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
Traditional marketing tactics fail to wow consumers, Boomn startup says
If an idea doesn’t prompt a “Heck yeah!” response from the team at Boomn, it gets an “Um, no” verdict, said Ryan O’Connell. A data-driven and performance-based digital marketing company, KC-based Boomn works primarily with ecommerce brands. Such clients range from food and beverage companies to TV and YouTube personalities, said O’Connell, Boomn’s chief operating…
Video: ‘Have you eaten?’ KC Pinoy adds food math to flavorful Filipino fare
Editor’s note: The following content about Chrissy Nucum’s KC Pinoy is sponsored by Mid-Continent Public Library but independently produced by Startland News. KC Pinoy food truck’s last customer of the day was aptly named: Lucky. “We’ve had a good enough day to break a hundred [dollar bill],” owner Chrissy Nucum told the diner at the…
Blue Hills incubator merging with mission-based urban core developer
A catalyst for change within the neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Avenue, the Blue Hills incubator is expected to continue serving entrepreneurs after merging with a leading development group in the urban core. The not-for-profit formed by combining the expertise of Blue Hills Community Services and Swope Community Builders aims to reclaim areas of Kansas City by…
Hungry Sprint Accelerator startups bite into corporate partnerships at Demo Day (Photos)
Winning a mother’s trust is a big deal, said Michael Moran, founder of MoPro, a high-protein, low-sugar Greek yogurt that was among the 2018 Sprint Accelerator cohort’s dairy-centric startups. But what’s perhaps even better than earning Mom’s blessing? Winning financial support from a key backer. Dairy Farmers of America announced a partnership with MoPro Tuesday…