Why a Virtual CFO is Working in a Jewelry Booth

I am flying out to Miami this weekend to work at a jewelry show. This might seem like an unusual move for a fractional CFO; my days are typically consumed by spreadsheets, financial models, strategic planning sessions and endless calls with clients, lenders, investors and vendors. Yet, here I am, preparing to assist my father at his jewelry booth during the upcoming Miami Beach Antique Show. At first glance, finance and glittering gemstones might not appear to have much in common, but for me, this trip embodies the very essence of what I believe drives successful business relationships: trust and personal connections.

My father has dedicated his entire professional life to the jewelry business. For the last four decades, together with my mother OB'M, he ran a thriving retail store in Scarsdale, New York. His passion extended beyond the beauty of the pieces he sold; it was deeply rooted in the relationships he built with his customers. Every watch, necklace, and ring wasn’t just a transaction—it was a conversation, a relationship, a bond of trust. Although my father no longer has his Scarsdale shop, his love for jewelry remains unwavering, and he continues to participate in jewelry shows around the country, bringing his expertise and charm to new audiences. This weekend’s show in Miami is just one of those occasions.

Last Friday, my father faced a last-minute staffing issue and reached out to my sisters and me for help. Without hesitation, I agreed to assist him. Of course, I want to support him because, well ... as far as sons go, I am the best of the best! But to be honest there’s another, less altruistic, reason driving my decision. Throughout my own career, I’ve benefited immensely from my parents’ jewelry store. My first great job opportunity came from a conversation my father had with a new client who was purchasing a Cartier watch. That single interaction led to my decade-long employment at Knight Capital which sparked my own professional passions, took me all over the world and set the stage for a career that I love. Over the years, countless other opportunities, both in terms of job offers and clients, have come my way through similar personal connections at that Scarsdale shop!

So why did these financial job opportunities arise from a jewelry store? It’s simple: trust. In the jewelry business, as in financial services, trust is paramount. Clients aren’t just buying a high-end product; they’re investing in a relationship. They trust that the jeweler understands their needs, values their business, and will deliver quality and integrity every step of the way. No wonder, my father’s approach to building trust through genuine interactions has profoundly influenced how I approach client relationships in my role as a fractional CFO at Admiral Business Solutions.

At Admiral, I pride myself on leveraging the latest technology tools to serve our clients and grow our business. We utilize advanced AI and data analytics to optimize financial strategies, streamline operations, and drive their growth ... and our own. Yet, despite these cutting-edge tools, the number one way Admiral acquires new business remains word of mouth—trust built through personal conversations and genuine relationships. Our newest client came on board as a result of a conversation he had with a friend of mine who randomly sat next to him on a flight from LAX to DFW. It wasn’t the AI algorithms or the automated marketing campaigns that brought him to us; it was a simple, human interaction based on trust and mutual respect.

So, I am heading to a jewelry booth this weekend! Helping my father isn’t just about filling a staffing gap; it’s about reinforcing the values that have been the bedrock of both his business and mine: meaningful interactions that serve our clients. 

See you in Miami?