Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Sunderland.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My father started our business in 1964. I joined the company after college in 1980. My brother John and I run James & Sons, with three retail jewelry stores located in Chicago, Orland Park and Schererville, Indiana.
We specialize in diamonds and watches, and carry the best brands in our industry, including Rolex, Hearts On Fire and Tacori. We are the largest Tacori jeweler in the Chicagoland area, and in 2017 we were named the Global Retailer of the Year for Hearts On Fire.
I have always felt that if we can earn a young couple’s trust during the sale of an engagement ring, this will turn into a lifetime relationship. Our goal is to become the trusted advisor to our clients, helping them to choose the appropriate gifts to mark the important milestones in their lives. We now have the third generation of our family in the business, and are seeing the third generations of many of our customers as well.
Our newest location is in NEW CITY, at the corner of Halsted and Blackhawk. We have a goldsmith on site, so repairs can be done expertly and quickly. We have a gemologist on staff, so appraisals can be done for insurance and estate purposes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our first store in the city of Chicago was located on Clybourn Ave. We thought we had hit a home run with this location, but soon learned that with traffic always backed up, we missed our mark. When we saw NEW CITY being developed over the last few years, we decided to make this move. We love our new location. It is much more visible and accessible. Many people in the neighborhood can walk to us. There are great neighbors including restaurants, a movie theatre and other independent local retailers like ourselves.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the James & Sons Fine Jewelers story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a locally owned family run business. It may sound like a cliché, but our employees set us apart. If you look at our reviews online you will see heartfelt reviews that often sing the praises of a particular employee. Our staff tend to stay with us, so they develop personal relationships with our customers.
I am proud that the best brands in our industry choose to do business with us. I am hopeful that the jewelry our clients purchase will become an heirloom in their family.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve always believed that we make our own luck in this world. Having said this, I feel lucky and blessed to have been given the chance to do this for a living. I get to play a part in helping people celebrate the special moments in their lives.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1457 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60642 - Website: www.jamesandsons.com
- Phone: 773-327-8800
- Email: jim@jamesandsons.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandsjewelers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesandSonsJewelers/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JandSJewelers
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/james-and-sons-fine-jewelers-chicago-2
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/JamesandSons
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