One of Helzberg’s greatest ideas was resurrected from the trash
November 24, 2015 | Bobby Burch
As charismatic as he is ornery, Barnett Helzberg recently charmed a few dozen entrepreneurs as part of Startup Grind Kansas City.
Formerly CEO of Helzberg Diamonds, Helzberg shared with attendees an array of entertaining stories while leisurely pacing the stage and sipping a Boulevard Wheat beer. Here are a few of the stories he told.
“The one thing I know for sure is that all that matters is your family. That’s all I know.” – Barnett Helzberg
On reviving the “I Am Loved” button campaign …
I always loved advertising. That’s the only other business that I’ve thought about. … With the “I Am Loved” button — I was in love. I was one of those really obnoxious people. So I’m drawing up an ad in my apartment and it just says ‘Give her a button or a diamond, but tell her she’s loved.’ It’s either free or $50 or $5,000. I threw it away at first in the wastebasket. It’s too embarrassing. Then I sneak it into our office … and take it to my brother and then my dad and he says, ‘I don’t like it. It’ll fill the store with hippies. But if you’re going to do it, do it right.’
On selling Helzberg Diamonds to Warren Buffett …
(Buffett) is such a people guy and the time had come (to sell Helzberg Diamonds) for a lot of reasons. I was getting lazy. … So I’m in New York and I overheard this lady say “Warren Buffett” So I turn around. … I ran into him on the street in New York and he said send me the information. But I didn’t send it right away. So I messed around and then finally sent it.
On his proudest accomplishment …
Of course one is HEMP (the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program), which I just love and I’m into it almost everyday. There are a lot of organizations that help startups and others that help big companies. We’re in the middle. … We try to really be picky for the most incredible people. For me, it’s just great. People say you’re generous, but no I’m selfish. I don’t hang out with my age group. I don’t hear about new knees and hips and new this and that.
On the importance of family …
The one thing I know for sure is that all that matters is your family. That’s all I know. I would suggest to you that you write down your definition of success. But I think that’s all that really matters.
On the value of teamwork …
We learned with our people that you can go anywhere. If you get your people committed and back them, you’ve got the world. I used to give these trainings at the store openings and I would say ‘Who’s number one?’ And everyone says ‘The customer.’ Then all of the sudden I’m there 32 years and I said ‘You know what, you guys are wrong. You’re No. 1 — it all emanates from you.’ So I think it’s your people.
2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
C3KC organizers: Want to bring real social change to Kansas City? Let’s talk about it
The sold-out C3KC — a one-day conference that returns Tuesday, April 2 to Union Station — reflects the Junior League of Kansas City’s mission to bring together leaders for collaborative change in action, shared Ericka Duker. The Junior League — which aims to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and…
Passing the keys, passion: How a new wave of small biz owners plan to preserve beloved local brands
Some have been customers; some employees. Now they’re the new owners of popular local restaurants and retail shops. As founders step aside, fresh sets of entrepreneurs step up in hopes of carrying on the goodwill and loyal following these brands have built up, some for decades. John McClelland and his brother-in-law, Johnathan Griffiths, work together…
Topping expectations: These brothers helped expand Pizza Tascio to 8 locations; now they’re taking over
Erik Borger hired all three Lombardino brothers in their teens, starting them out as dishwashers at his restaurants in St. Joseph, Missouri. They quickly took on other positions — front of house, staff scheduling, food and beverage orders and deliveries, and hiring and firing workers. If an employee didn’t show up for a shift, they…
Nell Hill’s founder returns to retail with ‘this little secret’ — a micro shop with an old-fashioned, in-store experience
Mary Carol Garrity’s last home furnishings store was 18,000 square feet. Her new one? A “petit bazaar” at just 400. Garrity is teaming up with longtime friend, Rebecca Wood, on diebolt’s in Midtown’s Gillham House Antiques & Furnishings. The shop, which is scheduled for an April 19 soft opening, is expected to offer a “fun…