Jewelers of America (JA) has named Ilsa Heinicke Huscher, Ecommerce Manager, a recipient of their 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail award. JA’s 20 Under 40 award program was launched in 2022 and recognizes young professionals who exemplify leadership skills and a commitment to elevating jewelry retail for tomorrow’s jewelry consumers.

A panel of industry judges reviewed nominees from JA retail members across the country and had the difficult task of narrowing the applications down to 20 individuals who best embody an ability to lead, innovate, and improve a jewelry store’s success while adhering to professional ethics. Ilsa was selected as one of the recipients of this prestigious award.

“Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail list was designed to recognize young and talented individuals in all facets of the retail jewelry industry. Ilsa possesses all the qualities and leadership skills that will help to pave the way for a brighter future and the next generation of jewelry industry professionals,” says JA President & CEO David Bonaparte.

Ilsa joined Borsheims’ Ecommerce team in 2015. Her dedication and enthusiasm for learning new skills led her through a series of progressive roles in design and merchandising before being named Ecommerce Manager in 2021.

In her current role, Ilsa leads a talented group of Photographers, Digital Artists and Site Merchandisers. She thrives at the nexus of creativity and analytical thinking, leveraging both to drive digital growth. Representing an independent jewelry store, Ilsa is motivated to compete digitally with prominent brands through conversion rate optimization, first-class visuals, SEO, and smart user experience updates. Ilsa brings common sense, strategic thinking and an ambitious spirit to her role, spearheading several pivotal projects in her time as Ecommerce Manager.

Originally from Seward, Nebraska, Ilsa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Concordia University. She resides in Omaha with her husband, Mike, and cat, Ozzie.

Jewelers of America is the national trade association for the most reputable jewelers in the United States. Members, including Borsheims, hold a commitment to Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices.

For more information about Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 List, visit https://www.jewelers.org/ja/events-news/20-under-40.

We are thrilled to share that longtime associate Carie Lehrke has been promoted to Vice President of Human Resources.

Carie joined the executive leadership team in March 2023 as the Senior Director of Human Resources, and she will continue to oversee and lead our company’s strategic vision for human resources and employee culture.

Carie came to Borsheims in 1995 and held roles on the Customer Service, Gift Sales, and Inventory teams. In 1997 she began her career in Human Resources as our Compensation and Benefits Administrator and was promoted to Human Resources Manager in 1999, Director of Human Resources in 2007, and Senior Director of Human Resources in 2023. She has managed and directed all areas of employee relations including recruitment and retention, onboarding and training, compensation and benefits and company culture.

“Each employee brings their own unique set of expectations for benefits,” says Carie. “So, when making decisions, I try to take into account all the factors that might shape their preferences, with the goal of diversifying our offerings to appeal to a wide demographic.”

Carie’s approach showcases the multifaceted nature of her position to enhance workplace satisfaction all while attracting new talent for hire. 

President and CEO Karen Goracke expressed her admiration for Carie’s efforts, saying, “Carie’s advancement is a clear reflection of her relentless commitment, unwavering dedication, and remarkable capabilities. I am confident that she will thrive in her new position and contribute to the continued growth of our business.”

Carie is a member of the Human Resource Association of the Midlands and the Society of Human Resource Management. She holds two certifications: Professional in Human Resource Management – PHR and SHRM – CP (Certified Professional). She currently resides in the Omaha area with her husband, Jeremy.

Congratulations, Carie, on your promotion, and thank you for all that you do to support your fellow employees!

We are so pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Mattice to Assistant Gift Wrap & Shipping Manager. In this new role, Megan will continue to play a pivotal role in our packaging and shipping operations, building on her tenure and proven track record of success. 

Megan started with us in 1997 as a Gift Wrap Associate during the holiday season. Since then, she has held numerous positions, including Shipping Associate, Digital Photographer, and Gift Wrap & Shipping Supervisor.

In her new capacity, Megan will take on additional responsibilities while maintaining her core focus on logistics, customer satisfaction, and team staffing for the store’s packaging and shipping operations.

“Since the age of fifteen, I have lived and breathed the Borsheims ethics,” says Megan. “The moments we share in with our customers, to me, are not small—they’re everything. I see my new role as a decision-maker within the company as a way to directly impact our customers, making every touch-point not just a transaction but a memorable experience.” 

Megan’s long-standing devotion to Borsheims extends beyond just years of service; it reflects her commitment to deliver our signature service with excellence.

CEO and President Karen Goracke applauded Megan. “Megan has been an integral part of Team Borsheims for 27 years, consistently demonstrating her dedication, skills, and leadership. This change reflects Borsheims’ recognition of her continued contributions and commitment to our success.”

Megan grew up in south Omaha and attended Omaha Burke High School. She currently resides in Omaha with her husband Mitch and their two children Makayla and Milo. She holds an Associate Degree in Fine and Digital Arts from Metropolitan Community College.

Congratulations, Megan, on your promotion and for being an integral part of our customers lives!

An employee who oversees Borsheims’ jewelry and watch repair shop was named this year’s Ike-It Employee of the Year. Marti Stephens, Shop Manager at Borsheims, was presented with the award on February 20th after being nominated and selected by her colleagues. The award is named for longtime Borsheims owner Ike Friedman, who passed away in 1991.

Marti began her career at Borsheims in 2000 as an Appraisal Lab Coordinator. She left briefly and returned in 2012 as a Jewelry Appraiser. Since then, she has been promoted several times, being named Sr. Jewelry Appraiser; Shop Support Supervisor; Assistant Shop Manager; and Shop Manager, the position she currently holds. Today, Marti oversees the day-to-day duties of each department within Borsheims’ Shop – Bench Jewelers and Polishers, the Appraisal team, Shop Support Services, Engraving and Watch Repair.

From a young age, Marti developed a love for jewelry and design. When she was 14, she became an apprentice for a small jewelry repair shop in her hometown. And in high school, she was asked to design a pin for the school band to wear while participating in the Rose Bowl parade. This passion continued to grow and she decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied jewelry design. Marti also earned her Graduate Gemologist degree from the GIA.

One of Marti’s most memorable professional endeavors was designing a necklace that was worn by an attendee of President Obama’s Inauguration Ball in Washington, DC. And when asked what she likes most about working at Borsheims, Marti said, “Getting to do
what I love every day!” Marti’s personal pride comes from her family. She resides in Omaha with her husband Cory and their two children Bennett and Norah.

Marti’s Borsheims colleagues nominated her and voted for her to win this prestigious award. Their feedback includes:

• Marti is always level-headed, positive, realistic, enthusiastic, and helpful. She always looks at what is best for her team and for Borsheims.

• Marti exemplifies Ike’s vision of putting the customer first. She guides her team in fulfilling this mission. She is a great collaborator across various departments, and she ensures everyone is on the same page and helping us all be successful in making our customers happy.

• Marti does an outstanding job leading the Shop. She has an incredible amount of knowledge about all aspects of the jewelry business. She is phenomenal.

• No matter how crazy her schedule is, Marti takes the time to stop and answer questions or provide information for ongoing projects.

• Marti strives to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and customer focused, all while juggling many projects. Though she is extremely busy in her role, she never turns someone away asking for help.

• I have watched Marti grow with Borsheims over the years. She exhibits the highest level of ethics and integrity and makes decisions with the Company’s and customers’ best interests in mind.

• She is always willing to talk things through to ensure we are operating in the most efficient ways. She operates fairly, keeping the customer in mind but also the company. She is such an asset to Borsheims.

• I have never in my life worked with someone with such integrity, honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness. If anyone deserves the “Ike-It” award, it is Marti Stephens. She will have a lasting impact on Borsheims and the people she interacts with, both employees and customers.

The Ike It Award was started at Borsheims in 1992, just a year after Ike Friedman’s death. The award is a tribute to Ike’s legacy, honoring someone who demonstrates exceptional customer service, a willingness to help, and enthusiasm for Borsheims. 

Borsheims recently announced the promotions of four key members of its executive team–Adrienne Perry, Sean Moore, Julie McAlpine, and Andy Brabec. These newly created roles will help Borsheims deliver the Signature Service customers have come to know and expect of the luxury retailer and position the company for continued growth and success in the future. 

Adrienne Perry has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer. As CRO, Perry will steward Borsheims’ sales divisions toward continued growth while aligning departments to create a seamless omnichannel experience. Perry has been with Borsheims for 19 years, where she began as a Marketing Specialist before her promotion to Director of Marketing in 2007 and Director of Marketing and Business Sales in 2013. She was most recently promoted in 2019 to Vice President and Officer. Perry is an Omaha native who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from Marquette University. She is a dedicated volunteer with Omaha Performing Arts and the Child Saving Institute, where she was Volunteer of the Year in 2022.  

Sean Moore, a 32-year veteran of Borsheims, has been promoted to Vice President of Luxury Sales. In this new role, Moore will continue to use his unmatched expertise in the luxury market to source unique and rare merchandise while working cross-functionally to provide exceptional customer service for Borsheims’ luxury clientele. Moore started his career at Borsheims as a Seasonal Sales Associate before serving as an assistant to Executive Vice President Marvin Cohn in 1993. He was promoted to Diamond Buyer in 2001 and became the Director of Sales in 2010. Moore is an Omaha native and an avid Huskers fan who holds a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. He is a board member of the Luxury by JCK and Centurion Jewelry Shows, as well as a longtime volunteer and board member with Junior Achievement.   

Julie McAlpine has been promoted to Vice President of Merchandise. McAlpine has successfully directed Borsheims’ buying strategies and inventory for the past eight years and will continue to do so as the VP of Merchandise. McAlpine started her career with Borsheims 25 years ago as a Seasonal Sales Associate. She was promoted to Gift Buyer in 2001 and became the Director of Merchandise in 2015. An Omaha native, McAlpine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and is a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist. She is a board member at Marian High School and a dedicated volunteer with St. Columbkille school and parish.  

Andy Brabec has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and E-commerce. In his new role, Brabec will be responsible for innovating and elevating the Borsheims brand to increase customer acquisition and loyalty. Brabec is a Jewelers of America 20 under 40 award winner with a proven track record of success in the digital space. He started his career at Borsheims in 2016 as the Director of E-commerce before becoming the Director of Marketing and E-commerce in 2019. Brabec is a native of Schuyler, Nebraska, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Doane University, where he was also a starting member of the soccer team and a 4-year letter winner. Brabec is a passionate volunteer with the Team Jack Foundation and an active youth sports coach.  

ABOUT BORSHEIMS
Borsheims is one of the nation’s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents, Borsheims continues to operate with the vision that has guided the company for more than 150 years: “We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customers’ lives. We will treat each opportunity with the respect and importance it deserves by providing exceptional service.”

Borsheims has promoted longtime associate Carie Lehrke to Senior Director of Human Resources. Carie joins Borsheims’ executive leadership team, and she will oversee and lead our strategic vision for human resources and employee culture.

ABOUT BORSHEIMS

Borsheims is one of the nation’s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents, Borsheims continues to operate with the vision that has guided the company for more than 150 years: “We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customers’ lives. We will treat each opportunity with the respect and importance it deserves by providing exceptional service.”

Borsheims has promoted Sunil Luthra to Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Sunil will oversee and lead the operational teams at Borsheims including Information Technology, Security, Customer Service, Gift Wrap, Shipping, Facilities and the jeweler’s in-house Repair Shop.

ABOUT BORSHEIMS
Borsheims is one of the nation’s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents, Borsheims continues to operate with the vision that has guided the company for more than 150 years: “We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customers’ lives. We will treat each opportunity with the respect and importance it deserves by providing exceptional service.”

An employee who plays a crucial role in growing Borsheims’ gift and jewelry departments was named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Ike-It Award — Employee of the Year. Wendy Johnson, Sr. Buyer’s Assistant at Borsheims, was presented the award on February 21st after being nominated and selected by her colleagues. The award is named for longtime Borsheims owner Ike Friedman, who passed away in 1991.

Wendy began working at Borsheims in 2007 as a Buyer’s Assistant in Gifts, assisting the Gift Buyer with several duties. Over the years, her role evolved, and she began assisting our Diamond and Jewelry Buyers with projects in addition to her responsibilities in the Gift Department. In 2019, Wendy was promoted to Senior Buyer’s Assistant. 

Wendy’s hard work and many contributions have not gone unnoticed over the years, as she’s been selected as an MVP several times and was even nominated for the Ike-It Award in 2020. Borsheims’ CEO and President, Karen Goracke, applauded Wendy’s service and commitment to the company, saying: “Wendy has been an integral member of the Borsheims family for many years, and I couldn’t be prouder of her for being selected by her fellow employees as our Ike-It Award recipient. Our staff is grateful for her positive attitude and tremendous work ethic.”

Wendy is also an MVP at home, and her family means the world to her. Wendy and her husband, Matt, share three active boys, Andrew, and twins, Aaron and Nathan. Most evenings after work and on the weekends, you will find Wendy shuttling her kids between practices, games and other activities. 

The list of accolades Wendy’s colleagues wrote on her nomination is extensive. It centers on themes of her expertise, kind disposition, willingness to help, and respect for all of her coworkers. Nomination feedback about Wendy from her peers includes the following:

• Wendy always has a good attitude, is willing to help wherever needed and is a hard worker.
• Wendy is great with answering questions about vendors.
• Wendy is always kind, efficient and always goes above and beyond.
• Wendy has the most amazing work ethic. She is an asset to Borsheims.
• Wendy goes above and beyond every day. She is happy to help anyone, no matter their needs, and never makes you feel bad when asking for help. 
• Wendy is an excellent example of what the Ike It Award is all about and represents Borsheims core standards. She is loyal, provides exceptional customer service each day and is always willing to help.
• Wendy’s dedication to Borsheims is phenomenal! She is always working to make things run more smoothly for everyone! 
• Wendy never wants accolades and always has a positive “can do” attitude.

The Ike It Award was started at Borsheims in 1992, just a year after Ike Friedman’s death. The award is a tribute to Ike’s legacy, honoring someone who demonstrates exceptional customer service, a willingness to help, and enthusiasm for Borsheims. 

Borsheims has promoted Marti Stephens to Shop Manager. In her new role, Marti will oversee the jewelry shop, including appraisals, custom work and repairs. 

ABOUT BORSHEIMS
Borsheims is one of the nation’s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents, Borsheims continues to operate with the vision that has guided the company for more than 150 years: “We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customers’ lives. We will treat each opportunity with the respect and importance it deserves by providing exceptional service.”