Loyalty Pawn's Three Balls Chronicle Volume 6 Issue 9

THREE BALLS CHRONICLE

VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 8

August 2023

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!

It is almost basketball season again and I have added all of the upcoming Kings games for the season, so be sure to check those out if you would like to attend a game. Go Kings!! We have also added some new events that are available so be sure to check that out starting on page 10 and we have many events for you and your families to enjoy, so be sure to get your requests in. We have also added new section learning about security awareness that will be updated monthly with new information, so be sure to read up on that information. And don’t forget to share our electronic newsletter with your friends and families on the Issuu App. Keep doing an amazing job Team Loyalty!!

President’s Letter

Hello Team Loyalty,

How fast did August fly by for everyone? It was just a blip for me! End of summer, back to school, for me back to a (somewhat) routine, kids sports and homework it is an enjoyable time, but it certainly went by faster than expected. We had some crazy weather also; 100* plus and then raining the next day what is that? My middle daughter turned 18 years old, I am clearly getting old. A quick note on my mother, she is hanging in there very weak, sleeps most of everyday, loves her kids and mostly grandkids visiting, that always puts a smile on her face and is nice to see, she can communicate sometimes throughout the day. It is nice to still be able to visit with her. That is a small recap on my August, time to move into September and the Third Quarter ending.

Yes, the end of the Third Quarter is coming fast, corporate taxes are due, balance sheet and profit & loss requests will be coming in and then the start of the Fourth Quarter and the Holiday season. The end of the month will be the annual CAPA (California Pawnbrokers Association) convention and expo, this will be my second conference as president of the association, and we will have great speakers and new vendors' will surely be bringing back some great takeaways. Will be some great latest information as to where the industry is going economically and legislatively. More to come on our industry. The teams killed it again with our loan growth, keep pushing those loans, sales, layaways and roll overs. Thank You everyone for the challenging work you have accomplished!

Gratefully,

Stan Lukowicz, III

Letter from the General Manager

Hello Everyone,

August was a successful month for not only business growth, but we gained traction on loan repayments since May 2023. After reviewing the previous month's numbers, we are increasing the number of new customers per day as well. Our new average for new clients per store per day is almost 8 per day. This is an indication that word of mouth is getting around. We have seen an increase in physical loans as expected. Our continued goal is a proper qualification to fit the needs of our repeat and new clients while delivering our business services.

The top salesman for August was Dominic T. The second place goes to Paul M. and the third place goes to Norma B. I wanted to give a big shout out To Dominic T for his continued strive for excellence. Dominic is a true salesman. Not only did he get first place in sales, but he also maintained first place in productivity and physical transactions for August. Congratulations team for your stellar performance!

Very soon a small group of us will be heading to the CAPA 67th convention in Long Beach Ca. These are always great events to keep on top of market trends, networking, and working with multiple vendors. Also, attending these events helps add value because of the seminars offered. The seminars typically cover security, HR, current or new bills to be discussed, and round table discussions with other working professionals. This year, Stan, Ramsey, Stephanie, Javier and I will be attending. In advance, we learned that one of the keynote speakers is Jeffrey Gitomer. Jeffrey has written multiple books on Sales and sales principles. If anyone is interested, a select few are currently reading “Little Red Book of Selling”. If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, please let your manager know so we can lend you a copy.

Sincerely,

Wayne Silliman General Manager

“Take risks now. Do something bold. You won’t regret it. “ -Elon Musk

Loyalty Pawn Family

Greetings Loyalty Family,

First and foremost, we are delighted to announce that our loan growth has once again been outstanding. With each passing month, we are inching closer to an incredible milestone - $6 million. This remarkable achievement, in the pursuit of personal growth, I would like to share a quote by author and motivational speaker, Brian Tracy - "Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else." These powerful words serve as a reminder that each of us holds the key to our own success and fulfillment. Let us embrace this mindset of personal accountability and take charge of our lives, making conscious choices that lead us towards our desired goals. While celebrating our achievements, it is important to address the challenges we face. Our retail sales have been softer than anticipated, and it is crucial that we come together as a team to brainstorm and strategize on how to enhance product movement. We believe that with our collective efforts and innovative ideas, we can overcome these obstacles and revitalize our retail sales. On a brighter note, I would like to extend my congratulations to Team El Camino for securing first place in sales! Their defeat over Florin was by a very tight margin, displaying their exceptional dedication and teamwork. We have an exciting event on the horizon. We are eagerly preparing for the California Pawn Brokers Convention, which is scheduled to take place at the end of this month. We are thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker for this event will be none other than Jeffrey Gitomer, a renowned author with an impressive body of work. Jeffrey Gitomer has written books, including titles such as Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude and The Sales Bible. Currently, I am brushing up on his widely acclaimed "Little Red Book of Selling" in anticipation of his keynote speech. We are confident that his insights and wisdom will inspire and motivate us all. This month we are going to get to know Ah Xiong from team Florin.

1. What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? Online shopping

2. Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why? I don’t have a travel bucket list as long as it’s with the people I want to be around.

3. What was your favorite age growing up? Favorite age growing up was the age of 10-22 when I spent time with my girlfriends when they still lived in town.

4. Do you have a favorite holiday? Why or why not? My birthday

5. What was the last thing you read? Haven’t read books in years, but I’m into historical manhwas (mangas/comics) you can so call it, if you don’t know the meaning.

6. What was the last TV show you binge-watched? The last tv show that I binge watched was a Korean drama called “Mr. Queen

7. Are you into podcasts or do you only listen to music? I don’t listen to podcasts, only music

8. What's one thing that can instantly make your day better? One think that can instantly make my day better is money or being spoiled

9. What’s one goal you have for this year personally and professionally? One goal I have for this year is to make a good earning

10. Ideally, how would you spend your birthday? Ideally in a nice quiet area with a beautiful scenery and relaxation

11. What's your favorite board game? My favorite boardgame would be chess

12. What’s the best way the company can celebrate you and your team for successes? The best way the company can celebrate me or the team for our success would be giving recognition to their efforts whether how big or small they are

13. What causes are you passionate about? I am passionate about nail care

14. What’s an essential part of your daily routine? An essential part of my daily routine is sleep, work, and skincare

15. Who or what inspires you in your career? My friends inspire me

16. What’s something an outsider wouldn’t know about your industry? They don’t understand that we don’t qualify items based off of retail pricing

17. What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of? Evolving in qualifying jewelry

18. Do you believe in having a "five-year plan"? No

19. What’s the best piece of advice a family member has given you? Be patient and never talk back, do what you have been told and the good will come back to

20. What is your definition of success? Money

Security Awareness

As we strive to enhance our awareness of individuals attempting to exploit us, it becomes crucial to not only absorb this valuable information but also implement it diligently. Doing so will not only serve to safeguard our business but also empower us to identify warning signs when faced with personal encounters. If you come across any scams that we haven't addressed yet, kindly ensure to bring them up to your managers, fostering awareness throughout the company. Your proactive role in protecting our collective well-being is greatly appreciated!

In the world of financial transactions, it is essential to stay alert and protect yourself from scams and fraudulent activities. Cashier’s check fraud is a common scheme that can leave victims in financial distress. To help you avoid becoming a victim, we have compiled some valuable tips to keep in mind when using or accepting a cashier’s check.

1. Steer Clear of Strangers: One crucial rule to follow is to never accept a cashier’s check from someone you don’t know. If a buyer or customer asks you to wire back funds before or after depositing a cashier’s check, this should immediately raise a red flag that the check may be counterfeit. Protect yourself by being cautious and skeptical of unfamiliar individuals.

2. Go to a Local Bank with Your Buyer: When it becomes necessary to accept a cashier’s check for a good or service, especially for larger transactions, it is highly recommended to meet your customer at a local bank or a branch of a reputable financial institution. By doing this, you can instantly verify if the check was legitimately issued. If your customer refuses to meet at a bank, it is a strong indication that they may have ulterior motives.

3. Don’t Accept More Than What’s Due: Scammers often attempt to overpay for items or services as a way to deceive sellers. If you encounter a situation where a buyer insists on paying more than the agreed-upon price using a cashier’s check, be cautious. It is in your best interest to refuse the check and request a new one with the correct amount. Scammers typically refuse this request, revealing their true intentions.

4. Use PayPal or a Credit Card: In some instances, scams work the other way around, with you being the customer purchasing from a supposed seller. Cashier’s checks, due to their bank guarantee, can be a convenient method for scammers to receive immediate payment without delivering the promised merchandise or service. When responding to online ads or participating in online auctions, opt to pay through secure methods like PayPal or credit cards, which offer buyer protection.

It is also crucial to be aware of other prevalent scams, such as phishing emails and advance fee fraud. Phishing emails involve scammers impersonating legitimate institutions to steal personal information, while advance fee fraud requires victims to pay upfront fees for promised rewards. Exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited emails that request sensitive information or money.

Furthermore, within the pawn industry, it is important to be mindful of the bait and switch tactic. Some customers may present items that appear brand new, and factory sealed but have been tampered with. These items may have been replaced with worthless materials to maintain the expected weight and appearance. To protect yourself, always open and verify the contents of such items to ensure you are receiving what you are paying for.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can safeguard yourself from cashier’s check fraud. We hope this article serves as a reminder to stay cautious and aware of individuals seeking to take advantage of us within the pawn industry. Together, let's remain vigilant and protect our financial well-being.

Shop Talk Manager Updates

El Camino

Team Loyalty,

It's the time again pumpkin spice lattes and Harvest moons, that being said pedal to the metal as we finish up Q3 it was defiantly a close race, but we did it. Thank you team El Camino we beat Team Florin ending the month at 54,975.47 and florin at 54,451.89. Team Elco did celebrate buy heading to Punch Bowl Social and I definitely want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding hard work that each of you had contributed. Let's continue to work together to hit new goals. speaking of goals our goal for this month is 70k and to continue to grow our layaway balance to 120k by working together and using our sale skills we could accomplish it. As we continue to grow as a company, we are looking forward/trend to be a 6 million dollar company yay!! we keep pushing everyday and are proud to be here.

Cheers, Tony Mora Roseville

Hello Team Loyalty,

We at Loyalty Pawn Roseville are thrilled to share an incredible milestone. Our loan balance has soared to an astounding $1,200,000, bringing us within touching distance of our ambitious yearly goal of $1,250,000. We're not just excelling in loans; our layaway balance is steadily climbing, now standing at $83,000 on our journey to reach our annual target of $100,000 by year-end.

Additionally, I'd like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Dominic T., whose outstanding efforts in August led to an impressive $33,950.37 in sales and a remarkable total productivity of $110,518.87. Dominic, your dedication and hard work are truly commendable. Great job, team, as we continue to strive for excellence in the months ahead!

Thank You!

Justin Martinez

Broadway

Hello Team,

The countdown has begun the holidays are so close I can taste the pumpkin spice in the air. This means the weather is going to get colder, more rain and wind and the days feeling shorter as it gets darker earlier. This means we need to make sure we are arriving and leaving in groups to keep safe keeping your head on a swivel to look for things out of the normal. This also means hire stress levels and bad attitudes from clients as they start to realize everything that still needs to be done for the holidays. Try and kill them with kindness and provide the white glove customer service.

John Mark

Florin Mall

Happy September Everyone,

Wow I cannot believe we are coming closer and closer to the end of 2023. Just 4 more months and here comes 2024. I wanted to say great job to Team El Camino, August was a good run. You guys came in clutch at the last day betting us in sales by little over $500, GREAT JOB! Team Florin ended the month of August with a total of $54,451.89 in sales. Florin is going to take first in sales for September, ending the 3rd quarter strong. Last September we ended with a total of $51.7k in sales and we are looking to increase that by 25% with a total of $65k in sales for this month. We have shrunk a little from our loan balance from $1.9 million to $1.87million. September is here, all the students are back in school we have a great sale this month with our BOGO sales. So, let’s have a great September and end the Third quarter strong. Keep Yourself Positive, Cheerful and Goal-Oriented. Sales Success is 80 Percent Attitude and Only 20 Percent Aptitude. {Brian Tracy}

Mark Xiong

Top Performers in August

August End of Month Balances

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 you 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! 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!

September 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

FEBRUARY Amethyst

MAY – Emerald

APRIL – Diamond

JUNE –Pearl & Alexandrite

JULY – Ruby

AUGUST – Peridot

SEPTEMBER – Sapphire

OCTOBER – Opal & Tourmaline

NOVEMBER – Citrine & Topaz

DECEMBER – Topaz & Turquoise

Anniversaries, Birthdays and New Hires

September Anniversaries

We have no September anniversaries this month.

September Birthdays

Lauren Lukowicz September 15th

Stephanie Alfaro September 20th

Joshua Bonton September 25th

August New Hires

We would like to welcome out most recent new hire to the Loyalty Pawn family. Adam Kimbro to our Broadway team. Welcome Adam!

Loyalty Pawn’s Goals, Values, and Visions

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

“The Leader in Local Lending”

Loyalty Pawn Employee Services Corner

SEPTEMBER…

In golden fields, the season's breath is ripe, Where nature's labor culminates precise. September brings a harvest with bounty blest, A symphony of abundance, manifest.

The fruits cascading from earth's generous womb, Reveal sustained labor amid toil and gloom. For every furrow turned and seed sown deep, September's joyous bounty, we shall reap.

~Catherine Pulsifer

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF NATIONAL EVENTS

• September 4 the first Monday of the month is Labor Day.

• September 11 is Patriot Day, held in honor and remembrance of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

• September 11 is also Grandparents Day this year. Honor your grandparents DAY!

• September 15 starts Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday marks beginning of the new year.

• September 17 is Constitution Day. This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which occurred on September 17, 1787.

• September 21 is recognized as the annual International Day of Peace. Observances range from a moment of silence at noon to events such as peace walks, concerts, and volunteering in the community.

• September 23 marks the start of fall! This year’s Autumnal Equinox occurs at 2:50 A.M. EDT on Saturday, September 23. On this date, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.

• September 24 marks the start of Yom Kippur, at sundown.

• September 26 is Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrating John Chapman and everything apple!

• September 29 is Michaelmas. Michaelmas is an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” which marked the end of the harvesting season and was steeped in folklore.

Here are some more fun things to celebrate in September:

• September is National Happy Cat Month

• September 11: National Hug Your Hound Day

• September 13: Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day

• September 19: International Talk Like a Pirate Day

• September 24: National Punctuation Day

September Full Moon

September’s full moon, the Harvest Moon, reaches peak illumination on Friday, September 19, at 5:58 A.M. EDT

September Moon Phases

Thu Sep 14th – Warning Crescent

Fri Sep 15th – New Moon at 1:39

Sat Sep 16th – Waxing Cresent

Sun Sep 17th – Waxing Crescent

SEPTEMBER GARDENING -Tips

Ten Things To Do In Your September GARDEN

Dig in! Add perennials and spring-blooming (fall-planted) bulbs to your garden.

• Make notes in your garden journal.

• Weeding.

• Stop pruning and fertilizing.

• Encourage annuals to self-seed.

• Leave seed heads standing.

• Clean up plants as they fade.

LOVE PEOPLE & COOK THEM TASTY FOOD!

The Ambitious Kitchen has some amazing recipes to try this month! Check it out!

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/recipes-to-make-in-september/

Welcome to the Loyalty Pawn Family Miss Safia

Ja’liyah Ifraj Islam!

Born August 15th 8.8lbs 20” | Congratulations to Nadjah Islam of Broadway! You’ve joined the ranks of parenthood and we’re thrilled to support you and Safia!

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! When it comes to 401(k) plans, it's your money. But your boss and the government make the rules. Need more 401k investment info and advice? Contact our Investment Advisor, John Malhotra e malhotra.john@principal.com

Thank you for my subscription to the Old Farmer’s Almanac for inspirational quotes and the Ambitious Kitchen for this month’s Love People, Cook them Tasty Food content for LP’s Three Ball’s Chronicle this month.

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!

Loyalty Pawn

Corporate Office: 1708 Broadway

Sacramento, Ca 95818