Independents

Generous, Funny, and Smart: Remembering Kate Peterson

IndependentsApr 14, 2023

Generous, Funny, and Smart: Remembering Kate Peterson

The longtime, well-liked sales trainer died earlier this week following a fire at her Maryland home.

20230414_Kate Peterson.jpg
Sales trainer Kate Peterson, president and CEO of Performance Concepts, a company she co-founded in 1997, died April 11 from injuries sustained in a fire at her Maryland home. She is remembered for her generosity with her time and knowledge, and her love of learning.
Montgomery Village, Md.—Start talking to people about Kate Peterson, and one thing quickly becomes apparent—a lot of people called Kate a friend and for good reason.

The longtime jewelry industry sales trainer and business coach is described as being incredibly smart with a wicked sense of humor who was, above all, generous—generous with her knowledge and generous with that most precious and irreplaceable of commodities, time.

“I don’t think many people didn’t like Kate,” said longtime friend Patti Geolat. “She was beloved.”

“She was so connected. She had such a great network and she was willing to share it. Some people hold all that [close] to the vest. And that wasn’t her. She was always like, let me introduce you to so-and-so, let me make this connection for you.”

Another longtime friend, Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler, said the same.

“The thing about Kate ... she was one the most generous people with her time and her talents. She would help anybody who needed her and,” he laughed, “sometimes without getting paid.”

Peterson died unexpectedly Tuesday following a fire at her Montgomery Village, Maryland, home in the early morning hours of April 9, Easter Sunday.

She was 64.

According to the Montgomery County (Maryland) Fire and Rescue Service, the cause of the fire was accidental, most likely caused by a lamp that was on the screened-in porch in the back of the house.

Peterson got her start on the salesfloor at J.B. Robinson Jewelers in the late 1970s, spending 14 years with the retailer before moving on to become vice president of training at Kay Jewelers and, later, Littman Jewelers.

It was these years spent behind the counter performing basic duties—working mall hours, waiting on customers, putting the jewelry back in the safe at night, cleaning the backroom—that laid the groundwork for what Peterson became: one of the industry’s top sales trainers.

“She just understood what happens on the salesfloor of a jewelry store on that very foundational level. That’s one of things she and I had in common and probably one of the [reasons we became friends],” said Chandler, who also got his start behind the counter at a jewelry store. “She understood it from that level.”

Together with Janice Mack, Peterson started Performance Concepts in 1997. Eventually, the two women went their separate ways (though they remain friends), and Peterson became the sole owner of the business.

To anyone who’s been in the industry for even just a few years, Peterson was unmissable.

She worked with retailers and manufacturers and was a fixture as a speaker at trade shows, from JCK, AGS Conclave and the InStore show to all the buying group events. 

Fellow sales trainer Pat Henneberry said whenever she saw Peterson’s name listed as a speaker, she’d make it a point to find a seat in the audience.

“If she was ever on a panel or talking, I’d make sure I was in the room. I always put a star by her name because I knew Kate always had something good to say, something important, productive. I’d have a key takeaway.”

For a decade before the pandemic hit, Peterson also crisscrossed the country with her friend Geolat doing antique and estate jewelry trunk shows.

Peterson had the contacts and did the bookings; Geolat brought the jewelry.

Though Peterson initially did not know much about antique and estate jewelry, she soon learned thanks to what Geolat described as her friend’s “insatiable appetite” for knowledge.

“Anything that interested Kate, she went at it with all her effort,” she said. “She was passionate and she wanted to learn.”

Chandler said Peterson’s desire to learn contributed to her success as a sales trainer, and the fact that she was always in demand as a trade show speaker.

He described her as “obsessed” with staying relevant and current, constantly researching and reading business books.

“A lot of trainers have a program that they’ve created and they stick with that. And it’s very effective,” he said. “Kate’s take was, I gotta know what happened this morning. I need to know what’s happening right now. She absorbed research about our industry like a sponge.

“It was a new conversation every time she spoke in front of a crowd.”

When she wasn’t working, Peterson loved her dogs, the beach, spending time with her family, and traveling.

For Geolat, Peterson was what every adult needs as they navigate through life—a good travel buddy.

“We went from Morocco to South Africa to China. There’s no place we weren’t open to going to.”

She said the last international trip they took together was in fall 2022 to South Africa, where they went on safari in Kruger National Park and make the trek down to Capetown. She said it was one of the best trips she’s ever taken.

“It was just great to build all those memories together,” Geolat said. “Memories made with a friend are always fun.”

Peterson leaves behind two sons, Nicholas Peterson and Kevin Peterson; as well as her parents, Paul and Connie Bykowski; one sister, Beth (Adam) Henning; two brothers, Tom (Lisa) Bykowski and Jim (Annette) Bykowski; nine nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

No details on services were available as of press time; National Jeweler will share them as soon as they become available.

A friend and neighbor has set up a GoFundMe to raise money in support of Peterson’s family. More than $12,000 has been donated as of press time, just under the $15,000 goal.

On social media and in articles written about Peterson’s passing, it has been said she will be sorely missed but Geolat contends that’s not adequate to describe the void her absence leaves behind. 

“That’s not even big enough. It’s an understatement. I don’t think the loss to our trade can be realized until we experience it. As days and months and years go by, I think we will realize more and more what a loss we’ve had. She was a gift.” 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy