b'KATHY COREYKathy and Jeff had to set up an organizational structure, includingthese years, he says, but first and foremost is the fact that they bring establishing job descriptions and performance standards. out the best in each other.We really stay true to making sure that every employee whoOh, its absolutely spectacular. Weve been a team for 47 years and works for Days has a very good understanding about what it meanswere a good team, says Jeff, who was inducted into the Retailer Hall to be a Days employee, Kathy says. of Fame in 2000.The retailers employees are included in decision-making conver- Im kind of a dreamer and she is more of a pragmatist and together, sations, rewarded for good work, and encouraged to build a strongweve been able to accomplish a lot. We complement each other and its relationship with their supervisors, she says. just fantastic that shes been [inducted] as well because we are a team.The employee-supervisor rela- Kathy agrees that the two are a tionship is especially important,good pair. Kathy notes, so they can have openMy husband is very visionary. He is discussions about their career pathsa big-picture guy and sees the world in and where theyd like to go withina way that few people do, she says.the company. His entrepreneurial spirit pairs Days Jewelers has been named onewell with her planning and execution of the Best Places to Work in Maineskills, she says. more than half a dozen times.When Jeff gets an idea, Kathys The retailer conducts evaluation andwheels immediately begin turning on employee engagement surveys, lookinghow to make it happen. to see continuous improvement. Whats really worked with both of We take this work very, very seri- us is that we have a mutual respect for ously and some would say, Oh, thatseach other. We have a common goal. such a distraction to the business. RollWe have a respect for each others up your sleeves and make sure thetalent. And we also trust each other, cash registers are always ringing, butshe says.we know that these things happen ifThose components are important our employees are happy and engaged,in any relationship, whether its a resulting in better profitability andmarriage or a business partnership, happier customers, Kathy says. Andshe says. it all feeds together. It really is import- He always lets me do my thing, ant, that connection.she says. We come together on idea-sharing and things of that PEOPLE SKILLS nature, but we never stood in each Kathys strong rapport with theirothers way, which allowed each of us employees has been an asset, says herto flourish and learn, independently husband Jeff. and together.One thing Kathy has alwaysKathys appreciation for a work-life brought to the table is that if the em- balance also has been key, says Jeff.ployee is not happy at home and doesThe jeweler announced its transi-not feel that things are secure on thetion to a six-day work week in 2022, family side, then that is of no benefitdeciding to close on Sundays to give to anybody, he says. employees more time off.Shes very sensitive to peoplesYou can be very, very successful needs and shes always ready to give aat business, but then at the expense helping hand in any way she possiblyDays Jewelers employees are seen (above) hanging out at JCK Las Vegas andof what? It could be family, it could can to help make a persons life more(below) on a hiking trip. A strong company culture has been vital to its success, be relationships with your spouse or comfortable and interesting.says Kathy Corey. others, Jeff says. The couples affection for eachKathy is very much in tune to that other is obvious.balance. Its important to her that when she makes decisions, she While some may raise an eyebrow at the idea of spending so muchviews the consequences of her decision from the point of view of all time working side by side with their significant other, Kathy and Jeffthe people who will be affected.are a complementary pair. Their son, Joseph, speaks just as highly of her, and is happy to see his She is one of the kindest, most loving individuals youll ever meet.mother honored with her own induction into the Retailer Hall of Fame.Shes very much invested in people. And she enjoys people, Jeff says. Its very well deserved. Shes given back and contributed so much There have been a lot of great things about working together allto the industry in so many different ways, he says.NATIONAL JEWELER 27'