AJS SPEAKERS & SOHO PROS
WHAT IS A SOHO PRO?
A SoHo Pro is an expert in their field; an AJS partner who provides information and actionable content based on their extensive knowledge, experience, and passion for all facets of the jewelry industry; an advocate for and friend to the industry who shares the desire for the jewelry industry as a whole to continue to grow and thrive.
MEET THE SOHO PROS!
Meet the SoHo Pros in person! Attend the expanded education for the upcoming SoHo Experience from Friday, March 15, 2024, an afternoon of pre-show education through Monday's Masterclass, March 18, 2024, a full day of post-show training tailored for the entire retail jewelry store staff. Once you register and receive your individual show registration confirmation email, you can register for all offerings.
This is the perfect opportunity to meet industry experts with the answers to your questions. The SoHo Show is the most important show of the year, offering expert advice and top-notch education paired with two days of shopping the show floor with our exciting list of exhibitors.
- Friday, March 15, 2024
Pre-Show Afternoon Sessions - Show Saturday, March 16, 2024
Shopping!
Show Floor Sessions
Demos & Workshops - Show Sunday, March 17, 2024
Shopping!
Show Floor Sessions
Demos & Workshops - Monday, March 18, 2024
NEW! Post Show, Full Day of Staff Training
Scott Allred
Sales Manager, Podium
When it comes to jewelry sales, building relationships is a cornerstone of success. Scott Allred, Sales Manager – Jewelry at Podium, previously owned a jewelry store and recognized the importance of trusted relationships in the jewelry industry.
Guy Borenstein, F.G.A., E.G.G.
Director of Gem Procurement & Senior Gemologist, Stuller, Inc.
Guy Borenstein, FGA EGG, is Stuller's Director of Gem Procurement and Senior Gemologist, leading the company's comprehensive diamond screening and gemological testing operations at the company's global facilities. Besides directing a fully-equipped, high-volume gemological laboratory operations, Borenstein's other responsibilities include heading the company’s gemstone procurement teams in the US and Bangkok, developing screening protocols for all diamonds and gemstones, and conducting training of associates at all company facilities involved in the processes. He continuously researches for evolving new technology-based screening and identification solutions and adopts the best practices into the company's internal workflow processes. Before joining Stuller in May 2021, Borenstein served for 15 years in various gemological capacities, including Chief Gemologist in two gemological laboratories, VP Gemological Services in the gem color analysis startup Gemewizard, FGA Gemmology Diploma tutor at Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain), and consultant to numerous institutes and companies worldwide. Borenstein also published numerous scientific articles in leading journals, including GIA's Gems and Gemology and Gem-A's Journal of Gemmology, covering new discoveries in the field of gemology.
Rebecca Boyajian-Pecnik
Director of Market Development, Gemological Institute of America
Rebecca Boyajian-Pecnik is a GIA GG and an AGS CG. With more than 15 years in the luxury fashion and jewelry industries, Rebecca is currently a Director in Market Development at GIA. Continuing GIA’s mission of protecting consumers, she supports independent retailers, trade associations, and the secondary jewelry market in accessing GIA education, tools, and resources.
Adornmentality named Rebecca as one of the “Top 50 Millennials” to watch in the gem and jewelry industry and is a current member of the WJA International Board.
Jason Champion
CW21, Education & Certification Director, American Watchmakers – Clockmakers Institute
Jason Champion is a Certified Watchmaker 21 and the education director for the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) where he aids in curriculum development, teaches classes, and oversees AWCI’s world-renowned certification, traveling education, and the Archie Perkins Mobile Horology Classroom. He has been a part of the jewelry and watch industry for 25 years and recently joined AWCI from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, where he taught watchmaking for 10 years and served as the Watchmaking Program Chair. He has also owned his own business and worked for Richemont North America in their national service center.
Cindy Chandler
Director of Education, Atlanta Jewelry Show
Cindy has an extensive background in buying, sales, retail management, gemology, and jewelry design, Cindy Chandler knows the worlds of fine jewelry and retail inside out. After earning her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, she became an instructor at GIA. Cindy then worked as group manager, regional training manager, and human resource management roles at Macy’s. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for mentoring and educating retail jewelers. This led her to the American Gem Society, where she served as Deputy Executive Director and added association management to her skill set. As Associate Show Director for the SMART Jewelry Show/SmartWork Media, Cindy continued to empower retailers with her knowledge, experience, and love of the business. Currently, Cindy is working on projects that benefit from her knowledge in retail and association management, sales, gemology, marketing, public relations, and customer service. Contact her if you have a project or job that would benefit from her experience and creativity.
Lyn Falk
President, Founder, Retailworks, Inc.
Ms. Falk is the founder and President of Retailworks, Inc. (1995), an international, award-winning branding, design/display, and consulting firm. Her design, business, and consumer psychology expertise has helped her develop solutions that meet and often exceed her clients’ projected goals. She understands the importance of branding and messaging a business from beginning to end, creating strong first and last impressions, and establishing an emotional connection with customers via memorable experiences. Falk has worked in over 35 different retail industries with extensive experience in jewelry, shoe, and specialty food retailing.
Lyn is an international speaker and a consultant for the National Main Street Center and has spoken to thousands of professionals over the past 30 years. Her work has been acknowledged over 150 times in over 80 different publications.
Once you hear Lyn speak, you’ll never look at your business the same way again.
Grant Hansen
Chief Information Security Officer, Jewelers Mutual Group
Grant Hansen is the Chief Information Security Officer at Jewelers Mutual, where he leads Information Security and Governance efforts. Grant has over 25 years of experience in technology and security leadership roles across diverse industries and company sizes. Grant's professional passion is establishing a business that enables information security programs. Grant holds certifications in Information Security. Grant and his family are passionate about outdoor adventures, mountain biking, orienteering, and trail running, with Grant recently completing his first 8-hour adventure race in October.
John Hartke
CAD Designer, Jewel-Craft, Inc.
John Hartke is a highly skilled CAD Designer with an impressive career spanning over two decades. Currently dedicated solely to CAD, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table, having spent 20 years honing his craft in computer-aided design. Prior to focusing exclusively on CAD, John boasts a decade of experience as a precious metal caster and mold maker, showcasing his proficiency in transforming digital and hand carved designs into exquisite metal creations. His background also includes 8 years as a Bench Jeweler, demonstrating hands-on skills in crafting and finishing jewelry pieces. This experience has contributed to his ability as a CAD designer to make beautiful and functional pieces of jewelry.
Beyond traditional techniques, John stays at the forefront of technological advancements with vast experience in 3D printing, seamlessly integrating modern technologies into his workflow. His extensive and diverse background makes John Hartke a versatile professional in the world of jewelry design, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to bring innovative and exquisite creations to life.
Marty Hurwitz
CMO, Kira Jewels & and CEO, Founder, The MVEye
As publisher of the highly regarded Lab-Grown Diamond Market Intel Report newsletter, with readership worldwide, Marty is a sought-after advisor and speaker on the future of Lab-Grown Diamonds in gem and scientific applications.
Marty's speaking engagements have included presentations for sovereign nations, finance organizations, international brands, trade shows along with retailer and manufacturer training sessions.
Marty is a subject matter expert on:
-Lab-Grown Diamonds
-Consumer Market Research
-Content Marketing
-PR and Communications
Larry Johnson
Owner, Larry Johnson Consulting, Larry Johnson Consulting
Larry Johnson is the CEO of Larry Johnson Consulting Services, a visual merchandising advisory firm based in Colleyville, Texas. His firm works with independent retailers around the world to increase profits by improving the presentation of their merchandise. The firm has consulted with scores of retail jewelry stores around the world since its inception in 2014.
Larry is the author of “The Complete Guide to Effective Jewelry Display,” the most widely known book on jewelry merchandising in existence. His book was used as the primary textbook in the GIA visual merchandising classes. He has written years of monthly columns for INSTORE, Retail Jeweler, and Canadian Jeweller magazines. He holds 3 US patents for display applications. He is a frequent speaker on the subject of visual merchandising at industry events around the world.
In the past, Larry served as CEO of Chippenhook and Coastal Display Group. He was a Senior VP at International Packaging and Pacific Northern. He can be reached at 817-980-2135
Joel McFadden
Designer & Owner, Joel McFadden Designs
When Joel McFadden was 10 years old, growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, he would sit at a spare bench in his grandfather’s jewelry store, building plastic models. "The shop had all of these cool tweezers," he remembers, and they were perfect for picking up intricate pieces.
In 1972, when he turned 12, his grandfather presented him with a business check for $85. "It was my first paycheck," McFadden says. "My grandfather handed it to me and said, ’From now on, when you come into the store to hang out, I want you to do repairs.’ My grandfather taught me with paper clips: He’d hand me a clip and say, ’Make me a size 7 ring.’ If I was off, I’d re-do it until I got it right. Paper clips are hard to solder, but it’s a great way to learn."
McFadden also had another teacher: the local jeweler’s community. His grandfather’s shop was located in one of the city’s main business districts, on King Street, and several jewelers were clustered within a three-block radius. "All of the jewelers had a specialty—one was a stone setter, one was a gemologist, another did engraving. My grandfather’s store specialized in watches," he says. "And we all helped one another out." Today, he owns a custom studio in Red Bank, New Jersey, and has multiple design awards to his name (most recently first place in the 2016 MJSA Online Design Challenge). Undoubtedly, his grandfather would be proud—not just of his business and artistic success but also of the way he continues those early lessons of sharing his knowledge with others.
Tali Nay
Senior Manager, Market Development, Gemological Institute of America
Tali Nay, Senior Manager of Market Development at GIA, combined her love of gems and business background when she joined GIA nearly a decade ago. A graduate gemologist, Tali’s passion for the industry started early in life when working at her hometown jewelry store. After earning an MBA and then a Graduate Gemology diploma, Tali came to GIA to develop and expand the global Retailer Support Program, managing resources designed to help retail jewelers educate and instill trust in their customers. Now part of the Market Development team, Tali continues to enjoy building relationships with clients and retailers and providing them with solutions that help their businesses grow. Tali Nay, Senior Manager of Market Development at GIA, combined her love of gems and business background when she joined GIA nearly a decade ago. A graduate gemologist, Tali’s passion for the industry started early in life when working at her hometown jewelry store. After earning an MBA and then a Graduate Gemology diploma, Tali came to GIA to develop and expand the global Retailer Support Program, managing resources designed to help retail jewelers educate and instill trust in their customers. Now part of the Market Development team, Tali continues to enjoy building relationships with clients and retailers and providing them with solutions that help their businesses grow.
George Prout
Featured Columnist, Southern and Mid-America Jewelry News, Southern Jewelry News
George Prout is about to celebrate his 50th year in the jewelry business, having sold his first engagement ring as a 17-year-old sales associate working at Kay Jewelers in 1974. In each of the past four decades, he has worked for companies that rose to top three status nationally in sales volume to Independent Jewelry stores. He is a featured speaker for Southern and Mid-American Jewelry News. He has inside insight into what is happening with the business of laboratory-grown diamonds.
Rémy Rotenier
President, Rémy Rotenier, Inc.
Born and raised in Paris, one of Rémy Rotenier's grandfathers designed lingerie, and his father and uncle owned their own firm designing and manufacturing custom leather and fur outerwear in Paris. Rémy received his bachelor's degree in jewelry design from the French jeweler’s union BJOP Formation at the Écoles de la Rue du Louvre and received a graduate degree in gemology from the National Institute of Gemology in Paris. In New York, he received a certificate in diamond grading from the Gemological Institute of America.
Building on his classical European training, the stones worn by his grandmother and her friends, and his understanding of the qualities and characteristics of stones, in 2013 he introduced a proprietary design for transparent cut stones, the "Rémy Cut™." With enhanced sparkle, inspired by the old European, or "Miner's Cut," the "Rémy Cut™" has been a popular feature of the "Rémy Rotenier for Bella Luce" collection at Jewelry Television.
As an intern at Cristofol Frères in Paris in 1984, Rotenier learned classic jewelry rendering and design of jeweled objets d’art including clocks and desk accessories. He was also employed in Paris by Alexandre Reza and Serge Bouder before John Loring, Design Director of Tiffany & Company brought him to New York as a staff designer in 1990. His older brother, Robin, had settled in New York a few years earlier and established his award-winning jewelry company Rotenier Ltd. in 1993. Rémy moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1994 as Design Director for Kabana, Inc. He became President of Rémy Design in 2006.
With Rémy Design, Rotenier has developed his own collections, including Rémy Rotenier for Bella Luce and Lutece by Rémy for Jewelry Television, and creates custom designs for private clients. He also regularly teaches jewelry design and rendering privately in New Mexico as well as classes in San Francisco, New York, Maine, Montana, and Texas. At the request of his students, Rémy has summarized his teaching techniques in three extensive DVD-based classes. Discover more about these at the Teaching link on this website.
Rémy has drawn and painted all his life and studied painting with various instructors and the Atep3 program in preparation for admission to the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and was inspired to push beyond his previous experience while studying watercolor with David Welch in Albuquerque.
Jennifer Shaheen
President & Technology Therapist, Technology Therapy Group
Expertly guiding business owners through the intersection of marketing and technology for the past 15 years, Jennifer Shaheen has a unique expertise that combines technical prowess, entrepreneurial insight, and marketing acumen. Her marketing strategy, brand development, and small business operations skills have been engaged in the retail, manufacturing, hospitality, health care, and travel industries.
A thought leader and visionary, Jennifer seeks continually to translate today’s digital mysteries into understandable, accessible, actionable information. In addition to teaching at Social Media Marketing University and contributing technology articles to Bank of America’s Community Forum, Jennifer has appeared repeatedly on MSNBC’s Your Money with JJ Ramberg, to discuss entrepreneurial and business management issues.
Specialties:
Marketing Strategy, Data Analysis, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Social Media
Platforms/Tools:
Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Facebook Creator Studio, Instagram, Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Emma Mail, Google Data Studio, WordPress, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Microsoft Office
Justin VanMatre
Director of Sales and Marketing, National Rarieties
With a background in restaurants, wedding venues, and medical device sales before joining the jewelry industry, Justin has been leading successful events across multiple industries. Justin's team at National Rarities executed 445 buying events in 2023 across 250+ partners. He continues to lead the growth and partner relationships with an expected 700+ events for 2024.
Brock Wilke
Senior Research Analyst, Gemological Institute of America
Brock Wilke is a Senior Research Analyst in the Diamond Cut Research team at GIA, Las Vegas. Before joining GIA, AGS Laboratories hired him as a Research Analyst in the fall of 2013. In this role, he was responsible for supporting the AGS Light Performance Cut Grade system, leading cut-grade research, and serving as the metrology expert for the laboratory. Part of the cut research role included leading the development and support of new shapes by maintaining proprietary software, supporting various clients by providing education on the AGS Light Performance Cut Grade system and ASET technology and assisting diamond manufacturers in cutting unique and high-performing diamonds. His professional interests include diamond cut research, data analysis methodologies, diamond design, education, and machine learning.
Brock received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and his Master of Science in Data Analytics from Western Governors University (WGU). He currently holds an Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma from GIA and an American Gem Society Registered Jeweler title.