THREE BALLS CHRONICLE
VOLUME 7 / ISSUE 11
November 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
Letter from the President
Letter from the General Manager
Loyalty Pawn Family
SecurityAwareness
Store Manager Updates
Golden 1 Center Events
Monthly Sales
Monthly Birthstone Guide
Monthly Birthdays and Anniversaries and New Hires
Loyalty Pawn’s Core Goals, Values and Visions
Employee Services Corner
Team Loyalty!
We only have a few Kings games left at the Golden 1 Center so if you haven’t had the chance to attend a Game or event, it is a wonderful time to take your friends or family! This year has gone by so fast and we are already nearing towards the end of the year, Thanksgiving is on November 28th this year and we want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving with their friends and family! Lastly, a huge thank you to everyone for your hard work in making this possible. We couldn’t have done it without your hard work and dedication! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you!
President’s Letter
Hello Team Loyalty,
As the holiday season approaches, with less than two months remaining, I would like to highlight some important areas of focus:
1. This is a critical time to enhance our sales efforts. I encourage everyone to leverage the increased activity to drive our successes further. I am thrilled to announce that we have achieved the highest loan balance of all time. Congratulations to our Loyalty Pawn team for this remarkable accomplishment!
2. Ensuring safety is of utmost importance during the busy holiday season. Please stay vigilant and adhere to all safety protocols to create a secure environment for both our team and clients.
3. The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate not only our hard work but also our shared spirit as the Loyalty Pawn family. Let's continue to support each other and enjoy this festive season together.
Thank you to our dedicated team for your continued hard work and passion. I am excited to see what we will achieve together this holiday season.
Warm regards,
Stan Lukowicz President, Loyalty Pawn
Letter from the General Manager
Greetings Everyone,
October, even with 31 days, flew by! Does anyone else think that 2024 is flying by? I wanted to thank Britany, John, Ramsey and Javier for their attendance at CAPA Indian Wells. Some great news for the industry is coming soon. In 2025, we will entertain new rates for our loans. Also, the association will be working on continuing education requirements. Requirements for future licenses or license renewals will require training to operate. Currently, this is a great opportunity to strengthen industry to adhere to professional business standards to operate in California. To be compliant, the curriculum is being drafted to have a comprehensive system that will bring a fair playing field for licensees. Hopefully, this will increase participation and attendance at the conventions.
Now, onto the top salesman of October. Dominic T got 1st place. Norma B. 2nd place and Josh B. 3rd place. This was a great performance this month in sales! We like to continue to compare month to month, 2023 vs. 2024. For October, we had an increase in companywide of 21% in retail sales. This was a great hustle and push for the layaway redemptions. Again, great job team!
Remember, this November we will be adjusting our clocks. It’s going to be getting darker near 5:00 pm. As a reminder, we will continue to come and go from the store(s) in pairs. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings. Safety and security will always be a priority, and we want to make sure we’re cognizant of our environment.
Lastly, we are still growing at each location. In previous years, we typically have seen less growth and more sales. We will continue to be sharp on our sales while counting for continued loan growth this last quarter. Thank you everyone!
Sincerely,
Wayne Silliman General Manager
“To be successful in sales, simply talk to a lot of people every day. And here’s what’s excitingthere are lots of people!” Jim Rohn
Loyalty Pawn Family
Greetings, Loyalty Pawn Family!
We're finally experiencing some cooler weather, and you know what that means our holiday season is officially upon us! As I mentioned earlier this year, we are more prepared for this season than ever before. With that said, I want to extend my congratulations to all our stores for successfully hitting your impressive 20% stretch goal in October. This remarkable achievement has only occurred once before this year, and I’m thrilled to see that some of our stores have managed to reach their 20% goal for three consecutive months! Let’s keep this momentum and work together to truly excel this holiday season. Remember, we have a wealth of inventory at various price points to cater to our customers’ needs. Additionally, don’t forget to mention our awesome Layaway plans these options make it easier for our customers to get the gifts they want without breaking the bank. Together, let’s make this holiday season our best yet! Keep up the great work, and let’s crush those goals! This month we’re going to get to know Danni from the Roseville location.
1. What helps keep you motivated? Having an end goal keeps me motivated something to strive towards.
2. What professional skills do you think everyone should have?
Good interpersonal communication, respect for others regardless of race, and adaptability are essential. Being respectful to everyone and maintaining a courteous demeanor is crucial.
3. What professional skills would you like to master? I would like to master communication and the ability to separate myself from caring too deeply at times.
4. Who is the best pawnbroker you know, and what makes them the best? Justin is an exceptional pawnbroker. He excels at problem-solving and devising effective solutions for unique situations that arise, ensuring outcomes that suit clients' needs. He also has a knack for fixing things; he can assess an item and understand how it works.Additionally, Brittney is outstanding at research and efficiently locating and solving problems. She is always willing to assist employees and customers when needed. Both are invaluable when I need help determining the value of incoming goods.
5. What do you consider yourself to be good at, and what could you improve? I excel at connecting with customers, leaving lasting impressions and building relationships that encourage repeat visits. I make it a point to ensure that first-time visitors feel comfortable, alleviating their nervousness about entering a pawnshop. My ability to empathize with customers helps foster positive outcomes in every interaction. I strive to ensure people feel seen and heard, and I maintain a judgment-free, honest approach with strong integrity and moral values, offering a sense of comfort and trust. I avoid gossip, which can lead to a hostile environment, and I am discreet in all matters. In terms of conflict, I am strong and not easily intimidated by those who bully, making me a loyal employee who supports my coworkers. I am also a team player, altruistic, and believe in sharing. I greet each customer with warmth and sincerity. I feel that if given the chance to lead, I would do a good job as a leader. However, I sometimes feel less trusted than my colleagues, which seems unfair.
6. What is the best perk you have had at a job? Discounts and dinners.
7. What is the most valuable career advice you've been given? Let the customer talk. Often, what is not said reveals the true meaning behind their desires.
8. What can the company do to celebrate a success you've had? The company could recognize accomplishments more frequently to make me feel seen and acknowledged. More opportunities for pay increases based on overall performance would also be appreciated.
9. What do you like about the pawn industry? I enjoy the versatility of this business and the opportunity to help people. I also have a passion for vintage and antique items, particularly jewelry, which is an area I want to explore further.
10. What do you dislike about the industry? Sometimes, I dislike the treatment of people who are deemed lesser than others. It doesn’t sit well with me; after all, customers come in seeking help. In today’s society, many people need financial assistance more than ever, and it should not matter what they look like or how they present themselves. Our job is to help.
11. What can the company change or improve to make it better to work here? There are times when I feel I am not trusted as much as my coworkers, which makes me feel undervalued. Newer employees are often entrusted with counting the drawer or handling jewelry, whereas I am not given the same level of responsibility. When I first started, I worked alongside an employee who stole from the company, and I learned about this later. During that time, I felt scrutinized and under intense pressure, which was undeserved. I continue to feel like I am under more watchful eyes than others. It should be equal among all employees; everyone deserves the same level of trust.
12. What’s the last big challenge you've had, professionally or personally? Walking away when a deal cannot be reached due to the customer wanting too large a discount that we cannot accommodate.
13. Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully alive and blessed, and as a homeowner.
14. What is something you would like to get better at in the pawn industry? I want to improve my ability to close deals.
15. Have you checked something off your bucket list? What was it? I haven’t checked anything off my list yet.
16. If you could choose any celebrity to be your best friend, who would it be? Barack Obama.
17. What are you looking forward to this year? Christmas time.
18. If you could be a professional in any sport, what would it be and why? Fencing, because I find it fascinating and challenging.
19. What do you value more: time off, making more money, or benefits? Making more money and benefits.
20. What is a small thing that makes your job easier or better? The small thing that makes my job easier is Bravo.
21. What is the best work event you have attended? What made it so great? The event at Bennett's Restaurant in Roseville was the best. I enjoyed it for the food and overall vibe.
Security Awareness
As we navigate the post-election period and approach the holiday season, it is essential to remain vigilant due to the unpredictability of human behavior. Increased political tensions and heightened holiday activities can create opportunities for crime, making it crucial for individuals and businesses to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
In light of these challenges, California's recent passing of Proposition 36 brings some encouraging news. This initiative allows for felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes, aiming to deter criminal behavior. Specifically, Proposition 36 reclassifies some misdemeanors as felonies for repeat offenders and requires courts to warn drug dealers about potential murder charges if their actions result in someone's death. This heightened accountability may encourage individuals to think twice before committing crimes, contributing to a safer environment.
The implications of Proposition 36 extend to the pawn industry, which often encounters individuals in need of quick cash during difficult economic times. With stricter penalties in place, potential offenders may be deterred from engaging in theft or drug-related activities, leading to a more secure atmosphere for pawnshops and their customers. As safety increases, customers may feel more comfortable visiting pawnshops, fostering trust and ultimately encouraging business growth.
However, it is imperative to remain aware of our surroundings, especially as we face the challenges associated with the holiday season. With more foot traffic and a heightened emotional climate, individuals may act unpredictably. It is vital to recognize signs of suspicious behavior, such as loitering, nervousness, or aggressive interactions, and report them promptly to authorities.
Furthermore, as we experience the hustle and bustle of this time, maintaining personal safety and security should be a priority. Avoiding distractions from mobile devices, keeping valuables secure, and being mindful of unusual behavior from others can significantly enhance personal security.
Establishing open lines of communication regarding safety concerns within communities and workplaces can also foster a culture of vigilance. Regular training sessions and discussions on security awareness can empower individuals to respond effectively to unexpected situations.
As we progress through this season of unpredictability, let us remain committed to fostering a culture of awareness and safety. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves and our communities but also support local businesses, including the pawn industry, which plays a vital role in times of economic need. Together, we can create a safer environment that benefits everyone.
Shop Talk Manager Updates
El Camino
Ladies & gentlemen let’s talk turkey!
October has come and gone, but the scent of spooky savings lingers, and boy, did Team El Camino carve up some success. With first place bragging rights and a jaw dropping total of $71,165.xx we didn’t just reach our goal we gobbled it right up!
Now, let’s move on to the sides, because no Thanksgiving table is complete without them, and we’re serving more than bland potatoes here. Team El Camino is bringing the SAUCE! Our November goal is set at a plump $80,000.xx and we’ve got the right ingredients to make it happen, including some fancy new bling to catch the eye of everyone.
A special drumstick sized shout out to our own Norma Bobadilla, the top seller of October, who brought in nearly $25,000 all on her own! Norma, you’re the stuffing that makes this turkey shine! Keep that momentum going, and let’s keep making El Camino the juiciest place around.
And let’s not forget the ambiance, we’ve got a fresh coat of paint here at El Camino, making us look more tempting than ever. So, invite everyone you know to come on down and take a look! The holiday spirit is in the air, and speaking of which, Christmas is only about 51 days away (maybe even less by the time you’re reading this). You know what that means: Layaway, layaway, layaway! Let’s plant the seeds now and make sure every customer’s got their holiday plans well-seasoned.
So, as we dive into a flavorful November, let’s keep the energy high, serve up smiles, and make this month one to remember. Here’s to bringing home the gravy one happy customer at a time. Happy Thanksgiving, Team El Camino!
Tony Mora
Hi Team Loyalty
I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! As we kick off November, I’m excited to share some great news from October. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we achieved our goal of 20% sales growth. Our loan balance has reached an impressive $1,400,000 and continues to grow. Even better, our default rate is holding steady around 15%, which reflects our team’s qualifying customers and dedication to reaching out to each customer about their loans. Let’s keep up this fantastic momentum as we move into the busy holiday season. Together, we’re on track to end the year on a high note and hit all our goals!
Justin Martinez
Roseville
Broadway
Hello Team,
As we approach the upcoming Christmas season, my team and I are filled with excitement and optimism. This year, we’ve once again surpassed our ambitious 20% sales goal, a testament to our hard work, dedication, and strong teamwork. It's been incredibly rewarding to see our efforts pay off, and we’re not stopping here. With the holiday season just around the corner, we’re more motivated than ever to continue driving success, delivering exceptional service, and exceeding expectations. We’re confident that, with the momentum we've built, we’ll not only meet but exceed our goals once again, making this Christmas season our best yet!
John Mark
Florin Mall
Hello Loyalty Pawn Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful and safe Halloween! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to gear up for turkey day.
I’m thrilled to share that Team Florin is on fire as we’ve hit our 20% sales goal for the third consecutive time! We’re not stopping here, though. For November, we have a significant target of $91k to keep us on track for our year-end goal. Achieving this will be a huge step towards our overall objective.
A heartfelt thank you to all my team members for your hard work and dedication in pushing towards our goal. Your efforts have truly made a difference. Also, a big shout-out to all the other locations for reaching your sales goals as well! We are excited to be so close to our $900k sales target. Let’s keep the momentum going! We only have two months left to make this happen!
"Obstacle don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it." Michael Jordan
Mark Xiong
Golden 1 Center Upcoming Events
Below is the list of events that are posted as of right now and we will be adding events to this list each month as they get posted! The events in green are available and the events in red have already been spoken for. If you would like to request tickets send your ticket request forms to lauren.l@loyaltypawn.com so that I can get your requests in and if you need a request form email lauren.l@loyaltypawn.com and I can send you a copy or you can ask your supervisor! With the Golden 1 Center opening back up there is a limited number of tickets available, so for every event you are only allowed to request and receive 4 tickets per event!
Mary J. Blige
November Sales Flyer
Monthly Birthstone Guide
This will help educate you about some of the more popular semi and precious stones we come across and it will also help you close some more sales. The idea is to educate you on each month’s birthstone as you can arrange your cases properly and make suggestions to our clients that may be browsing or even looking for a gift. Let’s think outside the box when utilizing this information.
JANUARY – Garnet
MARCH – Aquamarine
MAY – Emerald
JULY – Ruby
SEPTEMBER – Sapphire
NOVEMBER – Citrine & Topaz
FEBRUARY Amethyst
APRIL – Diamond
JUNE –Pearl & Alexandrite
AUGUST – Peridot
OCTOBER – Opal & Tourmaline
DECEMBER – Topaz & Turquoise
Anniversaries, Birthdays and New Hires
November Birthdays
Johnnathan Thao November 16th
Jason Wagner November 19th
Jonathan Sinatra November 20th
November Anniversaries
Ramsey Lewis 4 years
November New Hires
We do not have any new hires this month.
Loyalty Pawn’s Goals, Values, and Visions
“The Leader in Local
Lending”
Company Wide Goals
• To Offer Immediate Relief with a Short-Term Loan.
• To Develop, Recruit and Inspire an Elite Work Force, Driven by Loyal Business Practices.
• To Provide the Highest Standard of Quality, Commitment and Value to Every Customer in Our Loyalty Pawn Family!
Core Values
• Loyalty
• Dedication
• Creativity
Company Vision
• Loyal People Committed to Everyday Satisfaction
Loyalty Pawn Employee Services Corner
Did you know…that…
November …
And the dead leaves lie huddled and still, No longer blown hither and thither; The last lone aster is gone; The flowers of the witch-hazel wither
–Robert Frost
(1874-1963)
November is National Family Caregivers Month?
This November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of caregivers who provide care and support to their loved ones. In the United States alone, over 53 million people serve as unpaid caregivers for family members, friends and neighbors, and of these, around 11 million are caring for elderly parents while also raising children.
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/family-caregivers-month.html
National Family Caregivers Month-Continued
The Sandwich Generation and its growing responsibilities.
Currently, millions of caregivers have growing responsibilities as they look after two generations, aging parents and younger children. These so-called “Sandwich Generation” caregivers tend to juggle their demanding caregiving responsibilities along with their career and other family obligations. Although in recent years, the number of Americans taking care of both aging parents and younger children has risen only marginally, the financial and emotional burden of sandwich-generation caregiving continues to grow. For example, according to a 2022 University of Michigan study, sandwich-generation caregivers are twice as likely to report financial difficulty (36% vs. 17%) and more likely to report substantial emotional difficulty (44% vs. 32%) than their peers who only act as a caregiver to a parent over 65.
To Care for Others, Care for Thy Self
Being a sandwiched parent is incredibly stressful, so it is important for this generation to take care of themselves and not get lost caring for both young and aging family members. Although being a caregiver can be a drain on time, resources and energy, it is critical to remember that one cannot truly care for others unless they first care for themselves. Here are a few strategies taken from Care. com to help members of the sandwich generation.
Take Time to Recharge You can’t pour from an empty cup, so self-care is not only essential for the caregiver, but also for the family.
Share the Load with Your Family Enlist the help of your family to perform specific tasks. Make sure ongoing responsibilities like shopping, taking the kids to school or extracurriculars or taking aging parents to therapy are spread out across members of the family and not just born on the back of one parent.
Talk to Loyalty Pawn’s Employee Services Work flexibility is crucial for sandwiched caregivers, so talking to us can be really helpful. We can help inform you of any resources within Loyalty’s benefit offering that can be useful.Also, taking advantage of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) may be able to offer benefits that can provide some employees with job protection if they need time off. employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com
MONTHLY MOVES - Seated low back Stretch
You’re standing at your store’s workstation when suddenly lower back pain strikes, radiating all the way up your neck. Wincing in discomfort, you resist the urge to stretch out right next to the water cooler. Right?
Though we’ve all been tempted to discretely practice yoga poses at our workstations, subtle and inconspicuous movements are often better suited for relieving pain on the job. Seated stretches that can be done while remaining at your desk are ideal for alleviating back pain without drawing unnecessary attention or disrupting your coworkers.
Simple motions such as the seated low back stretch that gently opens the back while keeping your chair upright can offer relief until you have more freedom and space for additional restorative poses.
With some slight adjustments, you can address nagging back pain professionally and politely at the office.
Check out this website for stretches you can do while at work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=bEDH_uTcdf4
November…Celebration Days
• November 1 is Diwali and All Saints’ Day.
• November 2 is Sadie Hawkins Day.
• November 3 at 2 A.M. is the end of Daylight Saving Time. Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night at bedtime!
• November 4 is Will Rogers Day.
• November 5 is Election Day (U.S.). Don’t forget to vote in state and federal elections! Every vote counts. Make an Election Day Cake to celebrate.
• November 11 is Veterans Day (U.S.) and Remembrance Day (Canada).
• If you’re fortunate, you may experience an “Indian Summer” in November, but according to the traditional definition, it can only occur between November 11 and 20!
• November 19 is Discovery of Puerto Rico Day.
• November 28 is Thanksgiving Day (U.S.).
• The day after Thanksgiving, November 29 this year, is known as Black Friday.
November… Just for Fun Days
November is Banana Pudding Lovers Month who knew? Here are some more wacky celebrations to look forward to:
• Nov. 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day
• Nov. 6: Zero-Tasking Day
• Nov. 9: National Scrapple Day
• Nov. 16: National Button Day
• Nov. 21: World Hello Day
• Nov. 23: Fibonacci Day
November was the ninth month of the ancient Roman calendar and has retained its name from the Latin novem, meaning "nine." In Finland, they call November marraskuu, which translates as "the month of the dead." It is one of four months with a length of 30 days on the Gregorian, or modern, calendar.
November Astronomy
The Full Beaver Moon
November’s full Moon is traditionally called the Beaver Moon. Why this name? In the Colonial Era, this was the month to set one’s beaver traps before the swamps froze and beavers retired to their lodges, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.
In 2024, November’s full Moon occurs on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Thanksgiving Turkey
Option 1: The simplest roast turkey breast
While a traditional Thanksgiving feast may involve carving an entire turkey at the table, a simpler or more intimate Thanksgiving works with simply roasting the turkey breast. One advance of roasting just the breast is that it comes out juicy and doesn’t get dry.
• Then just add your sides like mashed potatoes, seasoned stuffing, your favorite seasonal greens and don’t forget dessert!
Turkey Cooking Tips
Ensure one pound per person or more if you want to ensure leftovers! Order or buy 2 to 3 weeks in advance!
Have a good roasting pan and a rack (which often comes with the pan) plus an instant-read thermometer for safety, if not peak flavor. See how to use a meat thermometer. If you buy a frozen turkey, it’s important to start defrosting days in advance one day for every four pounds and it is recommended that you defrost it in the refrigerator. If your turkey is not frozen, unwrap it a couple days before cooking and let it air dry in the refrigerator so the air dries its skin tight. You don’t need to truss your turkey (tie up the legs) unless you’re stuffing the bird. Keep in mind that a trussed turkey takes longer to cook. Have plenty of turkey or chicken stock on hand. Make sure you know how to carve a turkey before you’re facing the big bird! Hot Link: Understand the history and origins of Thanksgiving.
401K-Loyalty Pawn Retirement $avings Program
Are you saving for retirement? Why not start today? If you have completed 12 months of service with Loyalty Pawn, you’re eligible to participate and start putting away those pretax (or post tax Roth) dollars into your very own 401k account. To enroll, send me an email and I’ll help you get started. Contact Employee Services at employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com Start saving for retirement’s tomorrow, today!
Special thanks to the almighty, Old Farmer’s Almanac that provides us with amazing “earthly” info and wholesome team entertainment!
If you need HR, Payroll, Benefits, or Family support, Loyalty Pawn’s Employee Services is only a phone call, text message, or email away, on demand, anytime! 916-752-2255 employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com
