TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The Edge
The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
The Edge has entered into a partnership with Serent Capital to support its next phase of growth as President Dick Abbott retires. (Image courtesy of The Edge’s website)
Austin, Texas—Dick Abbott, president of The Edge, is retiring from the jewelry retail management software company he founded in 2004.
Abbott, a jeweler who entered the industry in 1976, began building software to address the operational challenges in his own store.
He later developed The Edge, a platform to manage the core functions of a jewelry store, shaped by his personal experience and intentionally designed for independent jewelers.
The Edge now functions as an all-in-one software platform offering solutions including point of sale, inventory management, customer relationship management, reporting, and other store operations.
Josh Brenner will succeed Abbott, joining the company as CEO.
Brenner has a track record of leading and scaling software businesses, particularly in environments focused on vertical SaaS (software as a service) and SMB (small and mid-sized businesses).
Most recently, he was the CEO of Hired, a human resources tech firm, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“The Edge is mission-critical to thousands of jewelry retailers,” said Brenner.
“My focus is to invest in the platform to better support how customers grow and run their businesses.”
Related stories will be right here …
Abbott, a jeweler who entered the industry in 1976, began building software to address the operational challenges in his own store.
He later developed The Edge, a platform to manage the core functions of a jewelry store, shaped by his personal experience and intentionally designed for independent jewelers.
The Edge now functions as an all-in-one software platform offering solutions including point of sale, inventory management, customer relationship management, reporting, and other store operations.
Josh Brenner will succeed Abbott, joining the company as CEO.
Brenner has a track record of leading and scaling software businesses, particularly in environments focused on vertical SaaS (software as a service) and SMB (small and mid-sized businesses).
Most recently, he was the CEO of Hired, a human resources tech firm, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“The Edge is mission-critical to thousands of jewelry retailers,” said Brenner.
“My focus is to invest in the platform to better support how customers grow and run their businesses.”
Abbott’s departure comes as the company enters a new partnership with Serent Capital, an investment firm focused on growing founder-led B2B SaaS and technology-enabled service companies.
“Serving our customers and the broader jewelry community has truly been a labor of love,” said Abbott.
“As I decided to retire, I wanted to make sure The Edge was in the right hands. I believe we have found that in Josh and Serent Capital as the company enters its next chapter.”
The firm has partnered with more than 100 founder-led software companies, it said, including businesses built by founders who drew from personal experience in their markets.
“We are excited to partner with Josh, Dick, and the team at an important moment for The Edge,” said Dexter Hopen, a partner at Serent Capital.
“The company has earned lasting trust with independent jewelers by building around the day-to-day needs of their businesses, and we look forward to supporting the company’s next phase of growth.”
Serent Capital’s investment will support continued product innovation and expansion of The Edge’s capabilities.
It aims to help the company better serve its customers while maintaining reliability and functionality, it said.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
More on Independents
The Latest
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
