Jeffrey Abeles
Owner
What is you essential business philosophy?
To educate customers and set new standards within the jewelry industry by providing the highest quality goods and services available.
What is your best way to keep an competitive edge?
Understand customer needs & maintain awareness of business trends within the industry. I regularly study industry journals, attend lectures and jewelry shows so that I can bring the best and most current designs to my store. Our highly experienced staff includes a GIA Graduate Gemologist, an on site jeweler, a certified fine watch repairman, a custom jewelry designer, and veteran sales associates who provide our customers with an exceptional retail encounter. To accommodate our continuing growth our recent renovation doubled the square footage of our showroom to bring even more of the wonderful designer lines we feature.
What would be your "yardstick of success"?
My yardstick of success is the recent awareness of our success within the jewelry industry on a national level. On a personal level, satisfied customers, particularly second generation, are now calling us their jeweler.
What would be a goal yet to be achieved?
To broaden our customer base so that everyone in the Tampa Bay area knows the name AvantGold Jewelers.
What would be your best decision?
Marrying my wife and partner in the business, Suanne.
Worst decision?
Opening a second store at the beginning of an economic downturn
Toughest decision?
Changing our marketing philosophy. About 5 years ago we began to invest aggressively in our advertising program including national ads in Town & Country, Instyle and Modern Bride as well as investing in a program of direct mail, billboards and our new website. The results have been exciting.
Who would you consider to be your mentor?
Jewelry designer Charles Krypell. Charles has been a leader in jewelry "branding" which has changed the way consumers purchase jewelry worldwide. He has been a good friend offering invaluable advice on jewelry trends, marketing and public relations.
List one word that best describes you?
Decisive
What do you like best about your job?
Over the years I have been privileged to see some of the finest gemstones ever mined: a very rare Kashmir Sapphire, Columbian Emeralds and fancy intense yellow diamonds, to name a few. I also enjoy attending trade shows and meeting with other high-end retailers from other market areas to discuss all aspects of the business.
Like least about your job?
The fact that this high-end business is very often determined by the volatile nature of the economy.
What would be your most important lesson learned?
Success is 90% attitude. With the proper attitude even apparent failures can be turned around. A positive attitude is an invaluable asset.
Person most interested in meeting?
Frank Sinatra. Not only a talented singer\actor but also the ultimate "Chairman of The Board".
Who would be your most respected competitors?
Successful first generation independent fine jewelers.
If you had to, what would be your first choice for a new career?
A fly fishing outfitter specializing in exotic locations.
What is your most influential book?
Fly Fishing Through the Mid-life Crisis.
Favorite movie?
The Godfather series.
Favorite restaurant?
The Palm Restaurant in New York and Las Vegas. Their five-pound lobsters are an experience not to be missed!
Favorite vacation spot?
The bonefish flats of Exuma, Bahamas.
Favorite way to spend free time?
As past president of the Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club a good portion of my free time over the past few years has been building the club membership and forming the club’s agenda so it will continue to grow for future generations. Fly fishing is my passion, both salt and freshwater. My wife and I take trips out west every September to fish the western rivers. The rest of my free time is spent doing extensive training for triathlons.
* As seen in The Business Journal October 13th, 2000.
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