3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Bob McKenzie from California Collectors

Bob McKenzie offers a few simple tips to help find the perfect wedding or engagement ring and explains how California Collectors stands out from the competition.

Patch: What is your definition of success?

Bob: My definition of success is the well known secrets to success. First to analyze if what you want to achieve is a good idea and worth pursuing in the first place. Is there a demand for your product? Can you create a demand for it? Has it been done before? If it has been done is your version superior. If the original quest failed, did they quit too soon or run out of money? I have a motto: If an idea is still a good idea after a long time of consideration, it probably is a good idea. It is the ideas or concepts that for the first day seems terrific, but a day or two later are not such good ideas after all. If after weeks or months go by and it’s still a terrific concept, then plan thoroughly and jump off when the time is right, no matter what the obstacles that you have to overcome. Obstacles are part of the process. This is the never give up attitude/mindset to start off with. It is not all about money. You want to plan for your project to pay for itself and make a profit but is everybody you interact with happy. In order to achieve your goals, if you have to cheat, exploit, deceive your fellow man, you have already failed. Part of the fun of your business plan is the challenge of keeping your customer happy (a quality product with quality support). Keeping your partners, employees, suppliers, service vendors all content may be the most important definition of success. (Talk softly and carry a big carrot.)

Patch: If you had to recommend someone three books, what would they be and why?

Bob: The books I would recommend are “The Bible,” a book my wife and I had published called “What American Pastors Have to Say” (out of print—check Amazon) and “The Gold Band of Eddris,” one of nine books my Mother had published.

Patch: What type of services does California Collectors offer?

Bob: California Collectors offers award winning designer-handmade engagement rings, wedding rings for women, wedding rings for men, wedding ring sets and wedding bands. All our jewelry comes in our personalized custom ring box, like no other ring box on the market. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I suggest going to californiacollectors.net to see our exquisite jewelry and ever expanding website to see our unique ring boxes.

Patch: How did you get involved in the jewelry industry?
Bob: We got involved in the jewelry business because of our passion for art, precious gems, gold and people who create art with gold and precious gems. The custom personalized ring box was our idea and is what sets us apart from other jewelers, along with procuring some of California’s most revered jewelry designers.

Patch: What three questions should readers ask to tell if they are dealing with a reputable jewelry expert?

Bob: You ask what questions should readers ask if they are dealing with a reputable jewelry expert. The jewelers we have sought after and selected are the real jewelry experts. The cream of the crop. Their jewelry is presented in our custom display boxes -- jewelry and boxes are precision made in the USA. Before getting in the jewelry business I restored antique furniture for 40 years. After working for an antique dealer, I started my own business in Palo Alto, California in 1979, restoring and building furniture. I soon had a reputation for being honest, fair priced, reliable and able to do the impossible job. I prided myself in not calling my customers and asking for more money (I hate that when people do that to me). The price I quoted usually was the price they paid regardless if I needed to do more work than anticipated. If the reader has any questions call Bob on the phone (Toll Free: 844-722-2787). I think most people can tell if they’re dealing with a reputable company. People are not easily fooled.

Patch: What three things should readers think about if they are looking for an engagement ring?

Bob: Three things readers should think about when looking for an engagement ring is: Where was it made? Is the quality of the craftsmanship and quality of gems superb? Is the value there as to what you are paying for?

Patch: How does California Collectors stand out from the competition?

Bob: We stand out from the competition because our jewelry is designed by and made by our elite jewelers. The box the ring comes in is our creation and is the first of its kind.

Patch: What is your favorite aspect of the jewelry industry?

Bob: My favorite aspect of the jewelry industry is the artwork, sparkle and people.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the staff and their background?

Bob: The staff working in our business is first, my wife of 36 years and I. (My wife and I have been working together since 1990.) The jewelers that I have talked about and our multitude of service providers, working with people, is what makes the world go round.

Patch: How can readers contact you or find out more about California Collectors?

Bob: The Patch reader can contact us on the internet through our online store californiacollectors.net, by email at bob@californiacollectors.net or call us toll free at: (844) 722-2787.