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Over the Counter

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Fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock’s Jewelry in Roswell, NM tells the stories behind jewelers' most inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales. In each short episode, you'll hear a different true story about a different jeweler — some heart-warming and others heart-breaking; some that will make you laugh, and others that will teach you important lessons about the jewelry business.

Brought to you by INSTORE Podcasts — podcasts that inspire for jewelry retail professionals. Catch our full collection of podcasts at instoremag.com/podcasts.

Do you have a great story of a jewelry sale that you'd like Kyle to tell? Email him at: kylerbullock@gmail.com
19 Episodes
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In this special episode of Over the Counter, host Kyle Bullock grabs a guitar and presents you with his very own, jeweler-specific version of the holiday classic, "The 12 Days of Christmas".We won't spoil it for except to say that, while you won't hear about any partridges in pear trees, one part of the song remains, reassuringly, the same. (Can you guess which part?)
For his last podcast of the season, Kyle Bullock of Over the Counter tells the story of Emma, a woman whose life was turned upside down when the man she loved and planned to marry died in a car accident.For Emma, the tragedy caused her to completely change the direction of her life. She left community college, where she was studying to become an art teacher, and moved to a different school to try out the art of metalsmithing. Quickly showing promise in her new field, as well as finding comfort in the act of creating jewelry, she decided to build her skills further with a months-long jewelry apprenticeship in Florence, Italy.  Emma’s instinctual method of working through her grief was to create beautiful jewelry that was redolent with symbolism. And while her loss remained one of the defining events of her life, she was able to move forward and build a satisfying, deeply meaningful career by fashioning beauty out of the most terrible of losses.There’s a lesson in that for all jewelers, says Kyle. “Don’t ever forget that every and every piece we create or sell means something deeper to the customer that we might ever imagine,” says Kyle. “In the same way, don’t ever forget your own experiences. Owning and managing a jewelry company can bring difficult, sometimes even painful, experiences for you to deal with. It has in my life, for certain. But in the nature of our work, we are given a unique opportunity to shape our circumstances into something beautiful. So, go out and do beautiful work, listeners. The world needs it.”
Sometimes the jewelry customers most want, or have even dreamed about for years, simply isn't right for them. Owing to our professional expertise, many jewelers know when this is the case. But, as often as not, customers don't. Whether it's a hue that doesn't match a woman's coloring, a design too gaudy for her personality, or a gemstone too large or small for the wearer's proportions, jewelers can typically sense when something is or isn't right for a client. Of course, no jeweler ever enjoys telling someone that the item they covet will make them look awful. However, when you're seeking to create lifetime customers, it pays to be honest — albeit as tactfully as you can. In this episode of Over the Counter, host Kyle Bullock tells the story of Denise Oros of Linnea Jewelers in LaGrange, IL, and what Denise did when a customer entered her store an asked for a very expensive item that simply wasn't right for her. Enjoy the episode. P.S. Fans of Over the Counter and Kyle Bullock won't want to miss this special offer. The author recently released a new book called Mister Christmas, described as "the story of a white-collar loser who has his life turned around when a mysterious stranger offers him a job creating a real-life Santa's toy factory". For listeners of this podcast, Kyle is offering the audiobook version of Mister Christmas for only $3. Go to misterchristmasbook.com to order and use promo code "OTC" at checkout to get the deal.
This month in Over the Counter, Kyle Bullock has his mind on conservation.In the latest episode of his podcast, the owner of Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, NM, tells a series of interconnected stories related to efforts big and small to make the jewelry industry more friendly to consumers, communities and the planet.These efforts range from the ultra high-profile work of the Diamond Producers Association to promote more responsible diamond mining to the almost entirely overlooked efforts of one of Kyle's own employees, Sherri, who hoards used scraps of paper so they can be re-used in the office.Kyle asks her why she does this."To help the environment," she says. "And to save money.""But paper is cheap!" says Kyle."Not to the trees," Sherri answers.Can't argue that. The very important message? Every little bit helps. And no matter what your role in the industry, everybody can do something. Why not start today?  
In the latest episode of Over the Counter, host Kyle Bullock tells the story of one of the most memorable custom-design sales of Sandra Locken of Sarini Fine Jewellery in Vulcan, Alberta, Canada. In the heartbreaking tale, the jeweler creates a rush job for a woman dying of terminal cancer, who is holding onto life by creating jewelry memories for her family in her final days. Kyle concludes: "Remember that what we do In the jewelry business goes far beyond little hunks of metal. We are invited to share in the expression of people's hearts and souls in a very real, very emotional, and very honest way."Enjoy the story. (Have those tissues ready.)
In this month's Over the Counter, we bring you several short stories aimed at reminding you of what is most important in life. It is so easy to go day by day, nose to the grindstone, that we lose sight of what matters.In fact, we may start to believe that work is what is most valuable — that our identity comes from work, or wealth, or from accomplishments.And the truth is, it doesn’t.
This month, Over the Counter tells the story of one of the more poorly planned, and under-rewarding, diamond heists you'll ever hear about. Let's allow host Kyle Bullock to set up the episode: "When you sell valuable things, it's not a matter of if, but when, a criminal will try to steal something from your cases, which is why safety and preparation should always be a top priority for jewelry stores. But in today's story, the crime in question took place not in a jewelry store, but in a place that features even more unique and irreplaceable set of valuables. It also features a criminal who could have used, uh, a few tips before pulling off the heist of a lifetime."
In this bonus episode of Over the Counter, Kyle Bullock talks with jewelry industry management consultant Andrea Hill on what jewelers need to do when facing challenges similar to the ones faced by the jewelry store featured in Episode 10 of the podcast.
"Who doesn't love a good underdog story?" asks Kyle Bullock at the start of this month's podcast. We absolutely agree. That's why we think you're going to love this particular underdog tale -- of a 17-year-old high-school student who had to take over his family's struggling jewelry store after his father died of cancer. Learn the identity of this very special jeweler, and hear his story, in this month's "Over the Counter".Also, don't miss the bonus episode in which Kyle talks with Andrea Hill of Hill Management, a top jewelry industry management consultant, about what jewelers need to do (and how they need to think) when facing the most difficult challenges.
In this month’s throwback version of Over the Counter, you’ll hear the story of a frazzled advertising copywriter struggling to come up with a last-minute slogan for a jewelry company’s new consumer campaign.We can’t spoil more than that, but can let Kyle Bullock tease a bit more. Says Bullock: “This story is one that you’re going to want to hang on until the very, very end, because I think the payoff is going to be worth it. I hope so, anyway. Because out of all the stories I have featured on this podcast, I think that this one might be the one the hits closest to home for all of us.”Learn why when you listen to the latest episode of Over the Counter.
This month's episode of Over the Counter is about taking responsibility for one's mistakes and, as host Kyle Bullock puts it, "going above and beyond  ... even when it comes at a great personal cost."Listen to the story of one of the toughest, and yet most rewarding times, in the career of Bill Brundage of Bill Brundage Jewelers in Louisville, KY. Brundage is a veteran jeweler who stopped advertising in 1993 and, since then, has relied entirely on the power of word of mouth. "And we've done very well that way," he says. So when one of his bench staff vaporized a customer's prize family heirloom — a five-carat, natural, non-heat-treated sapphire — Bill knew right away what he was going to have to do.Says Bullock, "This is exactly the kind of story that I love to share on this show."  . 
If today's jeweler has an arch-nemesis, it has to be the Internet. It's an imposing opponent, a protean, seemingly omnipresent foe offering unparalleled convenience, massive selection, and hard (but not impossible) to beat prices. In this month's episode of Over the Counter, Kyle Bullock, who typically shares stories of other jewelers' most memorable sales, tells the story of one of his OWN memorable recent sales. In this transaction, Kyle faces off against the Internet ... and wins. Trying to serve a long-time acquaintance, Kyle finds himself unable to match the far lower prices available online. The customer's hesitancy to buy from him, despite their existing relationship, shakes Kyle ... and even plants a seed of doubt about his own future in the business. But once he learns more about the customer's backstory, Kyle is able to do something -- and provide a service -- that the Internet never could. You'll learn an important lesson in Kyle's latest podcast, "How the Internet Almost Won".To receive all of Kyle's podcasts on your mobile phone, subscribe to "INSTORE Podcasts" on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform.
In his popular podcast series "Over the Counter", fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, NM tells the stories of inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales.In this special holiday wrap-up episode, Kyle tells the story of a woman whose father brought her a merry Christmas surprise by paying off an item that she hadn't quite paid off on layaway, and the story of a small watch repair service, provided for free, that provided a meaningful lesson for a young boy and an unexpected reward for a generous jeweler; as well as the most memorable holiday sale that took place in Kyle's own store — an $80 gold rose to an extremely special couple. Says Kyle: "No matter what stage of the business you're in, we all have the power to take in these simple, subtle, quiet moments that change people's lives. We are privy to people's most important and cherished moments and memories, which is what makes this the greatest business to be in." He concludes the podcast with a special wish for all jewelers. "I hope you take time this year and appreciate these moments as they come. May your 2019 be fruitful and blessed."
In this special holiday episode of "Over the Counter", host Kyle Bullock brings listeners something a little different — "a poem, a story I've written, that anybody who has gone through a Christmas season in a jewelry store can relate to".In "Twas Christmas in a Jewelry Store", Kyle takes the familiar rhythms of a classic holiday poem and bends it, realistically, to a story of one jewelry store's last-minute holiday rush.Our suggestion? Play during your morning set-up or at least share with your staff for smiles and inspiration during the busy days ahead. (Or you can share with friends or family if you'd like them to see how crazy your life can get during the holiday rush.)Enjoy "Twas Christmas in a Jewelry Store" from Kyle Bullock in a very special episode of "Over the Counter".
In his popular podcast series "Over the Counter", fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, NM tells the stories of inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales. In this episode, Kyle tells the story one of the most unusual, and meaningful, sales ever made by Jim Saylor of Jim Saylor Jewelers in Kauai, HI. The item sold? A custom engagement ring ... for a blind couple. How did this experienced jeweler, who had designed thousands of rings prior to this, change his creative process to serve a client who can't see the final work? And what did this particular sale wind up meaning to him?You'll find out in this episode of "Over the Counter".
In his new series "Over the Counter", fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, NM tells the stories of inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales -- or events related to jewelry sales. In this episode, guest Jennifer Farnes of Revolution Jewelry in Colorado Springs, CO shares a story about an incredible, even life-changing (for some) reward that she provided to her team after they didn't only reach, but crushed, an ambitious sales goal. Then hear Kyle tell the inspiring story of Revolution Jewelry's big voyage in the latest "Over the Counter".
In his new series "Over the Counter", fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, NM tells the stories of inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales. In this episode, a jeweler searches for a special pair of earrings for a customer, who is seeking a very specific design and precise color to match his wife's favorite blue dress. The jeweler eventually finds a perfect match for the client, but the circumstances of the sale were, ultimately, heart-breaking.Would you like Kyle to tell *your* story? Email him at: kylerbullock@gmail.comMusical credits============Golden Alley by Nicolai Heidlas and Francesco Rea | www.nicolai-heidlas.comMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In his new series "Over the Counter", fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelry in Roswell, NM (yes, *that* Roswell, New Mexico!) tells the stories of inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales. In this episode, a diamond salesperson helps out an overwhelmed jewelry store owner, while her grandmother, who had long before stopped dealing with that jewelry store after a small squabble, has her loyalty won back by a thoughtful gesture.Would you like Kyle to tell *your* story? Email him at: kylerbullock@gmail.comMusical credits============Golden Alley by Nicolai Heidlas and Francesco Rea | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In his new series "Over the Counter", fourth-generation jeweler Kyle Bullock of Bullock's Jewelry in Lubbock, TX tells the stories of inspirational and/or memorable jewelry sales. In this episode, a jeweler who prides himself on trustworthiness has to step up and face the consequences of one of the biggest mistakes of his career.Would you like Kyle to tell *your* story? Email him at: kylerbullock@gmail.comMusical credits============Golden Alley by Nicolai Heidlas and Francesco Rea | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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