Ira Bergman, the former president of the jewelry division of M. Fabrikant & Sons and Fabrikant-Tara International, has joined The Gordon Company as director of business development.

Bergman has been consulting for several companies in the jewelry industry, focusing on client retention and customer relations, strategic planning, sales growth and development. He said he has a two-fold agenda for the company and will be working closely with both vendors and retail jewelers.

The Gordon Company specializes in managed liquidations of retail jewelry.

“Throughout my career, my focus has always been on building sales and increasing profitability through strategic planning and asset management,” said Bergman, who has a lifetime of experience in the fine jewelry industry. “Important principles that apply to those in every facet of our industry.”

He continued, “I’ve been impressed with the business model Jeff Gordon and Phil Holden have developed to move our industry beyond the traditional methods of inventory liquidation to a more effective and strategic approach to inventory management. They study each business, its position in the market place and the market itself, taking those factors into consideration when developing a business plan for an event. Developing a relationship with the client as they progress, which I believe is paramount to their success. And because of their due diligence, they consistently deliver individually tailored programs that effectively meet their client’s goals – whether looking to reduce excess inventory or close a business with sales that achieve the maximum possible return on investment.”

“We are truly honored to have Ira’s expertise here at the Gordon Company,” said Phil Holden, president of The Gordon Company, “He is one of the most respected and knowledgeable individuals in the industry and his insights will be extremely valuable to The Gordon Company as we continue to build our relationships with jewelers throughout the country.”

Bergman began his life-long career in the jewelry industry working at the Mercury Ring Corp., a manufacturer of diamond and bridal jewelry that was founded by his father in 1944. In the 1980s, he joined M. Fabrikant & Sons as an executive vice president, leaving the day-to-day management of Mercury Ring Corp. in the hands of his wife Phyllis.

As executive vice president and later president of the jewelry division, Bergman managed sales programs that consistently exceed sales and profitability targets, and oversaw all business development functions, including new product rollouts, key account management, customer relations and contract negotiations. The multi-year business plan he created during his tenure as president resulted in an increase of net sales by $150 million and increased profitability through improved customer relationship management programs.

He is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York, a former board member of the Plumb Club, and Manufacturing Jewelers Association.

The Gordon Company is known for crafting strategies specifically designed to help jewelers and reach their financial goals. Recent projects include retirement and moving sales; store closings and remodeling sales; merger & acquisitions and reorganization sales for some of the oldest, most respected names in the jewelry industry.

The company is currently wrapping up the liquidation of the Alpha Omega stores in Boston following the dramatic disappearance of owner Raman Handa and his family in December. In 2006, the company led the rehabilitation of Shreve, Crump & Low and Schwarzschild Jewelers.

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