Independents

Retailer Hall of Fame 2019: Steve and Judy Padis

IndependentsJul 30, 2019

Retailer Hall of Fame 2019: Steve and Judy Padis

The Padises have created a thriving, multi-generational family business completely on their own terms.

20190729_Padis1.jpg
Judy and Steve Padis pictured with daughter Alexis, Padis Jewelry president. The Padises have been inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in the Multi-Store Independent category.
It all started with some beaded necklaces in 1970s Berkeley, California.

Click <a href="https://magazines-nationaljeweler-com.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/retailerhalloffame/2019/index.html?page=1" target="_blank">here</a> to read the full story in the Retailer Hall of Fame issue.
Click here to read the full story in the Retailer Hall of Fame issue.

Steve Padis was a student at the University of California, Berkeley, which was known for, in addition to its prestigious academia, being a magnet for the era’s hippie culture.

But Steve wasn’t the average bead-shilling flower child.

“I went from stringing beads and making necklaces and selling them on Telegraph Avenue as a street artist to wholesaling to other street artists,” he explains.

This knack for entrepreneurship turned into a full-fledged career for Steve upon graduation, when he opened a wholesale showroom in Berkeley.

Though it would be nearly a decade before they married and began working together, it was at that first Berkeley location that Steve met his wife-to-be, Judy, a buyer for the store Beadazzled.

“We actually met the day I moved from Berkeley to San Francisco,” says Steve. “She came to buy jewelry from us [at the old location], and we were literally packing it at the time! So, we had to unpack it and were looking at it …”

“…we were sitting on the floor,” Judy Padis interjects.

“…because all the furniture had already been moved,” Steve continues.

Just as a successful, sustainable business takes times to establish, Steve and Judy weren’t immediately a couple following that first encounter sitting on the showroom floor. First, they were business associates.

Judy, too, was something of a wunderkind. Her boss at Beadazzled, owner Carl Stark, appointed her vice president when she was only 22, putting her in charge of 250 employees. Located in shopping centers, Beadazzled had four stores when Judy joined. When she left 14 years later, it boasted 50 locations. 

Beadazzled was the biggest buyer of Padis Jewelry’s beaded necklaces. And as Steve and Judy’s relationship blossomed, so did Padis Jewelry.

The move from Berkeley to the much-larger San Francisco market propelled the business to the next level.

“[In San Francisco], our volume increased dramatically,” says Steve. “We went from a 500-square-foot showroom, which was essentially four counters in an alley just off Dwight Way in Berkeley, to a 3,000-square-foot store in San Francisco in one of the design centers, so instantly our volume quadrupled.”

Padis Jewelry’s St. Helena, California location
Padis Jewelry’s St. Helena, California location

Steve began working in silver jewelry, then gold chains, then started incorporating gemstones into his work, growth he describes as “little by little, over a 40-year period,” eventually resulting in today’s booming diamond bridal business, selling directly to consumers.

There were a couple of steps along the way that proved particularly prescient.

After occupying the original San Francisco showroom from about 1976 to 1984, Steve decided it was time to move Padis Jewelry to the San Francisco Jewelry Center. The only problem? It didn’t exist.

In 1983, he bought a 70,000-square-foot warehouse and converted it into a jewelry center, replete with 60 showrooms. It officially opened in 1984.

Steve asserts it’s the best investment he’s ever made.

“It was quite a dilapidated warehouse. At the time I purchased it, it didn’t have walls. It had a floor and a roof and literally fencing and corrugated fiberglass for sides,” he recalls. “I converted it into what was for more than 30 years: the San Francisco Jewelry Center.”

This year, with San Francisco’s real estate market at a fever pitch thanks to its techie headquarters status (neighbors include Airbnb), the Padises sold the building.

“It was an offer too good to refuse,” Judy explains.

Yin and Yang
Steve and Judy know better than anyone that their ability to see the larger picture beyond the limits of the traditional jewelry retail model—to make decisions like establishing an entire jewelry center—is a result of their professional synergy.

The pair married in 1983, as Steve was establishing the jewelry center.

They had the blessing of Stark, Judy’s boss at Beadazzled; he was so close with the couple, he was even in their wedding.
“He was the greatest champion of our marriage,” Steve says.

“If it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be sitting here right now,” Judy adds.

“You have to have the ability to switch, to move, to change direction because if you try to stay and do the same thing, you will not be successful in today’s market. Every day is a new day.” — Steve Padis

Judy remained at Beadazzled during the first few years of their marriage, continuing the professional supplier-retailer relationship with her husband.

“I was Steve’s biggest customer,” Judy notes, “so it was kind of a good gig.”

The power couple also began working together unofficially, establishing a jewelry trade show, the San Francisco International Jewelry Show, with the intention of promoting the jewelry center.

“That time period was when we were having our four children,” Judy says, “so I was [constantly] pregnant and trying to sell booth space.”

After two years of doing the show, in which about 70 companies exhibited per edition, a San Francisco trade show company bought them out.

Judy and Steve Padis with their four children
Judy and Steve Padis with their four children

It was 1986 by then and, without the show to work on, Judy left Beadazzled and joined Padis Jewelry.

“When we merged, it was much better for the company,” says Steve. “Judy is really great at merchandising and marketing, and her degree is in accounting and she still basically runs the accounting side of the operation.”

Judy says that Steve’s talents are “his ability to see into the future what the next hot thing is going to be, and also his diamond buying—there’s nobody like him.

“I used to think I could come in and do what he does and I can’t. He just knows how to make a deal work for everybody. He lets everybody make a profit without overpaying.”

Combining their varied talents allows the Padises to tackle their operations in a way few individuals could.

“Judy has a very strong retail background,” Steve says, “and I have a very strong manufacturing and wholesale background. When you merge this, all of a sudden you can have a very large retail operation with the ability to do your own manufacturing, and the purchasing power to be able to buy from the largest sources in the industry and largest sightholders in the diamond business.”

Judy says their respective skill sets work so well because, despite working in physical proximity for decades (their desks are mere feet apart), they allow each other figurative room to flourish.

“We respect each other’s talents instead of trying to compete with each other,” she says. “He’s so good at what he does with diamonds—I don’t even think about competing with him on that. And he respects me for what I do with all the designer buying. He doesn’t question it; he’s very supportive.”

The Only Way Is Up
Padis Jewelry opened a second store a mere three blocks from the San Francisco Jewelry Center in the San Francisco Gift Center Diamond Mart in 1990, then a third store in the same building.

With their proximity to Silicon Valley, Judy, a self-proclaimed “computer geek,” stayed tuned in to technology trends as computers became a regular part of the American household.

“My first website was in 1996 before anybody was doing jewelry websites,” she says. “Having young kids also really helps [in keeping up with technology]. You have to be so with it now, and I think the kids have exposed me to a lot.”

“You have to be dynamic,” Steve adds. “If we tried to stay doing what we were doing, I know we would be out of business. You have to be relevant today; you have to have a seamless connection online and in-store.”

Fast forward to 2015, Padis Jewelry pivoted in a new direction—north.

While their previous locations had been in San Francisco for decades, they decided to move further afield, opening a store in St. Helena, California.

It’s located in Napa Valley where, in true Padis fashion, Steve and Judy have more than a jewelry store.

They embraced their love of wine by opening their very own vineyard in the valley’s Oak Knoll region in 2008. (For more on Padis Vineyards as well as other jewelers who have expanded into wine and spirits, see the feature “Jewelers Uncork New Opportunities.”)

Of the company’s openness to change, he says: “You’ve got to be willing to change on a dime. You have to have the ability to switch, to move, to change direction because if you try to stay and do the same thing, you will not be successful in today’s market. Every day is a new day.”

Opening the St. Helena store wasn’t the biggest development in the Padis’ recent history, however.

Daughter Alexis Padis joined the company a little over a decade ago, with an MBA in entrepreneurial management and some corporate-world experience under her belt.

“It was right in the middle of that kind of social media pickup from zero to 60,” says Alexis, “and timing couldn’t have been better in terms of the needs of the business and the impact I could make by joining it.”

“She’s young, she’s a millennial and she has different ideas, which helps guide us into the future,” says Steve of his 32-year-old daughter. “With our traditional thoughts and her new innovations it’s been a very important part of our growth.”

Padis Jewelry’s Tacori shop-in-shop
Padis Jewelry’s Tacori shop-in-shop

Working with her parents on a daily basis has demonstrated to Alexis that career passion is sustainable through decades.

“Every day is an adventure with them,” she says. “They have an infectious level of energy and there never seems to be a day off for that energy.

“They’re so passionate about what they do and they’re so enthusiastic. My dad walks into the store every morning whistling.”

The next step in the company’s growth is a unique venture that would be easy to get excited about.

“Every day is an adventure with them. They have an infectious level of energy and there never seems to be a day off for that energy. My dad walks into the store every morning whistling.” — Alexis Padis, on her parents

The Padises are set to own and operate the first Forevermark boutique in the United States, which will be located in Walnut Creek, California.

“I see that as a turning point,” Steve says. “We recognized early that De Beers had the ability to spend marketing dollars and that’s very important to establish a brand. When you sell generic diamonds the margins are very minimal and really unsustainable, so we moved into Forevermark diamonds because we believe in them, and it allows us an avenue to sell what we feel is the best diamond at a fair price.”

Judy adds: “The Forevermark store will create the next chapter. If this one works well, hopefully we’ll open others.”

A Legacy for the Future
Steve and Judy have continuously demonstrated their ability to embrace new avenues of growth for Padis Jewelry. One direction they’re certain of, moving forward, is within their own family.

In March 2019, they elected Alexis president of the company, with Steve stepping into the role of chairman.

“I don’t think me taking over as president is a sign of them slowing down, by any means,” says Alexis, “but it’s a nice nod that they’re looking to share some of the responsibilities and are looking to grow the company in a way where they need to take on somebody else in command.”

In addition to their innovative thinking, Alexis wants to perpetuate her parents’ values, values like treating everyone with respect and kindness.

“They’re some of the most generous and loving people I know. I think that’s been the biggest joy for me in getting to work with them in the jewelry business every day—getting to know them as people and as friends. I would choose them as friends [even if we weren’t related].”

Steve and Judy say if they could go back and do something differently in their careers, they wouldn’t. What they value the most is the relationships they’ve made.

“We have such amazing clients,” Judy says. “The people we meet become our friends. We vacation with some of them. We’ve been to their weddings and baptisms. You become a part of people’s lives. We both just love what we do.”

The Padises so enjoy their work that at times it’s difficult for them to take a break.

“When we go on vacation, we go to jewelry stores,” says Judy.

Steve concurs: “If we vacation for more than two or three days, I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Though growing up Alexis didn’t know if she would join the family business, her first engagement ring sale instilled in her the magic of selling jewelry that marks milestones.

She intends to carry forward the passion evident in her parents, the passion that eventually drew her into the company.

“Being a jeweler is the dream job because, as I found out with that first sale, you’re selling somebody a piece of jewelry that becomes such an important part of her or his life and there’s nothing better than being involved in that moment.

“It’s truly something special and something that all three of us live and breathe. I want to keep that passion going.”

And, lest Alexis forget Padis Jewelry’s humble beginnings 40 years ago, she had one of her father’s original beaded necklaces framed and hung in the office, a constant reminder of the company’s journey.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

×

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