In the Loupe
In the Loupe is a weekly podcast hosted by Punchmark, the Jewelry Industry's favorite website provider. Each week's episode is focused around the explanation and advocacy of important E-Commerce topics and why every jeweler needs to be focused on their online presence now more than ever.
Episodes
250 episodes
From Zero to One, Let's Talk About Vendor Data
Mike shares how he's helping rebuild Punchmark’s Premium Vendor Program from a one-way data pipe into a two-way system that gives vendors and retailers real value. He discusses zero-to-one strategy, systems thinking, and practical steps to stan...
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Season 6
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Episode 37
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26:47
The Balancing Act Every CEO Must Manage ft. Ross Cockerham
Mike sits down with his boss Ross Cockerham, Punchmark Co-Founder & CEO, about how he balances attending trade shows and events vs. being present at his own business vs. family life.Every business owner learns to balance these roles ...
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Season 6
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Episode 36
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40:32
What Shoppers Plan to Buy This Year ft. Podium
Melisa Monroe from Podium shares exclusive insights from a recent consumer survey of nearly 1000 prospective shoppers about projected holiday spending for the upcoming season, revealing data-driven strategies for retailers to maximize their sal...
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Season 6
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Episode 35
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46:45
Marketing Through Q4 and Beyond ft. Hope Bellair
Digital marketing expert Hope Bellair shares insights from HubSpot's Inbound 25 conference and tailored Q4 marketing strategies for different types of jewelry businesses.Reach Hope Bellair at hope@punchmark.com or 704-910-4774, extension...
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Season 6
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Episode 34
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42:56
5 Jewelry Industry Topics You Should Be Paying Attention To
The jewelry industry is evolving with significant technological, market, and policy developments that are reshaping how businesses operate and connect with customers.Google Gemini AI tool can place jewelry onto digital hands and ear...
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Season 6
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Episode 33
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29:23
Let's Talk with Ring Buyers (Part 5): A Custom Engagement Ring Journey
Michael interviews his eldest brother, Joseph, about his custom engagement ring process with Vincent from Arezzo Jewelers, revealing that custom projects can be affordable and quick when incorporating family jewelry pieces.If you're cons...
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Season 6
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Episode 32
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50:34
Listen First, Lead Second: 1 Year of Leading AGS ft. President Alexis Padis
Alexis Padis, President of AGS, shares insights from her first year of leadership and discusses her vision for the organization's future after being re-elected for a second term. Alexis shares what leadership development looks like ...
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Season 6
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Episode 31
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44:12
Everything You Need to Know About the NEW ChatGPT-5
GPT-5 has arrived with meaningful improvements in logical reasoning, processing speed, and the ability to dynamically switch between models based on task complexity! The technology excels at pattern recognition in data analysis while software d...
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Season 6
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Episode 30
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33:06
Analyzing 10 Jewelry E-Commerce Stats from H2 2025
Michael dives into data pulled directly from the Punchmark E-Commerce platform for Q1 & Q2 of 2025. Punchmark services only the Jewelry industry, which means their platform data offers a unique insight into the e-commerce fluctuations and j...
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Season 6
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Episode 29
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23:20
Steering the Ship: Exclusive First Interview with RJO's New President, Bill Becker
In the Loupe EXCLUSIVEBill Becker, new President of the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO), shares his perspective on the organization's growth from a small collective buying group in 1966 to a powerhouse with nearly 1,200 membe...
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Season 6
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Episode 28
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46:10
An AI-Powered Ring Designer That Actually Works ft. StoneAlgo
StoneAlgo's new Jeweler OS product is revolutionizing how jewelers convert website traffic into sales by generating real, manufacturable CAD files for custom engagement rings. The AI-powered tool creates a seamless path from online browsing to ...
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Season 6
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Episode 27
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58:34
Beating the Summer Slump: Services to Drive In-Store Traffic
It’s no secret that summer can be a slower season for retail, and the jewelry industry is no exception. After the excitement of spring engagements and before the holiday shopping season ramps up, many jewelers experience a noticeable dip in foo...
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Season 6
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Episode 26
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20:32
I Went to the Biggest Jewelry Show in the World!
Michael recounts his journey through the JCK Las Vegas jewelry show, discusses notable jewelry trends, and the value of in-person industry relationships. He also buys some jewelry that comes... blessed. Pretty neat! Schedule your ap...
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Season 6
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Episode 25
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36:58
Maximizing Client Retention ft. John Liebler of Clientbook
John Liebler, formerly of Signet and currently VP of Operations at Clientbook, shares how independent jewelers can maximize sales through client retention strategies and relationship building in the digital age.Learn more about Clien...
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Season 6
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Episode 24
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44:04
The King's Diamond Dealer ft. Gems by Pancis
Kyle Pancis from Gems by Pancis shares the fascinating world of fancy colored diamonds, revealing how a royal connection in Belgium launched his family's 30-year specialty business. His insider perspective offers rare glimpses into the value, c...
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Season 6
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Episode 23
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48:44
Breaking Down the Best - Atlassian (Trello, Jira, Confluence)
Atlassian is a suite of products including Jira, Confluence, and Trello.The Atlassian suite offers powerful tools for business organization and knowledge management that can be adapted for jewelry retailers, with special focus on Trello ...
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Season 6
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Episode 22
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31:28
I Went to the FOURTH Punchmark Client Workshop and All I Got Was This Podcast Episode
Join Mike for a behind the scenes look at Punchmark's annual Client Workshop in Charlotte, NC, offering a glimpse into what makes this educational event special for jewelry retailers from across the country.If you missed the Workshop thi...
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Season 6
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Episode 21
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40:40
Retailer Roundtable: Hosting Events and Predicting Trends in Retail
Marketing professionals Lisa-Marie Delgado from Gary J. Long Jewelers &Aurora Simpson from Holliday Jewelry share insights on retail strategies, event planning, and industry trends in an energetic conversation LIVE from the Punchmark Cl...
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Season 6
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Episode 20
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32:18
Vendor Roundtable: Gold Prices, Tariffs, and JCK Prep ft. Ostbye & Brevani
Michael hosts a LIVE Vendor Roundtable at the 2025 Punchmark Client Workshop, featuring Jordan Peck from Brevani and Craig MacBean from Ostbye jewelry to discuss how they're navigating current market challenges and preparing for the upcoming bu...
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Season 6
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Episode 19
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44:16
Let's Talk with Ring Buyers (Part 4)
Michael's childhood friend, Taylor, shares his journey of designing a custom engagement ring with a lab-grown sapphire centerpiece, highlighting the collaborative decision-making process with his fiancée Jen who had a clear vision from the star...
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Season 6
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Episode 18
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23:26
What I Learned About Business Marketing from Hosting a Solo Art Exhibition
Drawing from his recent experience hosting a solo watercolor exhibition, Michael Burpoe shares marketing strategies that business owners can apply to their own store events. He explains how effective event planning, branding, goal-setting, and ...
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Season 6
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Episode 17
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24:52
What the Heck Is Happening In the Jewelry World ft. Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief at National Jeweler
Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler, shares insights on unprecedented industry challenges including record-high gold prices and fluctuating tariffs. The jewelry industry faces a period of uncertainty that feels even more unpredi...
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Season 6
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Episode 16
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58:26
Why Now is the Best Time to Try E-commerce
Now is the perfect time for jewelers to explore e-commerce as an additional revenue stream, especially during economic uncertainty. Having your products available for online purchase creates "another line in the water" that can catch unexpected...
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Season 6
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Episode 15
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30:34
Pearls, Pearls, Pearls ft. Matt Harris
Pearls are one of the oldest, most influential gems the world has ever known with a rich history dating back well over 5,000 years. Matt Harris shares his passion for this unique gemstone and explains how fashion trends surrounding the gem have...
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Season 6
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Episode 14
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48:56
Jade, and Why It's so Misunderstood ft. Jewels of the Trade
Jordan Wentz, or Jewels of the Trade, shares her expertise on jade, one of the most misunderstood gemstones in the jewelry world, explaining its historical significance and how to identify authentic pieces. She illuminates the differences betwe...
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Season 6
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Episode 13
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48:38