Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Edge Retail Academy Adds 3 to Consulting Team
The Edge Retail Academy has hired Phyllis Casey, Brian Madson and Nancy Havener to help with financial analysis, business growth strategies and client mentoring.
Las Vegas--The Edge Retail Academy has added three people to its consulting team.
Phyllis Casey will be mentoring the ERA’s clients. All current and new mentoring clients of ERA will receive a full financial and business analysis twice a year, the company said.
Casey is a financial analyst with more than 25 years of experience in credit risk management, client relations, business development and global commodity trading.
Graduating from Providence College with a major in mathematics and economics, Casey started at Fleet National Bank’s Precious Metals Group, which included a large presence of jewelry manufacturers.
Throughout her career, Casey has assisted leaders of both private and public companies. She has managed credit, precious metals consignment and hedging facilities as well as analyzed financial statements and structured credit facilities for commercial clients.
Brian Madson joins the team as business growth strategist. He has more than 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry, beginning his career in southern California at a small three-store operation and moving quickly into management to help grow the company.
Throughout his career, Madson has teamed with a variety of jewelers to recruit and mentor sales associates, develop strategic sales programs and processes, create merchandising plans and grow their businesses. His specialty is helping stores find, train, manage and motivate top sales achievers.
Nancy Havener has been serving the jewelry industry since 2003. She brings experience as a service coordinator, buyer and, most recently, managed a retail jewelry store. Havener has experience with jewelry store day-to-day operations, retail sales, staffing, purchasing and inventory management.
The Latest

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.