YP Business Spotlight: Casale Jewelers
Rosalie Fazio - July 5, 2012
Date: July 5th, 2012
YPG Rep: Rosalie Fazio
Interviewed: Cory Schifter
Years in Business: 26
YPG: How did you start in this business? Why did you choose this field? Is this what you always wanted to be when you “grew” up?”
Cory: “I started in 2009 in order to help out my parents, who have been in the business for 26 years. I was previously working in the corporate world but felt unhappy with my career. Now, I enjoy working in a retail atmosphere where I can interact with people. I wanted to be a baseball player when I was younger, but I gave those dreams up at 10 years old.”
YPG: What is the most important business lesson you’ve ever learned? Life lesson?
Cory: “I’ve learned that in business, spending a lot of money on fancy advertisements will not necessarily make your business successful. It takes a great deal of time and effort to make your business work, as well as building relationships with other people. In life, I learned that you must put 150% effort into everything you do, but to have fun along the way.”
YPG: Who is a mentor or role model that you may attribute to you success? What lessons or qualities have you picked up from them?
Cory: “My dad. Although he has MS, he still comes to work every day and gives it his all. He has taught me how to have a strong work ethic. I’ve realized that being in business is about giving back. You have to be involved in the community and help your customers as much as you can.”
YPG: What advice would you give another Young Professional looking to start their own business?
Cory: “Network, network, network! Anyone can start a business, but it is important to establish what sets you apart from the rest. Meet as many people as possible, because it creates a pyramid effect. If one business owner knows 10 people, those 10 people will know 10 more people. Then you form all of these connections which can help bring in new business.”
YPG: How do you make your business an active part of the Staten Island community?
Cory: "At Casale Jewelers, we hold a 'Race for the Ring' Competition, a promotion that allows five couples to complete five challenges for a $10,000 engagement ring. It integrates social media with charity, and gets other Staten Island businesses involved. I really enjoy charity work, and through this race, I was able to help Comedy for a Cure, a fundraiser hosted by the American Cancer Society. I also had the honor of participating 'Dancing With the Stars' at the Alice Austen House. For eight weeks, I practiced a choreographed dance with Marisa Calabrese, a professional dancer, and performed it at the event. I even received the award for best rhythm! These events not only give my business publicity and media attention, but allow my customers to see a more personal side of me.
YPG: When did you join the SICC? What benefits have you seen from your membership? What aspect of your membership do you find to be the most valuable/useful?
Cory: “I joined in 2009 and since then, have valued the good relationships and business referrals that have come from it.” He also looks forward to the new position on the Chamber’s Membership Council. “I hope that I can help the Chamber continue to grow and improve, and eventually take on more responsibility. I try to stay involved by attending the monthly events where I can meet others and network as much as possible!”
YPG: With its strong family values and hardworking owners, Casale Jewelers knows how to keep customers happy and be an active presence in the Staten Island business scene. Thank you Casale Jewelers for being our spotlight of the month!
