In this episode of the Entrepreneurs, Business, & Finance podcast, Henry Harrison welcomes his long-time friend and private jeweler, Carter Malouf. Based in Dallas, TX, Carter shares his journey from a curious teenager fascinated by jewelry to a successful private jeweler with an impressive clientele.

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/private-jeweler-carter-malouf/

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction and Background:

Henry introduces Carter Malouf and their long-standing friendship.

Early Interest in Jewelry:

Carter’s initial interest in jewelry was sparked by a store in Santa Fe.

His mother’s influence as a jewelry designer and early entrepreneurial experiences selling her designs.

Career Path:

Started his own store and eventually moved to work with a high-end jeweler in Highland Park Village.

The transition from designer jewelry to fine and antique jewelry.

Business Operations as a Private Jeweler:

Differences between a private jeweler and traditional jewelry stores.

Importance of minimal inventory, estate jewelry, and customer service.

Emphasis on planting seeds for future business and building a reputation through word-of-mouth referrals.

Appraisal Expertise:

The critical role of precise and detailed appraisals.

An anecdote about a significant appraisal was used as an example by CHUBB Insurance.

Designer vs. Fine Jewelry:

Discussion on what distinguishes designer jewelry from fine jewelry.

Examples of notable designers and their unique approaches to jewelry making.

Overcoming Business Challenges:

Carter shares his experiences with partnership challenges and the importance of perseverance.

The value of learning from obstacles and finding alternative paths to success.

Personal Reflections:

The importance of making people happy through his work.

How his wife transitioned from law to become a full-time artist inspired by the joy Carter finds in his work.

Closing Thoughts:

Carter’s philosophy is to be both confident and humble.

The enduring friendship between Henry and Carter and their shared values.

Quotes:

"One of the things that really kind of brought my eye to a sharpened point was my grandfather’s advice: ‘The underside of whatever you're building has to be as beautiful as the top side.’"

"Always punch through the walls. Always jump those hurdles. Anything gets put in place, figure out a way to get it down."

Resources and Links:

Carter Malouf’s website: http://www.cartermalouf.com/

Connect with Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-malouf-93ab01/

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