Independents

And the Winner of Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It Award’ Is …

IndependentsMar 01, 2023

And the Winner of Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It Award’ Is …

Wendy Johnson, a senior buyer’s assistant, has been with the retailer since 2007.

20230301_Wendy Johnson.jpg
Wendy Johnson, senior buyer’s assistant, is the winner of the 2023 “Ike-It Award.” Presented annually since 1992, the award honors an associate who delivers excellent customer service.
Omaha, Neb.—Borsheims has announced the latest winner of its “Ike-It Award,” given annually to an associate who embodies the retailer’s commitment to customer service and demonstrates the company’s core values. 

This year’s winner is Senior Buyer’s Assistant Wendy Johnson. 

Johnson has been with Borsheims since 2007, starting as a buyer’s assistant on the fine gift side of the business. She helped the retailer’s gift buyer with reporting, tracking orders, and hosting designers in the store. 

In 2019, Borsheims promoted Johnson to senior buyer’s assistant, where she took on additional work assisting the store’s jewelry and diamond buyers. 

Johnson’s colleagues nominated and selected her for the Ike-It Award. She received it on Feb. 21, with Borsheims President and CEO Karen Goracke calling Johnson an “integral” member of the team. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

“I couldn’t be prouder of her for being selected by her fellow employees as our Ike-It Award recipient,” Goracke said. “Our staff is grateful for her positive attitude and tremendous work ethic. Congratulations, Wendy!” 

The Ike-It Award is named in honor of Ike Friedman, who owned Borsheims from 1947 to 1989, when Warren Buffett bought a majority stake in the company and made it part of his holding company, Berkshire Hathaway. 

The retailer first gave out the award in 1992, the year after Friedman died. This year marks its 31st presentation. 

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