Program July 18th- Chuck Jacobson

     Greg introduced Chuck who is the manager of International Diamond on Main Street, a City Commissioner, morning club Rotarian, local commercial developer and serves on the City Planning Commission.  Whew!  Chuck said that International Diamond began as a small partnership with their first store in Jackson, MI in 1990.  He was hired to open and manage their second store in the Adrian mall in 1995 and now their new building on Main St.  International Diamond's philosophy is that of a local small town jewelry store that is interested in selling and working on just about any type of jewelry, buying gold and silver and being a terrific community supporter.  They donate to as many local endeavors as possible which include the Farmers Market, primary sponsor of First Fridays and a program for Good Will.

     After realizing that much of the jewelry Chuck was buying from individuals was coming from Good Will, he contacted them to let them know about the amount of money that they were letting just walk out the door.  Since then, they bring their items in a couple of times per week for a free appraisal.  One watch sold on ebay recently for $1,953.  Previously, they likely would have sold it in the Good Will  store for a pittance.

     In Dec. 2007  the economy put International Diamond in dire straights.  By January, Chuck was traveling the State with his "We Buy Gold" program.  Unlike many less reputable businesses in this industry, Chuck applied the 4-Way Test to his operation.  He shopped the jewelers in each area to determine the fairest prices he should pay.

     In addition to their new building, they purchased and razed Dave Dennis State Farm and built the new strip office space.  The Manufactured home park behind their property has also been purchased and cleaned up with future use to be determined.