Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Longtime Salesman Bill Furman to Retire
He will officially leave his current role as Reed Jewelry Group’s sales executive for Jewelers International Showcase this July.
Norwalk, Conn.--After devoting his entire career to the jewelry industry, longtime JCK salesman Bill Furman will retire this July.
Furman started selling advertising and marketing opportunities for JCK magazine and Rand McNally in 1971.
He was a part of the launch of the JCK Las Vegas trade show 21 years later, in 1992.
Today, Furman works as Reed Jewelry Group’s sales executive for Jewelers International Showcase (JIS), a job he took after Reed acquired JIS in 2015.
Commenting on his retirement, Senior Vice President of Reed Jewelry Group Yancy Weinrich said: “When I retire, I’d like to be remembered like Bill Furman--someone who was passionately committed to his customers, and made friends and a family among our industry.”
Among Furman’s many accomplishments over his four-plus decades in the industry were helping to launch JCK Trend & Luxury magazine, merchandising JCK Japan, Vista Joyera, NY Diamonds and AJM.
He also served as JCK magazine’s gourmet editor, reviewing restaurants for regional show guides.
Expect to find him enjoying gourmet meals in his retirement, including from his son’s restaurant brand, Free Range LA.
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