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
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
