A
ALLAN BAKE Sales Associate The Streets at Southpoint Durham, North Carolina
llan Bake came to us from Carlyle & Co., where he worked in a store that would eventually become a Fink’s Jewelers. In fact, “I sketched the store from memory for Marc Fink in hopes he would relocate to this beautiful location,” Allan shares. One of the things he loves most about working here is selling engagement rings to excited couples. “I consider it such an honor to be involved in helping someone pick out the most important piece of jewelry they’ll ever own,” he says. “I’ve learned over the years that every girl dreams of having a beautiful engagement ring. I’ve also learned that every girl wants something unique and special she won’t see on everyone else’s finger. I love the quality and selection that Fink’s has to offer, from some of the most beautiful hand-picked diamonds in the world to the settings that show them off.” For Allan, another highlight of the job is doing custom work. In fact, when asked who his favorite designer is, he names himself! “Sometimes finding the perfect piece of jewelry requires a little extra work,” he explains. “Each year I’ve been with Fink’s I’ve done more custom pieces. I love the entire process.” He can take the idea from a customer’s imagination, design a sketch for them to approve, and then bring it to life. “I love the look on someone’s face when I present the perfect piece they’ve only been able to dream of,” Allan says. For the first time Allan has joined the Million Dollar Club, for reaching $1 million in sales for the fiscal year. In addition to an obvious passion for his work, Allan says he’s successful because he is able to offer people “good old-fashioned corner jewelry store values in a world where the business has grown so big.” He’s also quick to thank his good friend and mentor Reg Carver, with whom he has worked closely over the past 10 years. “I’ve worked with Reg longer than anyone in my entire career. I can honestly say I learned more in the last 10 years with him than I did in the 20 years before—he’s the best!” When Allan isn’t at Fink’s selling, designing, or continuing to learn about our industry, he loves to travel with his wife, Misty. “My perfect day is when my beautiful wife and I have jetted away to a luxury resort and our butler is bringing us little fruity drinks with umbrellas in them as we relax in a cabana by the beach.” If they can’t make it down to paradise, the Bakes also enjoy a quiet night at home. But for these casual occasions, Allan admits he doesn’t wear any jewelry at all. “I take it all off when I get home!” he laughs. But for special events, “I wear my father’s Girard-Perregaux watch. It was passed down to me and is inscribed on the back ‘To Earl from Mary Ann - All my love. June 8, 1957.’” Speaking of special events, there’s one on the horizon for Allan Bake: This fall, he celebrates 30 years in the jewelry business. We couldn’t be happier that he’s spent the last seven of them here at Fink’s, and wish him many more years of success in the industry! And after that? “I always tell people, if you call my store and my mobile and can’t get in touch with me, and I haven’t returned your email, I’m on a little beach in the Bahamas selling seashell necklaces. Hey, we all need a retirement plan!"
“I treated myself to a Rolex Datejust with a diamond dial and diamond bezel when I celebrated 25 years in the business. It only took my wife 25 seconds to say, ‘Take a link out of that—I want to wear it to work tomorrow.’”
11