Best Punchmark Podcasts (2025)

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Wrapping Up 2025 - The Best Bits 52:44

Play Pause

2d ago52:44

52:44

We close the season by revisiting ten standout moments that shaped a year of change, from AI pricing and buying group leadership to gold’s surge, fancy color diamonds, and how Tahitian pearls really form. • AI pricing tools and the case for fair markup • JewelCraft as the jeweler’s jeweler for scale • Google Workspace as a collaboration backbone • …

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2025 Jewelry E‑Commerce Performance Explained 28:16

9d ago28:16

28:16

We chart the rebound of jewelry e‑commerce in 2025, why average order value climbed, and how Cyber Monday pulled ahead of Black Friday online. We share two winning models, volume vs high ticket, and a practical plan to hit $50k–$100k next year. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's…

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Agentic Marketing, Explained 31:55

17d ago31:55

31:55

We unpack how agentic AI shifts marketing from reactive prompts to proactive systems that watch behavior, answer real questions, and stretch budgets. Hope Bellair joins us to map practical steps for independent jewelers, from product data hygiene to Reddit-driven relevance, plus a few warnings about AI ads and synthetic influencers. Send us a text …

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5 Tips to Prep Your Store for Black Friday 17:51

1M ago17:51

17:51

Mike shares five practical fundamental tips to prepare your jewelry store for Black Friday and the holidays. Quick wins stack up: show energy, make hours obvious, trigger visits with email, and remove online friction. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's website platform: punchmar…

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The AWS Outage and Why It Matters 20:49

2M ago20:49

20:49

We break down how a small DNS error inside AWS rippled into a global outage, and why it affected everything from uploads to streaming to... beds? Andy Szoke, Developer at Punchmark, joins us to explain cloud basics, Lambda bottlenecks, and redundancy. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punc…

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Retailer Roundtable: Doing Things Differently This Holiday Season 49:16

2M ago49:16

49:16

Michael is joined by three independent jewelers who share how they protect margins, create memorable offers, and keep teams sharp during the busiest weeks of the year. We discuss gold pricing, VIP outreach, gift guides, and why the week after Christmas can outsell Black Friday. Guests: Vincent Spilotro from Arezzo Jewelers Anna Barnett from Barnett…

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How A Family Pearl Farm Went Viral ft. Kamoka Pearls 45:36

2M ago45:36

45:36

Mike talks with Komoka’s Josh Humbert about his family pearl farm in Tahiti rebuilt its methods around eco-farming and sustainable handling of oysters. Fish now clean their oysters, helping reefs recover, resulting in the harvesting of hundreds of beautiful pearls that shine with rare color that redefine what quality feels like. The story of Kamoka…

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A Woven Vision ft. Malo Bands 43:04

2M ago43:04

43:04

We trace Malo Bands’ journey from handwoven artistry to a tech-enabled, service-first business, and how listening to retailers turned beautiful showpieces into scalable, profitable designs. Tony shares candid lessons on customization, B2B tools, tariffs, and why yellow gold is surging. Learn more about Malo Bands here: https://www.intro.malobands.c…

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From Zero to One, Let's Talk About Vendor Data 26:47

3M ago26:47

26:47

By Punchmark

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The Balancing Act Every CEO Must Manage ft. Ross Cockerham 40:32

3M ago40:32

40:32

Mike sits down with his boss Ross Cockerham, Punchmark Co-Founder & CEO, about how he balances attending trade shows and events vs. being present at his own business vs. family life. Every business owner learns to balance these roles on their own, as well as how they fold into their own personal lives, but the journey is important and worth discuss…

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What Shoppers Plan to Buy This Year ft. Podium 46:45

3M ago46:45

46:45

Melisa Monroe from Podium shares exclusive insights from a recent consumer survey of nearly 1000 prospective shoppers about projected holiday spending for the upcoming season, revealing data-driven strategies for retailers to maximize their sales. Learn more about Podium: https://go.podium.com/tSqRg1 Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbui…

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Marketing Through Q4 and Beyond ft. Hope Bellair 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

Digital marketing expert Hope Bellair shares insights from HubSpot's Inbound 25 conference and tailored Q4 marketing strategies for different types of jewelry businesses. Reach Hope Bellair at [email protected] or 704-910-4774, extension 318 for more information about holiday marketing strategies. Learn about our sponsor JewelerOS: trytheringbuild…

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5 Jewelry Industry Topics You Should Be Paying Attention To 29:23

4M ago29:23

29:23

The jewelry industry is evolving with significant technological, market, and policy developments that are reshaping how businesses operate and connect with customers. Google Gemini AI tool can place jewelry onto digital hands and ears, offering an alternative to expensive lifestyle photography. Taylor Swift's vintage-inspired engagement ring featur…

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Let's Talk with Ring Buyers (Part 5): A Custom Engagement Ring Journey 50:34

4M ago50:34

50:34

Michael interviews his eldest brother, Joseph, about his custom engagement ring process with Vincent from Arezzo Jewelers, revealing that custom projects can be affordable and quick when incorporating family jewelry pieces. If you're considering a custom engagement ring, don't assume it will be more expensive or time-consuming than buying off the s…

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Listen First, Lead Second: 1 Year of Leading AGS ft. President Alexis Padis 44:12

4M ago44:12

44:12

Alexis Padis, President of AGS, shares insights from her first year of leadership and discusses her vision for the organization's future after being re-elected for a second term. Alexis shares what leadership development looks like in an organization with a storied history, and the humility and foresight required to implement changes that might not…

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Everything You Need to Know About the NEW ChatGPT-5 33:06

5M ago33:06

33:06

GPT-5 has arrived with meaningful improvements in logical reasoning, processing speed, and the ability to dynamically switch between models based on task complexity! The technology excels at pattern recognition in data analysis while software developers are finding new ways to integrate it into their workflow without sacrificing quality. Mike sits …

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Analyzing 10 Jewelry E-Commerce Stats from H2 2025 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

Michael dives into data pulled directly from the Punchmark E-Commerce platform for Q1 & Q2 of 2025. Punchmark services only the Jewelry industry, which means their platform data offers a unique insight into the e-commerce fluctuations and jewelry trends of the industry as it stands today. Learn more about our sponsor, Jewel-Craft: jewel-craft.com S…

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Steering the Ship: Exclusive First Interview with RJO's New President, Bill Becker 46:10

5M ago46:10

46:10

In the Loupe EXCLUSIVE Bill Becker, new President of the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO), shares his perspective on the organization's growth from a small collective buying group in 1966 to a powerhouse with nearly 1,200 members today. As both a multi-store jeweler and industry leader, Bill offers unique insights into RJO's success factors, curr…

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An AI-Powered Ring Designer That Actually Works ft. StoneAlgo 58:34

5M ago58:34

58:34

StoneAlgo's new Jeweler OS product is revolutionizing how jewelers convert website traffic into sales by generating real, manufacturable CAD files for custom engagement rings. The AI-powered tool creates a seamless path from online browsing to in-store purchasing while allowing jewelers to set their own markups. Learn more about JewelerOS: https://…

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Beating the Summer Slump: Services to Drive In-Store Traffic 20:32

5M ago20:32

20:32

It’s no secret that summer can be a slower season for retail, and the jewelry industry is no exception. After the excitement of spring engagements and before the holiday shopping season ramps up, many jewelers experience a noticeable dip in foot traffic and sales. But a summer slowdown doesn’t have to mean a complete stall in business. This time of…

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I Went to the Biggest Jewelry Show in the World! 36:58

6M ago36:58

36:58

Michael recounts his journey through the JCK Las Vegas jewelry show, discusses notable jewelry trends, and the value of in-person industry relationships. He also buys some jewelry that comes... blessed. Pretty neat! Schedule your appointment for RJO & IJO at punchmark.com/appointments Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: pu…

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Maximizing Client Retention ft. John Liebler of Clientbook 44:04

6M ago44:04

44:04

John Liebler, formerly of Signet and currently VP of Operations at Clientbook, shares how independent jewelers can maximize sales through client retention strategies and relationship building in the digital age. Learn more about Clientbook: punchmark.com/clientbook Schedule a guided demo today at punchmark.com/go Send us a text Send feedback or lea…

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The King's Diamond Dealer ft. Gems by Pancis 48:44

6M ago48:44

48:44

Kyle Pancis from Gems by Pancis shares the fascinating world of fancy colored diamonds, revealing how a royal connection in Belgium launched his family's 30-year specialty business. His insider perspective offers rare glimpses into the value, cutting techniques, and origin stories behind some of the world's most exclusive gemstones. Learn more abou…

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Breaking Down the Best - Atlassian (Trello, Jira, Confluence) 31:28

6M ago31:28

31:28

Atlassian is a suite of products including Jira, Confluence, and Trello. The Atlassian suite offers powerful tools for business organization and knowledge management that can be adapted for jewelry retailers, with special focus on Trello and Confluence. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Pu…

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I Went to the FOURTH Punchmark Client Workshop and All I Got Was This Podcast Episode 40:40

7M ago40:40

40:40

Join Mike for a behind the scenes look at Punchmark's annual Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC, offering a glimpse into what makes this educational event special for jewelry retailers from across the country. If you missed the Workshop this year, make sure to mark your calendars for next May to attend our two day educational workshop in person! It's…

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Retailer Roundtable: Hosting Events and Predicting Trends in Retail 32:18

7M ago32:18

32:18

Marketing professionals Lisa-Marie Delgado from Gary J. Long Jewelers & Aurora Simpson from Holliday Jewelry share insights on retail strategies, event planning, and industry trends in an energetic conversation LIVE from the Punchmark Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe…

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Vendor Roundtable: Gold Prices, Tariffs, and JCK Prep ft. Ostbye & Brevani 44:16

7M ago44:16

44:16

Michael hosts a LIVE Vendor Roundtable at the 2025 Punchmark Client Workshop, featuring Jordan Peck from Brevani and Craig MacBean from Ostbye jewelry to discuss how they're navigating current market challenges and preparing for the upcoming buying season. Ostbye: https://ostbye.com/ Brevani: https://brevani.com/ Send us a text Send feedback or lea…

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Let's Talk with Ring Buyers (Part 4) 23:26

7M ago23:26

23:26

Michael's childhood friend, Taylor, shares his journey of designing a custom engagement ring with a lab-grown sapphire centerpiece, highlighting the collaborative decision-making process with his fiancée Jen who had a clear vision from the start. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark…

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What I Learned About Business Marketing from Hosting a Solo Art Exhibition 24:52

8M ago24:52

24:52

Drawing from his recent experience hosting a solo watercolor exhibition, Michael Burpoe shares marketing strategies that business owners can apply to their own store events. He explains how effective event planning, branding, goal-setting, and multi-channel promotion can enhance attendance and sales for any luxury buying experience. Send us a text …

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What the Heck Is Happening In the Jewelry World ft. Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief at National Jeweler 58:26

8M ago58:26

58:26

Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler, shares insights on unprecedented industry challenges including record-high gold prices and fluctuating tariffs. The jewelry industry faces a period of uncertainty that feels even more unpredictable than the pandemic era. We cover National Jeweler's impressive 120-year legacy, what stories in the …

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Why Now is the Best Time to Try E-commerce 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

Now is the perfect time for jewelers to explore e-commerce as an additional revenue stream, especially during economic uncertainty. Having your products available for online purchase creates "another line in the water" that can catch unexpected sales with minimal effort. Download our free e-commerce strategy checklist at punchmark.com/checklist to …

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Pearls, Pearls, Pearls ft. Matt Harris 48:56

8M ago48:56

48:56

Pearls are one of the oldest, most influential gems the world has ever known with a rich history dating back well over 5,000 years. Matt Harris shares his passion for this unique gemstone and explains how fashion trends surrounding the gem have shifted in the last 100 years, where he predicts they will head in future years, and how jewelers can ens…

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Jade, and Why It's so Misunderstood ft. Jewels of the Trade 48:38

9M ago48:38

48:38

Jordan Wentz, or Jewels of the Trade, shares her expertise on jade, one of the most misunderstood gemstones in the jewelry world, explaining its historical significance and how to identify authentic pieces. She illuminates the differences between Jadeite and Nephrite jade while providing guidance for retailers and consumers on recognizing quality j…

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Why Is the Price of Gold so Darn High?? ft. David Siminski 42:36

9M ago42:36

42:36

David Siminski, a refiner with 32 years of experience at United Precious Metals in Buffalo, shares his expertise on gold's dramatic price surge, how it might impact custom jewelry projects, and speculates on if the price will continue to climb. Send us a text Send feedback or learn more about the podcast: punchmark.com/loupe Learn about Punchmark's…

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Retailer Roundtable: Navigating the Jewelry Year 50:06

9M ago50:06

50:06

Mike is joined by a panel of retail jewelers to talk about how they navigate the Jewelry Year. From when they schedule in their annual vacations, which jewelry shows they attend, and what jewelry styles are doing well at their respective stores. Matt & Kim from R. Gregory Jewelers in Statesville, NC https://www.rgregoryjewelers.com/ Cole from Ware'…

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When It Snows, You Win: Inside the World of Prize Indemnity Insurance ft. Tokio Marine HCC 24:02

9M ago24:02

24:02

Prize indemnity insurance might sound like a dry financial topic, but Robin Lang from Tokio Marine HCC reveals it's actually one of the most exciting marketing tools available to jewelers today. We discuss how retailers can offer customers full refunds on purchases if certain events occur – like six inches of snow on New Year's Day, or a Safety dur…

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From President to Owner: an Interview with Stephen Barnes of IJO 45:46

9M ago45:46

45:46

For an exclusive first interview, Michael interviews Stephen Barnes, newly announced Owner and President of IJO about what the changes mean for him, IJO, and the retailers & vendors included in the group. Stephen Barnes shares his journey from longtime IJO member to President and now Owner, discusses his vision for the future of the Independent Jew…

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The Art of the Campaign ft. Buzz Advertising Agency 43:02

10M ago43:02

43:02

Michael speaks with Bri Black from Buzz Advertising Agency and Hope Bellair, Digital Marketing Manager at Punchmark, for a discussion on the art of creating effective marketing campaigns. Learn how to conceptualize a campaign, set goals and metrics, and execute on marketing for your next effort! Learn more about Buzz Advertisement Agency: https://b…

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We Are In the Loupe! 1:30

10M ago1:30

1:30

In the Loupe, is an award winning podcast for jewelers, produced by Punchmark, the Jewelry Industry’s FAVORITE website platform. In the Loupe is made for Retail Jewelers to keep them up to date with the latest and greatest taking place in the world of jewelry, both online and in-store. Join me as I attend jewelry trade shows, educational workshops,…

1
I Tried Virtual Reality (VR) So You Don't Have To 45:22

10M ago45:22

45:22

Virtual Reality (VR) is growing in popularity, and as the technology improves, so do the opportunities for use in real life. Michael has explored VR with his friends the past year and reports back on his experiences, the good, the bad, the... vertigo-inducing. Michael later speaks with three of his best friends who are avid VR users on how they've …

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Sustainable Practices & Sibling Business Partnerships ft. Brevani 44:32

10M ago44:32

44:32

Brevani, an offshoot jewelry brand of Color Merchants, owners Jordan & Allison Peck share their innovative journey in the jewelry industry, focusing on modern trends while maintaining a legacy of responsible sourcing. They discuss their dynamic collaboration as brother and sister, successful marketing strategies, what they stand to learn and gain a…

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Breaking Down the Best - Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, & Slides) 28:56

11M ago28:56

28:56

Today we are taking a deep dive into the Google Workspace Suite of tools. These free tools are cloud based and able to be accessed in minutes after the creation of a Gmail account. These tools are widely considered to be industry standard tools, as they make collaboration and asynchronous editing possible. Learn how the Punchmark team has been usin…

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Jewelry Buying Events Are Having a Moment ft. National Rarities 40:36

11M ago40:36

40:36

Michael sits down with Justin VanMatre of National Rarities to discuss what the last year of estate buying events looked like, what the most commonly bought items were, and announces the new Punchmark x National Rarities event page templates they recently collaborated on. If you have hosted a NR event, or plan to soon, you'll want to tune in for th…

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The Jeweler's Ace Up Their Sleeve ft. Jewel-Craft 34:48

11M ago34:48

34:48

Meet the unsung heroes of the jewelry world as Mike speaks with Stefanie Wesdorp from Jewel-Craft, a fourth-generation family business that handles service requests for hundreds of retail jewelers around the US. Stefanie shares how Jewel-Craft has carved out a role as the hidden powerhouse behind so many jewelry stores. Tackling everything from int…

1
Streamlining Jewelry Recruitment: Transform Your Hiring Process with JewelLink ft. William Jones IV 40:00

12M ago40:00

40:00

Join Michael as he speaks with William Jones IV from Sissy's Log Cabin as we explore JewelLink, a cutting-edge recruiting tool revolutionizing how jewelry stores find the perfect candidates. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to expand or a jeweler seeking top talent, you'll gain valuable insights into refining your hiring process, focusing on …

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By the Numbers: A Look Back at 2024's Metrics & More 28:06

12M ago28:06

28:06

We are back! Mike shares e-commerce trends from Punchmark's data, focusing on average cart value and sales performance across different months and compares year to year. Take Aways: • AOV reveal fluctuations in average cart value from 2021 to 2024 • Notable months for sales performance include April, August, September, and October • Friday emerges …

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Wrapping Up 2024 - The Best Bits 48:04

1y ago48:04

48:04

It's the final episode of Season 5, which means Mike is giving you a tour of all of the best bits from this season. This is the 50th episode from this season, and we've interviewed some impressive and distinguished members of the jewelry industry this year. We hope you'll enjoy a look back on some of our favorite moments from Season 5! We will be b…

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Marketing & Jewelry Trends for 2025 ft. Hope Bellair 34:54

1y ago34:54

34:54

Mike sat down to chat with Hope Bellair, Punchmark's Digital Marketing Manager, exploring the booming resurgence of event-based marketing and the domination of short-form video content. As TikTok's fate hangs in the balance, we consider the clever strategies jewelers can adopt to pivot their marketing efforts while staying ahead in the digital game…

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Crafting a Marketing Symphony: Social Media Strategies for Every Platform 34:52

1y ago34:52

34:52

Unlock the secrets to creating a harmonious marketing strategy with our latest episode, "Marketing Symphony." Each channel has it's own unique language and requires a slightly different approach. Discover how to tailor video content to suit the unique quirks of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn! Send us a text Send feedback o…

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8 To-Dos for Your Administrative Checklist to Manage Your E-Commerce Website Better 20:40

1y ago20:40

20:40

The holiday season brings a rush of online shoppers, making it crucial for retail jewelers to ensure their e-commerce sites are in top shape. With a well-prepared website, you can enhance your customer experience, avoid technical hiccups, and maximize sales. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get your website holiday-ready, from payment setups to…