b'20 UNDER 40 Q&AWhat is the biggest issue facing the industry right Q3 now that is going to have a long-term impact, either positively or negatively?ALLYNA AHRENS JOSHUA ISRAILEFFAURORA PAYMENTS ASBA USA INC.Digital disruption is reshaping how cus- As a fellow young person whos been in tomers shop and how retailers manage theirthe industry for more than 15 years, I love operations. The businesses that invest inseeing the industry shift to more and more tech-enabled tools while keeping person- younger leaders and seeing this next genera-alized service at their core will be the onestion have the opportunity to leave its mark. that succeed long term. FALLON BOCK, BACHENDORFS The biggest challenge facing the jewelry industry is adapting to shifting consumer expectations, but this also presents a unique opportunity for those who embrace it. Younger generations value personalized experiences, digital engagement, and ethical practices, and those who innovate to meet these demands can lead the way. By aligning our core principles with the expectations of both our legacy and emerging clientele, we not only forge meaningful client relationships but also ensure long-term success and positively shape the future of the industry.CHAE CARTER RAJA MEHTACARTERS COLLECTIVEAG GEMSFINE JEWELRY As lab-grown diamonds and synthetic gems As apathy becomes more common andare gaining market share fast, they challenge team energy is harder to sustain, deliver- the perceived prestige and rarity of natural ing a true five-star experiencewhile alsostones in the luxury market. Our goal is to ed-managing the tech demands of modernucate and empower clients to understand the client relationsis an increasing challenge.lasting value of natural gemstones. When they Customer expectations have skyrocketed:invest in our pieces, theyre choosing a gem they want everything faster, better, and moreborn of the earth, not the lab, because each personalized, with updates at every step. Were working hard to meetnatural gem has a unique story, natural rarity, and emotional depth that by streamlining operations and automating where we can, but Ithat can be passed down for generations.worry many in the industry are moving too slowly. Those who are not being proactive with change may quickly fall behind.TREVOR MENDELSOHNMIKE NEKTA ROBERT PROCOPLEON DIAMOND EXCEPTIONAL JEWELSThe biggest long-term shift is the moveTime will tell how the recent reshuf-from brick and mortar to online and it isntfling of tariffs impacts the jewelry in-slowing down but high-end jewelry isntdustry, particularly U.S. trade in the long about speed and convenience. Its more aboutterm. As a company that manufactures experience and craftsmanship. I dont see themuch of our product domestically, we shift as a threat; its only a problem if we failmay be less directly affected, but it will to adapt. My brand has always embraced tech- be interesting to see how the industry as nology and digital growth. Its important toa whole responds. me that we retain the brands soul as we scale.Continued on page 6058 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2025'