THREE BALLS CHRONICLE
VOLUME 7 / ISSUE 9
September 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 hope everyone has had a wonderful Labor Day and we want to thank each and every one of you for working so hard for Loyalty Pawn each and every day, we appreciate all of your hard work! We have updated the Golden 1 Center events and added all of the Kings games for the season, so get your requests in early, the games have been going fast! If you haven’t been able to visit the Golden 1 Center, the Kings games are a great time to bring your family and friends!
Thank you!
President’s Letter
Hello Loyalty Pawn Family,
It is football time! As many of you know I am an Alabama college football fan, Roll Tide, as my oldest daughter, Lauren, attended the University of Alabama. I want to apologize to Justin now as I have a second team I am cheering on also in the SEC, as I mentioned a few newsletters ago my middle daughter, Lilly, is attending the University of Mississippi. Justion and Lauren, I apologize but I am also cheering for Ole Miss, Hotty Toddy, I am not sure which team I would cheer for if they ended up playing each other in the playoffs. I will figure that out when and if that day comes. Now for the NFL the Kansas City Chiefs are among one of the favorites again to get to the Super Bowl and we have a surprisingly good shot again as we have the power of the Swifties behind Kelce and the rest of the team. Will we see a three peat?
Now for some work stuff. Another all-time high in our loan balance, excellent job team! We also had a terrific month in sales both in our scrap gold sales and with our in-store retail sales. We should continue to have good scrap gold sales with gold staying at or near all-time highs. We will have to work a little harder on the in-store retail sales, but we can push layaways and use the upcoming holiday season as an effective communication starter. Keep up the great work, Thank You. Our pawn service charges were also incredibly good in August, and we should continue to see that number grow over the next few months as well. Continue to push the extensions and we will continue to see the pawn service charges tick upward. Thank You again for all the arduous work Team Loyalty!
Gratefully,
Stan Lukowicz, III
Letter from the General Manager
Greetings everyone,
Fall is right around the corner, and I am certainly happy about that! Here is hoping for cooler weather headed our way. August was a productive month for Loyalty Pawn, and it's all thanks to our collective efforts. We got a foot hold on our sales goal, with each location significantly outperforming August 2023. Let's keep the momentum going! I wanted to give a big shout-out to Kirby, Justin and John for their role in streamlining the processing of our jewelry. In August, we were able to get more items out to the store, which created a new look for the showcases. Thanks again. We are still working on our delivery methods as well as showcase merchandising to maintain a Loyalty Pawn look and brand.
The top successful salesman for August was Dominic T. in first place. Norma B. in second place and Josh B. 3rd place. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. The sales bonus incentive is a testament to your efforts, and we enjoy seeing those who meet it weekly. Keep up the great work, and thank you for your hustle and determination.
To stay on track, we are working with the store managers to continue to develop action plans so we won't lose sight of our goals and projects that need completion. We will review these action plans often to make sure the balls do drop and often reevaluate the importance of the tasks. These action plans are important and needed to keep the foresight of important goals that we need to track and accomplish. If anyone has any goals they would like to share with their manager to be added to our action plans, please feel free to do so in your one-on-one’s.
To conclude, we continue to encourage open dialogue with our LP teams. If you have a great idea or have a recommendation to improve your work area, please feel free to share it with your store leader(s). For consideration, we have implemented different things in the past to integrate into our locations, from recommended marketing, cleaning, safety, security, supplies, tools, and much more. We welcome your feedback!
Sincerely,
Wayne Silliman General Manager
“Independent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success”. -Stephen Covey
Loyalty Pawn Family
Greeting Loyalty Family,
First things first, a huge congratulations is in order for the entire team! Not only did we all hit our sales goal, but we absolutely crushed it! All stores achieved over a 20% increase compared to this time last year, which is spectacular! Way to go, team! We have plenty of inventory to move, and with our continuous loan growth, we rely heavily on retail to help sustain us. It's essential to keep our jewelry sales at the store level so it can continue to circulate within our local community. Once it goes to the refinery, it’s pretty much gone forever. We have exciting future plans in place to rely even more on our organic inventory, enabling each store to be more self-reliant. We are all working hard to fulfill our latest goal of moving four pieces of jewelry a day, and I personally believe we will accomplish this sooner rather than later. We’ve listened to all of your wants and have done our best to satisfy them. We now have a wider range of price point jewelry and are making more room by clearing out our aged jewelry. It’s funny to already be thinking about the holiday season, but we want to be fully prepared for all your needs by the end of October, ensuring we have the best holiday season this company has ever seen! This month, we’ll also get to know our newest team member in the Loyalty Family at the Florin Store, Brianna, and we’re excited to have her on board!
1. What helps keep you motivated? Imagining myself as the person I will be in the future keeps me motivated to reach my potential.
2. What professional skills do you think everyone should have? I believe that talking to people is a wonderful skill everyone should develop; networking relationships and building community simultaneously is invaluable.
3. What professional skills would you like to master? I would like to improve my software skills and learn to be more resourceful on the computer.
4. Who is the best pawnbroker you know, and what makes them the best? I haven't been here long enough to have a solid opinion on who sells best, but from the people I've worked with, I believe David is great because he's so easy to connect with, and people appreciate that.
5. What do you consider yourself to be good at, and what could you improve? I believe I’m good at adapting to new environments quickly and picking up on new routines and habits. However, I could brush up on my conversation skills.
6. What is the best perk you have had at a job? Our store manager is nice and sometimes treats us to food!
7. What is the most valuable career advice you've been given? Surround yourself with successful people, and that in itself will guarantee your success too.
8. What can the company do to celebrate a success you've had? Giving us an extra bonus in our paycheck would be fantastic!
9. What do you like about the pawn industry? I enjoy learning about the market fluctuations and paying attention to details. Plus, being around jewelry is a bonus!
10. What do you dislike about the industry? Sometimes, people can be very rude and try to get under your skin.
11. What can the company change or improve to make it better to work here? Maybe focusing on making the workspace look prettier and nicer would help, though I understand that might not be a priority.
12. What's the last big challenge you've had, professionally or personally? Not everyone you think will stay in your life forever does. People aren't permanent, but it's important not to dwell on that. You take every lesson and experience from them and carry it with you.
13. Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully thriving in my career, maybe living in a penthouse, or who knows, I might just surprise myself!
14. What is something you would like to get better at in the pawn industry? I want to improve my selling skills and really connect with people, as well as build my knowledge on the items we sell.
15. Have you checked something off your bucket list? What was it? Nothing really major yet.
16. If you could choose any celebrity to be your best friend, who would it be? I think Xochitl Gomez has a very charismatic aura that I would love to be friends with!
17. What are you looking forward to this year? The holidays!
18. If you could be a professional in any sport, what would it be and why? Put me on the court with badminton, and I'll take off! It’s so fun, and the physics behind it are fascinating.
19. What do you value more: time off, making more money, or benefits? I value making money the most. I want to be financially stable and provide the lifestyle I desire.
20.What is a small thing that makes your job easier or better? My calculator!
Security Awareness
In an ever-evolving landscape of crime, pawn shops remain prime targets for theft and fraud. Implementing robust security measures is crucial to safeguarding your merchandise and ensuring the safety of your staff and customers. Here are several effective strategies to enhance security in your business. Thess are a refresher in the best tips in security awareness.
1. Display One Item at a Time To deter grab-and-run thefts, showcase only one item at a time. This minimizes the potential for thieves to snatch multiple pieces quickly, as they will have to engage with your staff to view more items.
2. Maintain a Logbook for Suspicious Incidents Documenting suspicious activities in a logbook creates a valuable record that can be referenced later. This practice not only helps identify patterns but also aids law enforcement in investigating incidents.
3. Share Information with Staff and Law Enforcement Regularly communicating with your team and local law enforcement about suspicious incidents fosters a community approach to crime prevention. This collaboration can lead to quicker responses and increased vigilance.
4. Open and Close with a TeamAlways have two or more people present when opening or closing your business. This practice not only ensures safety but also deters potential criminals who may be watching for solo employees.
5. Lock Doors Before Opening andAfter Closing Keeping your doors locked until you are ready to open, and locking them immediately after closing, prevents unauthorized access and reduces the risk of opportunistic theft.
6. Greet Every Customer Meeting and greeting each customer as they enter your store creates a welcoming environment while also allowing you to assess their behavior. This personal interaction can deter potential thieves who prefer anonymity
7. Use a Code Word for Suspicious Situations Establishing a code word or phrase that alerts your staff to suspicious behavior creates a discreet method for communication during potential threats, enabling a coordinated response.
8. Distribute High-Value MerchandiseAvoid clustering high-value items in one area of your showroom. Spreading merchandise throughout your store makes it more challenging for thieves to target multiple expensive pieces at once.
9. Verify Alarm SignalsAlways verify alarm signals with your monitoring facility. False alarms can lead to complacency, but confirming alerts ensures that genuine threats are taken seriously.
10. Review Surveillance Footage Regularly Frequent reviews of your surveillance footage help identify any suspicious activities that may have gone unnoticed. This proactive approach can aid in preventing future incidents.
11. Secure Merchandise Overnight Keep as much inventory as possible in a safe or vault during nonbusiness hours. Limiting access to valuable items significantly reduces the risk of theft.
12. Require Multiple Forms of ID To combat credit card fraud, require multiple forms of identification from customers making significant purchases. This extra step can help verify the legitimacy of transactions.
13. Protect Your Store's Layout OnlineAvoid posting images that reveal the layout of your store, or your merchandise displays online. This information can be exploited by criminals planning a theft.
14. Encrypt Your Internet Connection Ensure that your router is encrypted to protect against cybercrime. Securing your internet connection is vital for protecting sensitive customer information and business data.
15. Stay Informed on Industry Crimes Regularly review reports on jewelry industry crimes. Staying informed about recent incidents can help you anticipate potential threats and adjust your security measures accordingly. By implementing these security measures, we can create a safer environment for our employees and customers while minimizing the risk of theft and fraud.Aproactive approach to security not only protects your assets but also fosters trust and confidence within your community.
Shop Talk Manager Updates
El Camino
Hi Team Loyalty,
Are You Guys Ready for Some Football, I know I am!
Here's a little joke to start off the season. -Knock, knock... Who's there? It's RAY... Ray who? RAAAAAAIDERS!!!
Hope everyone had an amazing August, because I know Team Elco did! Let’s break down the play: Coming in hot with a touchdown of $87,343.77 is none other than Team El Camino! What a game! And let’s not forget Team Florin charging in second place....awesome job team!
As we get ready for the next month's punt, let's huddle up! The goal for September is set at $60,866.39. But with our quarterbacks and wide receivers ready to run some strategic plays, we’re aiming to hit that $70K field goal. We’re talking a Hail Mary here, folks! When the flags get thrown and the pressure’s on, what do we do? We lock those clients into layaways, no sale walks out of our stadium without a game plan!
This coach is ready to dive into the locker room, study what worked in the past, and draw up the perfect plays to hit our goals again. So let's study some plays and find those pockets without getting the whistle blown. Let’s put some points on the board, Team Elco!
LETTTSSSS GOOOOOO!! Who's ready to win this month?!
Tony Mora
Roseville
Hi Team Loyalty
I’m thrilled to announce that the Roseville team has once again surpassed expectations by hitting our 20% sales goal for August! This marks the second consecutive month we’ve achieved this, following our success in July. Back-to-back wins like this show the incredible dedication and effort from our team. As we push to finish the quarter strong, we’re aiming for a hat trick by reaching our 20% goal once again this month. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue striving for excellence!
Justin Martinez
Broadway
Hello Team,
I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for an outstanding achievement! Your collective effort and unwavering dedication have not only allowed us to surpass our ambitious 20% sales goal but have done so by an impressive margin of over $20,000. Reaching this milestone for the first time ever is a testament to your hard work, strategic thinking, and exceptional teamwork. This remarkable accomplishment is a clear reflection of the talent and commitment that each of you brings to the table every day. Thank you for your extraordinary contributions and for setting a new benchmark for success. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and aim even higher in the future!
John Mark
Florin Mall
Happy September, everyone!
It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of the third quarter time really does fly! Last month was fantastic as we exceeded our sales quota by $16.7k, achieving over $82k in sales for Team Florin. Our goal was $66.5k, and every one of you played a crucial role in this success. Congratulations to the entire Loyalty Pawn team for hitting for also hitting your sales target!
For this month, Team Florin has set our sales goal at $75k, and I’m excited to see how much we can surpass it. I challenge my team to push the boundaries and find ways to excel even further.
I’m thrilled to welcome our new team member, Briana Quintero! She’s been with us for less than three weeks and already hit her sales quota in her second week. If you haven't had the chance yet, please reach out and introduce yourself. We’re looking forward to seeing Briana thrive in her new role.
As we approach the holiday season, let’s keep our momentum going. Team Florin is concentrating on listing our inventory on Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up to drive more sales. This month, we’re offering 30% off on all tools, making it the perfect time to move those larger items.
Let’s make this another amazing month! Go Loyalty!
“To hell with the circumstance I create opportunities” - Bruce Lee
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!
Hozier (2 Tickers Left)
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Fuerza Regida
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 2nd Saturday 3:00 PM
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 2nd Saturday 7:00 PM
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 3rd Sunday 11:00 AM
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party
Keshi November 9th Saturday 8:00 PM Zach Bryan November 29th Friday 8:00 PM
Zach Bryan November 30th Saturday 8:00 PM
Heart - Postponed New Date: TBD December 9th Monday 8:00 PM
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
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
September Birthdays
Stephanie Alfaro September 20th
Joshua Bonton September 25th
September Anniversaries
Johnathan Thao 2 years
August New Hires
We have one new hire in August! Briana Quintero to our Florin Team, lets all welcome to Briana to the Loyalty Family!!
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
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF NATIONAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER…
There are flowers enough in the summertime, More flowers than I can remember But none with the purple, gold, and red That dye the flowers of September!
Mary Howitt
(1799-1888)
• September 2 the first Monday of the month is Labor Day. Canadians also observe Labour 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 today and every day!
• 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 22 marks the start of fall! This year’s Autumnal Equinox occurs at 8:44 A.M. EDT. On this date, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.
• 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 is on September 17th
September’s full moon, the Harvest Moon, reaches peak illumination on Tuesday, September 17, at 10:34 P.M. EDT.
Read more about September’s Full Moon! This year, it is also a
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/
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! 916-752-2255 employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com
