b'KATHY COREYSeated from left, Jeff,In November 2021, Kathy and Joseph, and KathyJeff transferred ownership of Corey with, standingDays Jewelers to their employees, from left, Davidincluding their son Joseph, who is Gilman, vice presidentpresident of the company.of finance, and former Human Resources Manager Kristie JandreauAnother option was to pass it onto their children, but that didntBy selling the store to the employee-owned trust, the pair received make economic sense. some money upfront and will receive the rest over time.Jeff and I looked at each other and said, Well, you know what, wed like to get our money out of this organization at some point,EVOLVING ROLEbecause we were retiring and we had our own plans, she says. Kathy has retired from the day-to-day operations of the business, So, instead, the pair began exploring an option they had heardnow serving as chair of the board of Days Jewelers.about several years prior, an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP. She is also the president of Diamonds Do Good.On Nov. 1, 2021, Kathy and Jeff transferred ownership of DaysIn her free time, she enjoys the company of her six grandchildren. Jewelers to its employees. Shares of the company were distributedThey are the apple of my eye. They really fill my heart with love based on both tenure and pay. and I love spending time with them, she says.Congratulations to Tom Dixon and Kathy Corey 30 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2025 on their 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame win!'