury watch photography with photographers and fellow RIT alumnus, Chris Coe and Adam Antalek of Coe Group. We cover the demanding brand expectations of different brands, the balance of in-camera excellence versus post-production finesse, and the inventive techniques that ensure every shot conveys the …

Send us a Text Message. Whether you are selling luxury jewelry or luxury jackets, the art of storytelling is an important one that helps a shopper make the leap of faith that this object is EXACTLY what they've been looking for all along. Michael unpacks a recent online purchase he made on Huckberry for their Flint & Tinder Flannel Lined Waxed Jack…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wonder why some websites rank higher than others, or how to make your site the jewel in Google's crown? Michael and Stuart unravel the mysteries of search engine optimization in a candid chat about Google's latest SEO Starter Guide. We're not just rehashing the same old keywords tactics; we are talking about the current…

Send us a Text Message. A NOTE FROM MIKE: In the introduction of this episode, Michael mistakenly states Day's Jewelers have 10 locations. At the time of publishing this episode, they have 8 active locations. Nikia Levesque, VP of Marketing at Day's Jewelers, joins Michael for a chat that traces her ascent from intern to VP of Marketing and delves …

Send us a Text Message. The first half of Trade Show Season concludes with IJO Dallas, and Mike speaks with Penny Palmer, Director of Member Services at IJO, to talk about the new vendors that have been added, the highlights of the event location, and some of the exciting educational sessions that will be taking place! And if you've got children tr…

Send us a Text Message. Step into the sparkling world of Tiffany & Co. with Sara Schoenlank, a Jewelry Designer on the High Jewelry team. High Jewelry is characterized as being the crème de la crème in the luxury world, using the most perfect precious stones possible and pushing the art of jewelry to new heights at every turn. Our conversation with…

Send us a Text Message. Mike is joined by Alex Schlindwein, also known as Diamond Diaries, to discuss her recent decision to expand one of their retail locations to include an adjacent building. This decision is one that many successful jewelers have needed to make and it comes with a whole host of difficult subsequent decisions such as handling ex…

Send us a Text Message. Join the celebration of innovation and leadership as Michael is joined by Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America, to tease the "20 under 40" list, spotlighting those who are pushing the Jewelry Industry forward. Tune in to learn the ways Jewelers of America, National Jeweler, and Diamond Council of America amplify consumer conf…

Send us a Text Message. Get ready to unveil the future of diamond retail with Andre from Nivoda, as he sheds light on an app that's changing the game for jewelers everywhere. Nivoda's diamond marketplace makes it easy for retailers to find the perfect stone for a customer in real time, with millions of diamonds able to be sorted by size, shape, qua…

Send us a Text Message. Michael sits down to speak with Paige the Jeweler, a concierge jeweler who works one on one with her clients to bring their imagination to life! We discuss the process of meeting with a client over coffee to discuss their ideas and the subsequent steps that follow before delivery of a custom ring or other piece of jewelry. W…

Send us a Text Message. Mike sits down with Trevor from Leitzel's Jewelry, to discuss his preparation for the RJO Palm Springs trade show. Which vendors is he most excited to sit with, how does he plan for show days, and his approach to staying in the venue hotel or elsewhere. Most importantly, we talk about about what Trevor hopes to get out of hi…

Send us a Text Message. Michael follows up with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to unpack a year of unprecedented growth and treasure hunting by hitting the sweet spot with Independent Jewelry stores through their estate buying events. We also run through a session of "Would You Buy This?", putting Justin’s expertise to the test with one-of-a-…

Send us a Text Message. Regardless of if a shopper starts online or walking the sidewalk in front of your store, the path to purchase is as unique as the pieces themselves. This week's conversation illuminates the diverse ways consumers shop for everything from engagement rings to casual accessories. We dissect the importance of not just catering t…

Send us a Text Message. We're setting our sights on the latest technological advancements and decoding the secrets of successful digital marketing for jewelers. Michael sets up what Season 5 of In the Loupe will look like as well as teases a few of the episodes he is most interested in sharing. In the second half of the show, he is joined by Ross C…

Send us a Text Message. It's the final episode of Season 4! Which means another Best Bits episode! In this wrap up, we covered highlights from: S4 E33 -Exclusive First Interview with IJO’s New President, Stephen Barnes S4E23 -What Led to the Creation of the Geller’s Blue Book; an Interview with David Geller S4 E24 - Stop Making These 10 Social Medi…

Send us a Text Message. It's the busy time of the year, but that's not stopping us from talking with jewelers in the middle of making their holiday sales. We compare Black Friday performances, early December Sales, and if they open the days between Christmas and New Years. This is the penultimate episode for Season 4, so sit back and enjoy! Thank y…

Send us a Text Message. This is the follow up episode to S4 E16, where we discussed the creation process (and mistakes) of our new publication, the Vendor Vault. Now, after the completion of our 3rd issue of the Vendor Vault, Sarah Weekes, Art Director at Punchmark, Savannah Kell, Junior Designer at Punchmark, joins Mike to talk about the things we…

Send us a Text Message. Let's do employee recognition differently this year, and learn how our guest, Alex Schlindwein also known as Diamond Diaries, celebrates with the employees at Kiefer Jewelers at the annual Kiefer Conclave. We go in-depth on the annual event that masterfully blends team-building activities, training, and celebration of hard w…

Send us a Text Message. This episode is the follow up to S3 E37 of In the Loupe where we first interviewed Zulu about Smiling Rocks. Ever wondered how a company can make a difference? Zulu Ghevriya, CEO and Co-Founder of Smiling Rocks, gives us a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Smiling Rocks, a brand that isn’t just about adding sparkle to yo…

Send us a Text Message. Our guest this week is Matthew Ego, CEO & Founder of the forward-thinking Guild and Facet, a renowned white label jewelry manufacturing company. He delves into the world of jewelry customization where Guild and Facet is making a mark, not necessarily through brand name, but through their commitment to exceptional customer se…

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered about the journey a gemstone makes before it adorns your favorite jewelry piece? Our guest, Rachel Merisheki from Gem Legacy, joins us to peel back the curtain on the world of East African gemstone mining. Highlighting her deep-rooted connection to the jewelry industry, Rachel shares the inspiring birt…

Send us a Text Message. Get ready for Black Friday and this holiday season, with our special guest, Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark. We've packed this episode with loads of practical advice on how to ride the wave of the biggest shopping season of the year, especially with the evolving trends that are seeing more and mor…

Send us a Text Message. Mike is joined by our most requested guest from Season 3, Craig MacBean, the President and Leader of Ostbye, one of the most influential and trend setting vendors in the Jewelry Industry. Together, they discuss everything that has changed since last year, what trends they have seen in orders and sell-through, as well as what…

Send us a Text Message. This episode of In the Loupe unboxes the strategy behind Nike's multi-brand approach and their innovative website. We take a deep look at the often-overlooked elements, such as website footer optimization and image consistency that have significantly contributed to Nike's e-commerce triumph. Check out their website: nike.com…

Send us a Text Message. Ready to amp up your email marketing game? We've got Stuart Blessman, Director of Digital Marketing at Punchmark, sharing the nitty-gritty of email marketing and how it's evolved in recent years. From the right amount of emails to leveraging sequences, Stuart guides us through the digital marketing labyrinth. We take an in-d…

Send us a Text Message. Who said building a jewelry website has to be a daunting task? Mike is joined by Alex, Diamond Diaries, to discuss her recent website rebuild process and the steps required to revamp her website, as well as WHY she redid her website now of all times. We also take a critical look at the importance of promptness in the digital…

Send us a Text Message. Are you ready to unlock the world of vertical video content? Join me as we delve into the intricacies of Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, the leading platforms that have revolutionized the era of vertical video content. You'll take away valuable insights as we dissect the strengths, weaknesses, and my personal ex…

Send us a Text Message. Imagine transforming your jewelry store's old inventory into cold, hard cash. With us today is James Porte from Porte Marketing, who offers to reveal the potent role of flash sales and limited time offers for effective inventory management. By employing strategic flash sales, he highlights how your store can improve its cash…

Send us a Text Message. Join me as I sit down with the inspiring Constance Palamalu, the creative genius behind the high-end jewelry brand, Birthright Foundry. Drawing from her rich Samoan heritage, Constance has successfully carved out a unique space for herself in the world of fine jewelry. We chat about her innovative design process, the fascina…

Send us a Text Message. In the Loupe EXCLUSIVE In his first interview as acting President of IJO, Stephen Barnes opens up about his vision for IJO and what being president means to him. Michael was honored to sit down for an in-depth conversation with Stephen and ask all of the burning questions related to his new position, including what he will p…

Send us a Text Message. If you have a website, it's important for you to understand what the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) means for you. Delve into the world ADA compliance for websites, joined by the experts from AccessiBe, Punchmark's new ADA compliance partners. From understanding the legal landscape to practical implementation, our conversa…

Send us a Text Message. Ready to revamp your store and streamline your processes for the upcoming holiday season? Your journey starts with an insightful conversation with Alex Schlindwein of Diamond Diaries. Alongside our host, she reveals the critical importance of summer cleaning for retail stores, with a bonus of the top 10 tips to enhance effic…

Send us a Text Message. Page speed for your website might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to optimizing your website for online performance, but I assure you... it matters more than you expect. Mobile Page Speed Score is one of the key factors that Google uses to rank your website. Punchmark is so excited to have finally cracked t…

Send us a Text Message. Antwerp, Belgium, is the Diamond Capital of the World. Antwerp's intriguing lore, intoxicating mix of vibrant diamond markets, and the impressive security within the diamond district make it a trip to remember. Michael speaks with Scott Stambaugh, of Stambaugh Jewelers, who has traveled to Antwerp over 30 times with IJO, as …

Send us a Text Message. Your favorite episode theme is back, baby! We've gotten so much love from the first two ring-buyer interviews, we came back for a third one. What's the general approach to engagement ring buying from someone not within the jewelry industry? What do couples know about jewelry, and what misconceptions did they have before the …

Send us a Text Message. Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives? Want to know how businesses can tap into the potential of AI? Join us on the Loupe, where we have the pleasure of unpacking these subjects and more with Daniel Sirois, CPO & Co-Founder of Punchmark, and Alex Schlindwein, also known as Diamond Diaries. …

Send us a Text Message. Get ready to unlock the strategies of the best in the business as we bring together an array of professionals from the jewelry industry. We bring on industry leaders, jewelry vendors, and more so you know what is developing around the nation. Looking for inspiration? Well, we've got you covered there too. Prepare to learn wh…