Welcome to the latest Pearls of Wisdom podcast. In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Mark Priest, who owns Legend Jewelers in rural west Texas. Now, we know what you’re thinking—what’s so special about a jewelry store in a small town? Well, Legend Jewelers is not your average jewelry store. In fact, it’s a former bordello-turned-museum! That’s right, Mark shares with us the fascinating history of Legend Jewelers, which includes winning a ranch in a poker game, running a bordello, and now showcasing its unique history on the second floor as a museum. It’s a one-of-a-kind story that adds to the charm of the store. Agriculture, cattle, oil, and gas have always been the bread and butter of the area, but Mark tells us why trust and building customer relationships are equally important in running a successful jewelry store. It’s clear that Mark loves history, unique pieces, and storytelling, which translates into his love for the jewelry business. He also discusses prioritizing customer service and custom work over just selling diamonds. We also met his staff, who joined him at the RJO show to learn more about the industry. In a rapid-fire question, Mark shares advice for new jewelers and the importance of understanding staff and learning from others. It was an incredible experience, and we highly recommend listening to it to learn more about the fascinating history of Legend see and the unique challenges of running a jewelry store with a storied past. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and share the podcast with your friends!
