b'TOM DIXONarbitrary. Tom is the one who owns the store and was running it. NowCharlie adds, How that plays out is still very much up in the air, he and I kind of split the authority with president, but hes still verybut that is for sure our planto increase the footprint of the store much the driving force, explains Charlie.and grow it into more of a destination store where peoples plan is to As for the future generation to run Schwanke-come to Silver Spring and shop at Schwanke. Kasten Jewelers, next in line are CharliesCook, who is with Suna, says in the 25 years daughters, who are 4 and 1. Our plan [is]shes been in business with Schwanke-Kasten You never know, Tom says. Thats going toJewelers, she has never seen them stagnate, an be his problem, not mine. to increase theimportant part of being a successful retailer. I just hand off all this stuff [saying], Hey, Ifootprint of theI cant wait to see the evolution of Schwanke- built this. I made it way better than it was, andKasten in the near future. Its a dynamic business now its your turn. store and growand Im happy that its my hometown jeweler, Tom isnt done with Schwanke-Kasten Jewelersit into more of ashe says.just yet, though.Tom says he doesnt plan to retire for a couple In late June, he purchased the building nextdestination. of years, but he already has ideas for when that door to his jewelry store. time comes, including spending time hunting, Its a beautiful building. Its kind of a land-Charlie Dixon,fishing, and playing golf. mark in our community here and we will makeSchwanke-Kasten Jewelers I will always be there for Charlie and some it a very, very special place, Tom says.of my really great clients who still call me up Once the current leases expire for the building,and drag me downstairs to help them pick out he plans to move his business into the more than 8,000-square- something pretty for their significant others. But its been a really foot space. great run, he says.Were just in the beginning stages of that where we will be able toWeve really grown a small family shop into something special. have more room to add other luxury brands, Tom says. Im hangingI dont consider us a mom-and-pop store anymore, whereas I did out until I get that done for Charlie and then bon voyage for me.for a long time. Thats changed and Im pleased with where were Thats my game plan. heading.The Spark Creations team congratulates Tom Dixon of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers 20 STATE OF THE MAJORS 2022on his well-deserved induction into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame.'