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Well, it's been a wild ride since moving to Maryland in 1991. After leaving Garcias jewelers in Westmoreland mall, I moved to MD and got a job with my cousin as a welder. I was making some seriously big money--$7.00 per hr...WOW! (bear in mind that in 1991 and from PA thats big bucks!)
Got my first jewelry gig after a few months in Waldorf, MD. I was working for this rich chick
whose daddy gave her the money to open a business. Of course, she ran it into the ground! However she did manage to take what jewelry I made and then, went bankrupt. I found the nearest pool hall and got a job!! Oh yeah, I was
definitely moving up in the world! After a few shootings I decieded....just maybe....this was not
the best place to work (I was always bright like that). So, I took a position with a local pawn shop as a jeweler/manager. This job was actually really neat...I had the chance to meet lots of interesting people.
While in the position at the pawn shop, I decided it was time for me to venture out on my own and began my first company, "Gold & Diamond Designs." In the beginning I focused mostly on repairs and custom work. Before too long I was awarded a contract for JC Penney handling all of their repair and special orders. It wasn't long before one store eventually grew to 15 stores.
Feeling the need for a new location in the metro area (Waldorf was kinda in cow country), I bought "Richmond Jewelers Supply Co" at auction from the IRS. Now, I was in the wholesale tools, supplies, beads, findings and gemstone biz and was still working as goldsmith.
Then I became partners in a store in Arlington VA, "All That Glitters". While in that partnership, I was able to positively position the store financially. Once the store was where it needed to be, I turned my attention to opening "Bongos Restaurant and Dance Club offereing incredible Filipino/Amercian food. I was the chef (you might remember I had been asst. chef at Tin Lizzy and chef at Sugar Bush resturant up in ridge.)...
vo-tech paid off!
After a good run with Bongo's, I sold my share in the restaurant as well as my share of "All that Glitters" ...sold it for a pittence but that's a long story ...and very educational.
Then got married and had my daughter Isabel.
(short and sweet!)
Basically, I kept my focus on my jewelry supply co. After 2 years, I bought out my competition,"R&D Supply Co." This business had been in operation for almost 50 yrs (Goldie Hawn and her mom worked there!). Actually, Goldie's mom worked there...Goldie would just crawl around on the floor. Goldie's dad was a watchmaker here in Silver Spring, MD.
After inheriting every oldtimer that came with the bu siness(you can't imagine! LOL!) I merged both companies and created "Jewelers Warehouse". We are one of the largest supply companies on the east coast. I then started the "Goldsmithing Technical Instute" ...it is here that I teach jewelry design and manufacturing. The classes are actually conducted at Jewelers Warehouse and we've realized an enrollment of over 700 students to date.
Then the county came in and condemened the building... not because it was in bad shape... they just woke up one morning and decided they just plain wanted it! Cant fight city hall ...literally!
They built the the new courthouse on top...funny!
Despite a hard move, we relocated into
a great area and then launched JEWELERSWAREHOUSEUSA.COM. It was a bit late fot the tech times butnonetheleses, we got it done! I help other artists with their creations and I feature them on my site as well --check us out!
In the recent past, I got into buying properties....not the fix and flip kind but just ones I found interesting. It should be noted that I have never yet sold one of these investments. For years after my divorce, my daughter and I would spend all of our weekends at the lake house in Fredricksburg VA.
My ex-wife eventually remarried and hard as it is to imagine...I made my ex-wife's wedding rings for she and her husband...kind of weird huh...not really! She and her new husband had another child and now my daugher has a sister to hang with...we have always remained a very close family.
I found myself travelling to Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey over the last 6 years for business and pleasure....I actually took some well deserved time off ...hopefully added a few years to my life.
In 2006, I began a custom built home in downtown Silver Spring (an artist should not be allowed to build his own home!) It has taken me over 2 years!! However, to my defense, anyone that has dealt with subcontractors does not need this to be explained....but the running joke among my friends is, it might be ready for my retirement! Friends! ...what would do with out them?!lol
I recently opened a new store in Annapolis MD, "Annapolis Precious Metals". Due to the economy, things have been bit rough but I've managed to keep the staff that was employed when I purchased the company. Additionally, we have a lapidary school downstairs (cutting stones).
Presently, my partner and I are working on a commercial property that will be turned into an international resturant (that's the plan but we'll see). It is located right up the street from University of Maryland in College Park MD.
OH yeah! By the way....in the middle of this all I seem to find myself with a new baby! Benjamin James Burick 6 months old...and absolutely amazing. Hmm imagine that!....
At least I have kept my sense of humor through all these years and countless changes... I think? It's gotten me through alot! I hope to see you all soon and hope to get to see you all well at the reunion. If not, you know how to find me! Jim burick
