An employee who oversees Borsheims’ jewelry and watch repair shop was named this year’s Ike-It Employee of the Year. Marti Stephens, Shop Manager at Borsheims, was presented with the award on February 20th after being nominated and selected by her colleagues. The award is named for longtime Borsheims owner Ike Friedman, who passed away in 1991.
Marti began her career at Borsheims in 2000 as an Appraisal Lab Coordinator. She left briefly and returned in 2012 as a Jewelry Appraiser. Since then, she has been promoted several times, being named Sr. Jewelry Appraiser; Shop Support Supervisor; Assistant Shop Manager; and Shop Manager, the position she currently holds. Today, Marti oversees the day-to-day duties of each department within Borsheims’ Shop – Bench Jewelers and Polishers, the Appraisal team, Shop Support Services, Engraving and Watch Repair.
From a young age, Marti developed a love for jewelry and design. When she was 14, she became an apprentice for a small jewelry repair shop in her hometown. And in high school, she was asked to design a pin for the school band to wear while participating in the Rose Bowl parade. This passion continued to grow and she decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied jewelry design. Marti also earned her Graduate Gemologist degree from the GIA.
One of Marti’s most memorable professional endeavors was designing a necklace that was worn by an attendee of President Obama’s Inauguration Ball in Washington, DC. And when asked what she likes most about working at Borsheims, Marti said, “Getting to do
what I love every day!” Marti’s personal pride comes from her family. She resides in Omaha with her husband Cory and their two children Bennett and Norah.
Marti’s Borsheims colleagues nominated her and voted for her to win this prestigious award. Their feedback includes:
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Marti is always level-headed, positive, realistic, enthusiastic, and helpful. She always looks at what is best for her team and for Borsheims.
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Marti exemplifies Ike’s vision of putting the customer first. She guides her team in fulfilling this mission. She is a great collaborator across various departments, and she ensures everyone is on the same page and helping us all be successful in making our customers happy.
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Marti does an outstanding job leading the Shop. She has an incredible amount of knowledge about all aspects of the jewelry business. She is phenomenal.
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No matter how crazy her schedule is, Marti takes the time to stop and answer questions or provide information for ongoing projects.
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Marti strives to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and customer focused, all while juggling many projects. Though she is extremely busy in her role, she never turns someone away asking for help.
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I have watched Marti grow with Borsheims over the years. She exhibits the highest level of ethics and integrity and makes decisions with the Company’s and customers’ best interests in mind.
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She is always willing to talk things through to ensure we are operating in the most efficient ways. She operates fairly, keeping the customer in mind but also the company. She is such an asset to Borsheims.
- I have never in my life worked with someone with such integrity, honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness. If anyone deserves the “Ike-It” award, it is Marti Stephens. She will have a lasting impact on Borsheims and the people she interacts with, both employees and customers.
The Ike It Award was started at Borsheims in 1992, just a year after Ike Friedman’s death. The award is a tribute to Ike’s legacy, honoring someone who demonstrates exceptional customer service, a willingness to help, and enthusiasm for Borsheims.
