December 2023 NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 24
A Message from the CEO “Live the Golden Rule” The Golden Rule is Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There is a deeper message here: We are to understand others as individuals and respect their thoughts, ideas, and input. The Golden Rule sets forth the tension between privilege and duty. A greater understanding of this great law of life inspires and invites us to raise the standards of our character, offer grace and understanding to others, and see the world through their eyes. In the world of business, relationships are key. What better guiding principle to apply to these relationships than the Golden Rule. When we conduct business with empathy, respect, and fairness, we foster trust and loyalty. By putting ourselves in others’ shoes, we gain a deeper understanding of their needs and desires. This helps us tailor our approach to better serve them. Whether it’s delivering exceptional customer service, honoring agreements, or valuing the input of team members, the Golden Rule reminds us to prioritize the well-being of others. In doing so, we build lasting and meaningful connections that drive our business forward. Thank you all once again for your exceptional efforts this year. Remember commitment and dedication drive us to reach new heights. As we bid farewell to 2023, let us carry the lessons we have learned and the accomplishments we have achieved with us into the new year.
John Thedford, CEO
IN THIS ISSUE Management Camp
2-4
Webinar Training Schedule
2
Jewelry Training
5-6
Health & Wellbeing
7-8
Promotions and New Hires
9
TOP STORES & TOP SLA’s
10-12
Store’s WOW Moments
13-17
Celebrations
18
Mission, Purpose & Values
19
Management Camp Attendees Orlando 1, Florida
Building Excellence in Every Role through learning in our Management Camps!
Crawford Dukes Store Manager - Orlando 5 Carlos Fuentes Store Manager - Kissimmee 7 Angie Garcia Store Manager - Orlando 10 Evelyn Martinez Store Manager - Kissimmee 4 Vanessa Barreiro Assistant Manager - Kissimmee 2
November 8 & 9 was a big success! We hope you enjoyed attending!
Samira Fraiha Assistant Manager - Kissimmee 1 David Quesada Assistant Manager - Orlando 4 April Roberts Assistant Manager - Kissimmee 8 Luis Rodriguez Manager Trainee - Orlando 5 Alexis Areizaga Lead SLA - Orlando 9 Omar Sullivan Lead SLA - Orlando 1 Jose Perez DeLeon Information Tech - Corporate Nick Cohen - Investor
Webinar Training Schedule December 4th “CUSTOMER LOYALTY (How to create customer loyalty)” December 11th “JEWELRY FEATURES & BENEFITS” December 20th “MORE SALES!” December 25th “BUYING FOR PROFIT” 2
Management Camp Attendees Ponce - Valle Real, Puerto Rico
Building Excellence in Every Role through learning in our Management Camps!
Virginia Jiménez Store Manager - Aguadilla 1 Omar Cruz Store Manager - Vega Baja 1 Roberto del Valle Store Manager - Manatí 1 Paul Padilla Store Manager - Baymón 2 Neftalí Zayas Store Manager - Carolina 2
November 7 & 9 was a big success! We hope you enjoyed attending!
Marinelys Rivera Assistant Manager - San Juan 2 Ricardo Rosado Store Manager - Ponce 1 Vanessa Barreiro Assistant Manager - Kissimmee 2 Reynaldo Burgado Store Manager - Caguas Título 2 Daniel Rivera Assistant Manager - San Juan Título 2 Anybell Flores Marketing - Corporate 3
Management Camp Attendees Costa Rica
Building Excellence in Every Role through learning in our Management Camps!
Rachell Rojas Steven Montero Marilyn Ponce Gregory Bermudez Esteban Rojas Maria Alejandra Portuguez Rebeca Dinarte
November 15 & 16 was a big success! We hope you enjoyed attending!
German Campos Engels Perez Alberto Montero Gerson Reyes Freddy Reyes Gabriela Porras Keneth Garrtos Mauricio Gamboa Pamela Cordero 4
Jewelry Training
Holiday Sales Tips Recognize these 3 facts & make more sales! People often shop with a single purpose/person/ gift in mind. Christmas isn’t the only thing people shop for this time of year. Nearly 50% of annual engagement & wedding customers shop now. Help your customer with all their Holiday gifts by asking: Who else is on the shopping list this year? Can you think of anyone else you might need a gift for? We have great values right now…have you thought about treating yourself this year? Suggest they take advantage of Holiday Discounts & use Free Layaway Are there any other gift giving occasions coming up? Any Birthday’s, Quinceañera, Sweet 16, Anniversary’s? Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Suggest Engagement customers take advantage of Holiday Discounts and use Free Layaway for: Wedding Bands, Gift for Bride/Groom, Wedding Party Gifts Greg Weiss, GG (GIA), Director Jewelry Operations
Puerto Rico Jewelry Training Pics
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Jewelry Training DECEMBER BIRTHSTONES Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon
All three December birthstones, Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon, come in various shades of blue. The word Turquoise dates to the 13th century, coming from the French expression “pierre tourques”, which referenced the “Turkish stone” brought to Europe from Turkey. From ancient Egyptians to Persians, Aztecs and Native Americans, kings, and warriors alike have admired turquoise for thousands of years. It decorated everything from jewelry to ceremonial masks to weapons and bridles. Persians believed it offered protection by changing color to warn of pending doom. Native American Shamans used it in sacred ceremonies to commune with the spirit of the sky. Apache Indians believed that attaching turquoise to bows improved a hunter’s accuracy. The U.S. is the world’s largest turquoise supplier. Nevada, New Mexico, California, and Colorado have produced turquoise, but Arizona leads in production by value, as well as quality. Tanzanite is the blue-purple variety of the mineral zoisite that is only found in one part of the world. Named for its origin in Tanzania, tanzanite is only found on a few square miles of land in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro and has quickly risen to popularity since its relatively recent discovery in 1967. The name Zircon likely comes from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-colored.” Others trace it to the Arabic zarkun, meaning “vermillion.” Being that it comes in a wide range of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown—both origins are possible. During the Middle Ages, people believed that zircon gemstones could induce sound sleep, ward off evil, and bring prosperity and wisdom. Australia leads the world in zircon mining, producing 37 percent of the world’s supply. Other sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada, and the United States. These three gemstones fall in the 5 to 7.5 Mohs hardness scale, which means that they should be worn with care to avoid damage. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Greg Weiss, GG (GIA) Director Jewelry Operations
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Health & Wellbeing The body achieves what the mind believes.
Boost Your Brain Health 1. Make weekly exercise dates. You can easily talk yourself out of a workout, but it's more difficult to do when you have a standing commitment to work out with a friend. Overall, aim for 150-plus minutes of weekly moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Exercisers are 45 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation reports. 2. Eat a daily salad. Just one serving of leafy greens a day was associated with slower cognitive decline, a 2017 study by Rush University Medical Center showed. 3. Have a superberry dessert. Dark-colored berries like blueberries and blackberries contain compounds that fight inflammation and help protect your brain. One cup of blueberries consumed daily for six months can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 12 to 15 percent, according to 2019 research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Try berries and plain yogurt as your go-to after-dinner treat. 4. Develop a green tea habit. Especially if your favorite drink is soda. Researchers have found that people who consumed sweetened beverages were more likely to develop Alzheimer's, while some studies suggest green tea might promote cognitive functions. 5. Join a book club. Those who engage their mind most often through intellectual activities such as playing games or reading were 29 percent less likely to develop dementia during a fiveyear follow-up period, reports a 2018 Hong Kong study of adults 65 and older that was published in JAMA Psychiatry. 6. Once a week, try something new. Listen to new music, learn some words in another language or sign up for a lecture. Lifelong learning is associated with improved brain health, and staying mentally active is linked to delayed onset of cognitive decline. “Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is colored by such impressions.” – Marcus Aurelias
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Health & Wellbeing
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PROMOTIONS
Rahming, Deandrea Assistant Manager - BH2
WELCOME TOTHETEAM! We are excited to welcome our new team members! Reyes Ortiz, Ferdinand (SLA) - Kissimmee 4, Florida Parra Palacios, Ruben (SLA) - Orlando 9, Florida Diaz, Axel (SLA) - San Juan 3, Puerto Rico Wells, Thomas Jess (VP of Operations) - Corporate Febles, Angelis Nicole (SLA) - Orlando 5, Florida Wharton, Michelle E (Executive Administrator) - Corporate Morales Santiago, Yajaira (SLA) - Orlando 2, Florida Rios Chevere, Luis R (Facilities Maintanance Supervisor) - Corporate Leon Alburjas, Jorge E (Maintenance) - Corporate 9
November TOP 5 STORES IN NET REVENUE #1
MIAMI 1
Store Manager: Eloy Estrada
$219,587
#2
WEST PALM 1
Store Manager: Jihad Saadeh
$141, 353
#3
HAINES CITY 1
Store Manager: Joe Baldyga
$138,621
#4
BAYAMON 1
Store Manager: Albert Verdejo
$136,607
#5
PONCE 1
Store Manager: Ricky Rosado
$135,492 10
NOVEMBER
TOP 5 SALES & LENDING ASSOCIATES IN SALES
#1
Chanelly Estrada Miami 1, Florida
$120,286.16
#2
#2
Joshuany Ocampo West Palm 1, Florida
$83,328.09 Perez #3 Juana Haines City 2, Florida
$69,232.50
Soto #4 Christopher Haines City 3, Florida
$69,224.61
#5
Estefania Rivera Miami 1, Florida
$67,203.07 11
NOVEMBER
TOP 5 SALES & LENDING ASSOCIATES IN PRODUCTIVITY Ocampo #1 Joshuany West Palm 1, Florida
$208,499.67 Soto #2 Christopher #2 Haines City 3, Florida
$147,610.21 Estrada #3 Chanelly Miami 1, Florida
$133,683.31 Zoraima Blanco
#4 Kissimmee 1, Florida $129,890.43 Perez #5 Juana Haines City 2, Florida
$121,695.70 12
IN THE NEWS
13
IN THE NEWS
14
IN THE NEWS
15
IN THE NEWS
16
IN THE NEWS
New Jeweler rooms in TP2, HC3, WP1 All got new jewelers and professional jewelers set ups.
17
CELEBRATIONS
Muniz-Jimenez, Jose 12/02 Nunez, Luis O 12/02 Diaz, Emilio 12/03 Thomas, Tasha 12/03 Laing, Keena 12/04 Verdejo-Valencia, Albert 12/05 Grant, Danielle 12/07 Oliver, Cassinique 12/08 Torres, Polette 12/09 Santos Ruiz, Eric L 12/10 Payne, Anthony Valentino 12/11 Zuniga, Patricia B 12/11 Hernandez, Isaac M 12/11 Santiago, Marta K 12/13 Otero Ojeda, Christian 12/14 Rodriguez Salcedo, Dayma L 12/15 Baez, Yaritza 12/15 Valdez-lightbourne, Paula 12/15 KIssimmee 6 Backpack Giveaway Event! Camacho-Cartagena, Luis 12/16 Anthony, Anisa 12/16 Fagan, Oraine 12/17 Alvarez Arroyo, Edgardo J 12/17 Gonzalez, Elton 12/18 Perez De Leon, Jose A 12/18 Parra Palacios, Ruben 12/18
Hernandez, Jose Collazo, Juan Fernandez, Luis Ortiz Colon, Esaul Reyes Sanchez, Jose Palou-Perez, Ramon Miller, Samantha Whyte, Kamel Bezares, Mayra
13 yrs 13 yrs 13 yrs 11 yrs 10 yrs 10 yrs 7 yrs 6 yrs 6 yrs
Cintron Ayala, Roberto 12/20 Sanchez, Rafael 12/20 Veiga, Mike L 12/20 Rodriguez Guzman, Felix 12/21 Leon Alburjas, Jorge E 12/23 Castro, Rafael 12/23 Duncan, Saneka 12/23 Grant-Bucknor, Tashana 12/24 Legros, Alison 12/24 Florvil, Andy 12/26 Rodriguez, Edwin 12/27 Gonzalez, Juan Pablo 12/27 Reyes Ortiz, Ferdinand 12/27 Delgado, Orlando 12/27 Fernandez, Leonel 12/27 Redinger, John 12/28 Wharton, Michelle E 12/28 Allen, Franklyn 12/29 KIssimmee 6 Backpack Giveaway Event! Sotomayor Feliciano, Vanessa 12/29 Rosario, Jasmine 12/29 Maldonado, Ricardo 12/30 Jennings, Jhonell 12/30 Ramos Segarra, Axel O 12/30 Martinez, Juan Emir 12/30
Diaz Martinez, Ivette 13 yrs Ortiz Bruno, Jorge 13 yrs Maldonado, Ricardo 13 yrs Wilner, Ethline 11 yrs Medina, William Jose 10 yrs Gonzalez, Brandon Lee 10 yrs Irlanda Morales, Luis 7 yrs Luna Fernandez, Dayana 6 yrs Hamilton, Jesse 6 yrs
Rodriguez , Stephanie Espinal, Erick Thompson, Chehara Martinez, Aysha Gomez, Luis Diaz Lopez, Kristopher Santos Ruiz, Eric Azpurua , Ramon
2 yrs 2 yrs 2 yrs 2 yrs 2 yrs 1 yrs 1 yrs 1 yrs 18
OUR MISSON
To be the largest and most profitable chain of pawn stores in the world.
OUR PURPOSE
Corporate Office Address:
2600 Lake Lucien Dr., Suite 116 Maitland, Florida 32751 Tel: (407) 478-7296
To be the best at whatever we do; because our family, customers, community & company deserve it.
CORE VALUES Great Teams Excellence in Every Role Green and Clean Open Culture of Trust and Accountability Celebrate Our Accomplishments
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