Louisiana jeweler Kevin Patton received the Jewelers of Louisiana Lifetime Achievement Award for providing five decades of exemplary customer service as well as his community involvement and industry leadership, the organization said.
Baton Rouge, La.—Jewelers of Louisiana presented its annual Lifetime Achievement Award to retailer Kevin Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry.
The organization honored Patton at its annual convention dinner, held Aug. 29 in New Orleans.
Jewelers of Louisiana Executive Director Caroline Bleakley presented the award, which recognizes Patton’s professionalism, community involvement, exemplary customer service and excellence within Louisiana’s jewelry industry.
“Kevin Patton has made a lasting and positive impact on the jewelry industry in Louisiana and represents our trade at the highest level,” Bleakley said.
“His professionalism, community involvement, exemplary customer service and dedication to our industry make him truly deserving of this honor.”
Kevin Patton’s family, along with several members of the Pattons Fine Jewelry team, attended the convention dinner, holding up oversized photographs of Patton when his name was announced.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family business is known for its emphasis on personal relationships and customer service, the organization said.
It prioritizes the “Pampered by Pattons Promise,” which focuses on making customers feel comfortable, valued and cared for beyond a single purchase.
“Our goal has always been to make our customers feel comfortable and coming back for generations,” Patton said.
“We prefer to make a friend and client, rather than making a one-time sale. We prefer to satisfy needs, rather than push products.”
Patton’s wife Susan, their three children, and 14 members of the Pattons Fine Jewelry team, joined by several spouses, attended the dinner where Patton received his award.
Almost a decade ago, his mother, Sandra T. Patton, received the inaugural Jewelers of Louisiana Lifetime Achievement Award.
“To receive the same honor presented to my mother in 2017 is especially meaningful,” Patton said.
“Whatever I’ve accomplished reflects the example set by my parents, the support of my wife and family, and the dedication of the great people who have served our clients alongside us.”
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Patton, who started working at 15, has more than five decades in the jewelry industry.
Growing up, he worked alongside grandfather, O’Dell or “Pop,” and father, Kenneth Patton.
He progressed from sweeping floors to salesman, assistant manager, manager, vice president and ultimately president of the business.
Founded by O’Dell and Opal Patton in 1944, Pattons began as a clock and watch repair shop in downtown Alexandria, Louisiana.
Their son Kenneth and his wife Sandra expanded the company into fine jewelry and eventually operated five Pattons Keepsake Diamond Centers across southern Louisiana.
They later consolidated those locations into the company’s present stores in Alexandria and Baton Rouge.
Patton and his brother Kent took over the company following their father’s death in 2008.
Patton currently works from Baton Rouge while leading both locations.
Since he took over as president, corporate revenues have increased more than two-fold in the last few years.
Patton has been involved with Jewelers of Louisiana since the early ‘80s.
He served as a member, joined the board of directors and was the organization’s president from 2002 to 2003. He remains involved as a member of its past presidents committee.
Patton is also active in his community.
He has served with the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, the Men’s Club of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and other community organizations.
He has also served as king of Krewe Mystique. Krewes are private organizations that plan, fund, and stage parades and other celebrations in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season.
