I have over 35 years of experience in general management, marketing, merchandising, and buying for large jewelry chains in the US, Canada, and the UK, ranging in turnover from $1.5 billion to several hundred million dollars. Currently, we own a custom jewelry business in Western Kentucky, which was opened after I returned to Kentucky after my mother passed away and my dad was in his 90’s. In addition, I have consulted for more than 100 investment banks, venture capital firms, and hedge funds about retailing and the jewelry industry and I have written more than 400 articles about retailing in general and specifically jewelry. Presently, I write a monthly newsletter about trends in the jewelry industry for a large surplus jewelry company that’s circulated to their clients worldwide. I have a MA in Psychology from the University of the Rockies and a BS in Mathematics, with a minor in Physics from the University of Kentucky. I have also completed a Harvard International Marketing Executive Program in Vevey, Switzerland. In addition, I am a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and a bench jeweler.Over the past three decades, I have been resident of three countries, including the US and traveled extensively to more than thirty countries, especially in the EU, Asia, and the Middle East, and resided in eight states. Personally, I have been married for 38 years to Peg, someone I am still discovering. We have a daughter, Adrienne that lives with us, along with her son Aiden, our 5 year old grandson, who we have helped raise since his birth.I volunteer as the District 3 Amateur Radio Emergency Coordinator (NV9V) in Western Kentucky and have assisted in relaying health and welfare messages after Katrina and a severe ice storm in 2009. I am a private pilot and a PADI Divemaster.Presently, I am doing course work for a Doctorate Degree in “Organizational Psychology and Organizational Development”.