to Birks’ founder. “1's not just a matter of tradi- tion, it’s the only way to run a business. Mr. Birks knew that, and it’s every bit as true today,”’ says Kemp. While Birks has some of the finest pieces of jewelry in the world, you don’t necessarily have to have the wealth of Howard Hughes to be a customer, says Kemp. He says Henry Birks ref- used to give preferential treatment to wealthy customers over the less wealthy. Kemp says Birks competes on two levels against other jewelry companies. “*At Birks we compete for the broader mid-range market, which includes the engagement and an- niversary ring business moderately priced between $1,000 and $5,000. We also compete for the priceless jewelry where the sky’s the limit. “In our downtown store we have a _ necklace selling for $380,000."" Kemp's job keeps him busy. On the day of this interview, he had flown to the company’s Vic- Sunday, September 8, 1991 - North Shore News - 24 a HIGH PROFILES Employees are Key success toria store and was back at the Park Royal outlet by 4 p.m. The next day he was scheduled to hop a plane to the company’s Kelowna store and the following week would see him fly across the country to company headquarters in Montreal. Kemp says the success of Birks has always been attributed to its employees. “‘We pride ourselves on spend- ing time, money and effort to en- sure our employees are knowl- edgeabie. People are the key to success in any retail operation and at Birks we are fortunate to have talented and = dedicated people working with us,’* says Kemp. Birks’ Park Royal store was one of several Lower Mainland jewelry stores to be hit in a recent rash of smash and grab robberies. Kemp says the robberies alarm him; what worries him most, however, is that most of the peo- ple pulling off the thefts do not appear to know what they are do- ing. “We're always concerned, especially for our employees. To me, a lot of these robberies do not appear to be well-planned and that does worry me.”* In his own words How did you manage to rise up the Birks’ success ladder so fast?: ‘I like to think that [’m good at what I do and am for- tunate enough that that has been recognized. My wife and I have been flexible in where we live and we have moved several times.”’ What is a routine day like for you?: ‘‘Most days are hectic. I usually start at 7 a.m. and I make my phone calls first thing in the morning. I’m in the of- fice at 8:30 and that’s probably our most productive time of the day because the stores haven't opened yet and you don’t have to concern yourself with customers. “*As soon as the doors open, the customer becomes the first priority. Once the doors open, my day changes greatiy. We’re busy making sure certain things happen for the customers. “PIL meet with my buyers for two hours and then I'll meet with my store managers. I try to make it to all of the Tutors make SPECIALIZED TUTOR training for the North Vancouver School District's tutoring program begins soon for volunteers who want to work one to one with children who have learning difficulties. Interviews are now under way and run through September, and specialized orientation and train- ing begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The volunteer tutoring pro- grams give one to one support to students with problems in learning a variety of academic skills. The program recruits and carefully selects volunteers to become tutors. Upon completion of the comprehensive training ftores as often as possible. To- day ! was in the Victoria store and then back to the Park Royal store in the afternoon.”* What are your goals?: ‘*My first goal right now is to turn Birks B.C. into a very exciting, fine jewelry business. In the past | think we’ve taken the easy road; we haven’t challenged ourselves.”” How do you like living in West Vanceaver as opposed to Torento?: “It’s night and day; 1 love it. I find the people here are fun and friendly. It’s a considerable more relaxed lifestyle. North Shore people tend to have a greater zeal for life.’” What do you like to do to selax?: ‘‘I love to spend time with my family, but our schedules are very busy. We like to play golf and 1 love to cook, I find that very relax- ing.” a difference program, participants are placed to tutor one child for one hour per day, once or twice a week for a full school year. Volunteers will be trained in multisensory reading methods, language development, whole lan- guage reading methods, and reading, writing and spelling strategies. Every year over 100 volunteers donate more than 5,000 hours to work directly with children. **You too can make a difference in a child's future,” say organizers. §f you are interested in volun- teering call Lori McDonald at 987-8141, ext. 276. NEWS photo Nei! Lucente JIM KEMP didn’t know the first thing about the jewelry business when he joined Henry Birks and Sons in the early 1980s. Today, as the company’s B.C. regional manager, Kemp, 33, is one of the youngest executives the firm employs. Europe? Travel? Volkswagen? Call our deurist. 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