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
High-growth additions: PayIt, Main Street Data earn slots in $19M KCRise Fund portfolio
Investing in Kansas City startups ultimately brings greater interest from outside funding sources, said Darcy Howe, KCRise Fund founder and managing director. “We continue to be impressed by the increasing early stage deal flow in our region,” Howe said Tuesday in announcing the additions of Kansas City-based PayIt and Main Street Data to the fund’s…
Digital Sandbox KC nabs $950K to continue regional startup impact
Already with a lasting legacy of growing the area entrepreneurial ecosystem, Digital Sandbox KC has received significant support that should fuel its program for years to come. The proof-of-concept incubator was recently awarded a combined $950,000 — $450,000 from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and $500,000 from the Missouri Technology Corporation. The two grants will…
Victor Hwang: Individual entrepreneurs hold the key to making America great again
Victor Hwang posed a riddle to a TEDx crowd gathered in Georgia. What five-letter word was overlooked during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and almost never mentioned by the candidates or at the party conventions? The answer is rooted in overcoming inequality, said Hwang, vice president of entrepreneurship for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “I’m…
Buildings and bus stops: Rebecca Tombaugh paints KC — sometimes with a stick
A lack of clear direction felt liberating as Rebecca Tombaugh unrolled a 12-foot piece of heavy paper in her backyard and got to work, she said. The 59-year-old artist had been tasked with painting a mural of sorts for the Nonprofit Village, a coworking spot that soon would open at 31 W. 31st Street. It’s…