James Avery Essay
James Avery Craftsman, also known as just James Avery, is known for its fine jewelry using precious metals and beautiful stones in its own, unique design. In fact, they refer to themselves as “a family owned company offering finely crafted jewelry designs in sterling silver, 14k and 18k yellow and white gold, and gemstones for women and men.” (JamesAvery.com) They are also best known for their beautiful silver charms and charm bracelets. Coming from humble beginnings, James Avery has slowly become a household name and jewelry powerhouse in the south and southwest. James Avery, Founder and first CEO of James Avery Craftsman did not immediately find himself in the jewelry realm. Born in 1921 and raised in Chicago until 18, Avery headed to the University of Illinois, majoring in Industrial Design, where he first heard of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, later making the decision to serve in the military. Surviving over 44 missions as a pilot in the army over World War II, he returned home to the states and married a woman from Lubbock. He then later moved to Colorado and taught at the University of Colorado, exploring the art of making jewelry. His wife later left him and Avery found himself in depression. He later met his wife, Sally, who led him to the church where he transformed into a man of faith. After moving back to Texas to Sally’s hometown in
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Kerrville in 1954, Avery began making jewelry in his father-in-laws garage. In 1957, James sent out his first catalog of jewelry, marking the beginning of, which would later be in 1965, James Avery Craftsman Inc. James was CEO of the company up until 2007 where he handed the company down to his son, Chris. Born in 1954 as one of six brothers, Chris was no stranger to the Avery business. He grew up with his father working at the store in Kerrville and learning the craft as well. Chris was close to his family, but sadly, lost one of his brothers to schizophrenia after he took his own life. Although Chris loved his family, he had other interest in mind. After graduating high school, Chris left his family to attend Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1976. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio in 1981. After completing an anesthesia residency in San Antonio, he moved his own practice back home to Kerrville. Avery did quite well, earning his title as chief of anesthesia at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital and also became the president of the Fredericksburg Hospital Authority Board of Directors. In 1991, he left his practice of anesthesia to integrate with his family business. He worked as director of James Avery Craftsman until 2007 when his father handed down the title of CEO to Chris. Chris, being very strong-willed, took the company from a few selected stores to a nation wide product within his 16 years of director and his now nine years of CEO. While Chris still currently serves on a few medical boards and also retains his physician license, he has recently been given the title of Director of Cullen/Frost Bankers in 2015. A CEO of Cullen/Frost banker, Dick Evans, says “I’ve been privileged to be part of James Avery Jewelry’s growth from artist to entrepreneur to a national presence. Chris Avery has been a large part of the expansion. His decision to leave the practice of medicine and come to work for the company his father established in 1954 was a fortunate one. Under Chris's leadership, James Avery Jewelry has gone from being a very fine small company to a great national retailer. His leadership has made this growth possible." While it’s not made public the salary of Chris Avery, Bloomberg business estimates that his current salary is between 3 to 5 million in total compensation. James Avery Craftsman has just released their new Spring Collection of 2016 on their website and it is introducing the new Rustic Wire Cross and Dutch Lily Cross, giving the home, classic, and faithful vibe that James Avery wanted his business to stand for.
While many prospects try to buy out the company almost weekly, James and Chris always refuse. “Several years ago, we heard from an intermediary representing Berkshire Hathaway,” he said, referring to the company headed by “Oracle of Omaha” Warren Buffett. “That was gratifying, but we told them no. We want to stay independent for as long as possible.” (Avery,
MyUSA)
Kerrville in 1954, Avery began making jewelry in his father-in-laws garage. In 1957, James sent out his first catalog of jewelry, marking the beginning of, which would later be in 1965, James Avery Craftsman Inc. James was CEO of the company up until 2007 where he handed the company down to his son, Chris. Born in 1954 as one of six brothers, Chris was no stranger to the Avery business. He grew up with his father working at the store in Kerrville and learning the craft as well. Chris was close to his family, but sadly, lost one of his brothers to schizophrenia after he took his own life. Although Chris loved his family, he had other interest in mind. After graduating high school, Chris left his family to attend Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1976. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio in 1981. After completing an anesthesia residency in San Antonio, he moved his own practice back home to Kerrville. Avery did quite well, earning his title as chief of anesthesia at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital and also became the president of the Fredericksburg Hospital Authority Board of Directors. In 1991, he left his practice of anesthesia to integrate with his family business. He worked as director of James Avery Craftsman until 2007 when his father handed down the title of CEO to Chris. Chris, being very strong-willed, took the company from a few selected stores to a nation wide product within his 16 years of director and his now nine years of CEO. While Chris still currently serves on a few medical boards and also retains his physician license, he has recently been given the title of Director of Cullen/Frost Bankers in 2015. A CEO of Cullen/Frost banker, Dick Evans, says “I’ve been privileged to be part of James Avery Jewelry’s growth from artist to entrepreneur to a national presence. Chris Avery has been a large part of the expansion. His decision to leave the practice of medicine and come to work for the company his father established in 1954 was a fortunate one. Under Chris's leadership, James Avery Jewelry has gone from being a very fine small company to a great national retailer. His leadership has made this growth possible." While it’s not made public the salary of Chris Avery, Bloomberg business estimates that his current salary is between 3 to 5 million in total compensation. James Avery Craftsman has just released their new Spring Collection of 2016 on their website and it is introducing the new Rustic Wire Cross and Dutch Lily Cross, giving the home, classic, and faithful vibe that James Avery wanted his business to stand for.
While many prospects try to buy out the company almost weekly, James and Chris always refuse. “Several years ago, we heard from an intermediary representing Berkshire Hathaway,” he said, referring to the company headed by “Oracle of Omaha” Warren Buffett. “That was gratifying, but we told them no. We want to stay independent for as long as possible.” (Avery,
MyUSA)