Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick and Laurie Buchanan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rick and Laurie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Rick: My father started RJ Coins & Jewelry in 1979. About five years ago, I was between jobs after 33 years in electronics when I started coming to the store to help my dad. One day a week turned into two and then three. He asked me about buying the store and at first I said no but later he asked again and, well here I am! I wondered a lot in the beginning if buying the store was the right thing to do but it’s been fun. It is definitely a challenge but I get to work with my dad and I like working with and talking to all of the people who come into the store.
Laurie: I was the reason behind the first “no” to buying the store. But Rick had always wanted his own business and supported my career decisions so I wanted to do the same for him. I helped out in the store part-time until three months ago when I left my programming career behind to be able to really focus on and learn the jewelry business. It’s a little scary but exciting!
Has it been a smooth road?
Rick: I can’t imagine running a small business is ever smooth! Our biggest challenge has probably been getting the word out about our new jewelry lines and services like jewelry and watch repair. Articles like this one really help, so thank you Boston Voyager!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with RJ Coins & Jewelry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Rick: We specialize in affordable gold, platinum, and sterling jewelry; and rare coins and currency. We’re probably best known for our $3.99 watch batteries! And we’re now making a name for ourselves for our jewelry repair and customization work. Our goldsmith works wonders!
Laurie: I think what sets us apart is our low-key and friendly approach to sales. Buying jewelry can be intimidating so we make sure to put our customers at ease. We have tourists who make shopping at our store part of their annual trip to Salem! That’s such a great feeling.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Rick: We have a fantastic team! We were new to the jewelry and coin business so it was crucial to hire smart, knowledgeable people.
My dad has been a great mentor. Not only has he helped me learn the daily workings of the business, but I found that his attention to, and respect for the customer is key to its success. I try to follow his example of treating people right.
Laurie: Our son RJ is a graphic designer. He creates great looking ads and signage for us. Before he came on board, I was creating ads in MS Word! We’ve learned a lot from him about setting up eye catching displays. He has a great eye for design.
Rick: Marty is a numismatist with over 35 years of experience with all types of coins. He has a great business sense and helps me in all aspects of the business. He’s become my right hand man and a good friend. And he can change a battery almost as fast as me, ha!
Laurie: Oh-oh. Now they’re going to be competing!
Rick: Our daughter Katie helps out once in a while too. She’s in the hotel business and has fantastic customer service skills.
So that’s our team – me, my dad, my wife, my son, my daughter, and Marty, who people think is my brother, so it’s truly a family run business!
Contact Info:
- Address: RJ Coins & Jewelry
68 Wharf St., Pickering Wharf
Salem, MA 01970 - Website: www.rjcoinsjewelry.com
- Phone: 978-745-8563
- Email: info@rjcoinsjewelry.com
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