THE ORIGINAL "I HATE STEVEN SINGER" Customer:
20 Years ago, a gentleman purchased a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from Steven Singer Jewelers to propose to his girlfriend. She LOVED it, and said "YES, I'll marry you!" However, she would have to wait two decades and two grown children before he would suprise her again with a beautiful diamond ring to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. She was so excited by the ring, she gave her husband more than a thank you. Exactly nine months later, the couple came to the store to tell Steven about their new baby. The wife proclaimed "I LOVE STEVEN SINGER!" The man responded, "here we go again. We're up all night with feedings and diaper changes. I HATE STEVEN SINGER!"There are people you just gotta hate. Steven Singer is one of those people. Take a look at what he's accomplished:Before the opening of Steven Singer Jewelers…
While still in high school, Steven became a wholesaler in the jewelry industry on Philadelphia Jewelers Row. I don't know about you, but my high school job was more about pushing burgers than dealing in diamonds.To make it worse, he completed courses in diamond residency, color stones, gem identification and cultured pearls at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).Steven Singer Jewelers Opens for Business.
It all really kicked into gear on October 7, 1980. That's the day when, at 22, Steven Singer opened the doors to the first Steven Singer Jewelers in the heart of Philadelphia's Jewelers Row. Jewelers Row is the country's oldest (and second largest) jewelry district. Steven earned the distinction of being the youngest first-generation jeweler on Jeweler's Row. And with a store measuring 8ft long by 8ft deep, he also had the honors of having the smallest store on the street.Being small didn't stop him. He had big ideas and an amusing way to sell exceptional diamonds. The store quickly gained a reputation as the place to go for "the most fun you'll ever have…buying a diamond."Fast forward to 1986. Steven decides it's time to start the Philadelphia Jewelers Row Association to create a code of ethics for jewelers and to market the district to customers throughout the region. It took off quickly. In that same year, Philadelphia Mayor, Wilson Goode declares September 14-20 as Jewelers Row Week, unveiling new Jewelers Row street signs. Evidently he took on City Hall…and won. Steven's still active on the Philadelphia Jeweler's Row Association (PJRA) and is currently on the Board of Directors.Steven Singer Grows
It's hard being tremendously successful in an 8x8 space. Throughout the years, Steven Singer Jewelers expanded its space. And each time, outgrew it. By 1996, his reputation was winning over customers and the jewelry industry. The store's success was evident as it was producing some of the highest sales per square foot in the nation. He was asked to join an elite group of jewelers who comprise the world's largest industry consulting group. He was the only area jeweler invited to join, giving him privileged information to better serve his customers.In September of 1999, Steven Singer purchased his current store. A three story, block-long building on the other corner of 8th and Walnut totaling 6500 square feet of space. The space also afforded him the ability to create a full service shop within the store to provide customers with more. The shop includes a master jeweler, diamond setter, wax maker, designer and polisher that enables customers to customize their purchases - and watch them being made through the glass wall.Steven Singer Takes on Radio
You can't listen to drive time radio in Philadelphia without hearing some reason to hate Steven Singer Jewelers. He's all over the airwaves. Steven started advertising during Howard Stern's 18 years on terrestrial radio. Steven Singer Jewelers became well-known to Stern listeners. He followed them to satellite radio…pretty much taking on the world. Or at least anyone with Sirius Radio.Obviously a glutton for media coverage, Steven is a regular on the WIP 610 AM Morning Show with Angelo Cataldi. Steven is also one the sponsors of WIP's annual Wing Bowl event, nationally recognized as one of the largest eating competitions in America. All that wing sauce makes a mess and each year Steven Singer Jewelers is the home of the World's Largest Bubble Bath where Angelo and his crew broadcast from the bubble-filled jewelry store.Other radio stations tell it like it is. WMMR's Preston and Steve portray Steven Singer as the devil who mines for diamonds on his way up from the pits of hell and eats babies for breakfast. Opie and Anthony of WYSP and Booker on Q102 are learning to hate Steven Singer, too. From the radio to billboards to word-of-mouth Steven Singer Jewelers has become a landmark in Philadelphia. And the go-to-guy to hate.And what's all this Hate gotten him?
Awards! Yep, can you believe it? He's been the recipient of two Philadelphia Advertising Club's ADDY awards for excellence in advertising. It's the equivalent of the Oscar and the Emmy! He won silver and a bronze. What a media whore!In 2005-2006 Steven Singer was awarded the Small Business Excellence award and named the Small Business Person of the Year by the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He was the first jeweler to ever receive the honor. The award is bestowed upon a founder, CEO or President of a company that provides positive social impact on the region through strong community involvement. Now that's something to really get fired up about. Great jewelry and a great guy. Cut me a break![LOVEMYFLASH][/LOVEMYFLASH]
