Kloiber Jewelers

Jan 29

In their own words

“This was a part-time job 38 years ago, something fun to do. Then I became the manager of the store. When the owner passed away, nearly twenty years after I’d worked with him, I discovered he had willed the store to me. It has been an evolution, from part-time to full-time management to the owner. Mr. Kloiber taught me honesty, integrity, and the conviction to make my customers more than satisfied, whether it’s a simple repair or a full design. I followed him, and he mentored me, and he sits on my shoulder every day.”

-Karin Volz

Jason’s Interview with Karin

Jason

We're back on Meet the Jewelers, and today we're talking to Karin from Kloiber Jewelers. How did you get into the industry?

Karin

Thirty-eight years ago. A part-time job, just something fun to do, and it evolved into becoming the manager of the store. When the owner passed away, nearly twenty years after I'd worked with him, I discovered he had willed the store to me. That was almost eighteen years ago. It has been an evolution, from part-time to full-time management, and now owner.

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Jason
How did you decide you wanted to be the owner of the store?

Karin
I didn't decide, he decided. When he passed away, he had left the store to me, much to my surprise. It was never discussed.

Jason
What are the values you've vowed to take through this company, being an employee and now owner?

Karin
It's wonderful because I've slowly evolved. Our store's going into its ninety-fourth year in Milwaukee. People have come to us in all those years, and generations continue to come. It's a wonderful thing. All my clients are really my family. They're very dedicated and loyal to our store, and forever I am grateful.

Jason
What are the key reasons that set you apart?

Karin
Mr. Kloiber taught me honesty, integrity, and the conviction to make my customers more than satisfied, whether it's just a simple repair or a full design. I followed him, he mentored me, and I have him sitting on my shoulder every day. I'm very grateful.

Jason
Are there any associations or causes you guys are a part of?

Karin
We are tapped many times by our large corporations. I'm in a forty-two-story office tower. We've always been in office buildings, not freestanding stores or in a mall. It's a very secure situation for us. And those fine companies often ask us to contribute to their charitable funds and raffles. I always oblige.

Jason
What is it like when you come up?

Karin
It's like a little city. We have a Westin hotel that's connected to us that was built a few years ago. We have another large sixteen-story tower that has been annexed to us, so they use our food court. We have a clinic, a medical clinic, a hairdresser. When I come in, I have everything at my fingertips and terrific security because I'm in a US Bank Center. Everything is locked like a bank would lock. All the staircases are locked at 6:00 PM, and I have nice hours. I'm not here on weekends or in the evenings. It works out really well. And I have a captive audience. There are thousands of people who work in this building and the buildings around. They don't have to look for a parking space, and they don't have to put their coats on in inclement weather.

Jason
What are some of the key services you provide?

Karin
We're a full-service jeweler. I have a remote goldsmith who does special projects and repairs for me; we have a sit-down once a week. It's a face-to-face; we discuss all of the projects, whether small or large. Nothing is shipped; he hand delivers and picks up. It's a very nice process for us.

Jason
In terms of fun engagement ring experiences, can you tell us one that's top of mind?

Karin
Everyone is. I hate to be so naive; the thankfulness is incredible. We get such wonderful reviews, and they come back and send us their engagement photos after. Then after their wedding, we always send wedding cards to them. Frequently, they'll send us pictures of their wedding. I occasionally am even invited to their weddings. It's a very family feeling in our store. It's personal.

Jason
Are there any key team members you want to highlight?

Karin
I have one assistant. We are a two-person show here.

Jason
Do you do any telephone or online services with your clients?

Karin
We have a great website. Emily does all of my social media work. Even though we're a small team, we each have our own areas of expertise. I am the primary go-to person for sales. I do all the purchasing in the store, all the bookkeeping. I wear many hats each day, and each day is different. There were wonderful articles written when Mr. Kloiber left the store to me. It's a story we tell on our website. I share with new clients who aren't familiar with me. It's a very meaningful thing, especially these days when loyalty is often absent.

Jason
Are there any cool designers or pieces you have in your showroom right now that you want the world to know about?

Karin
I'm unique that way. My brand is Kloiber Jewelers. I do not dance with any of the big brand names because they're everywhere. I'm a member of IJO, and I select the smaller manufacturers that are unique for my store. We do some self-creating here, too, that I collaborate on with my goldsmith. We are not a branded store, except for Kloiber Jewelers.

Jason
What else can you tell us about your store?

Karin
It's just a very nice intimate setting. We have twenty-foot glass ceilings that overlook the city, so there's all-natural light in my store. It's just a very friendly, nice place for my clients to visit.

Jason
If there's anything you want Meet the Jewelers to know about next time they're in Milwaukee, what do you want them to know?

Karin
That they can trust me and that I will give them my very best care.