Diamond Sponsor
JM INSURANCE AGENCY PARTNERS, INC
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Sessions to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Attending Pawn Expo’s sessions offers you the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your professional network, and stay ahead of industry trends. With pawn expert-led talks, interactive panel discussions, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, our sessions are designed to inspire, educate, and empower you. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, explore new innovations, or share experiences, these sessions provide a dynamic environment for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss the chance to engage directly with thought leaders and industry pioneers who are shaping the future!
And don’t forget – we always plan lots of FUN events!
10:00 am – 10:50 am
Breakout: How To Get More for Your Melee
Speaker: Bob McCullough
Over the past 20 years, Bob has developed a highly effective process for sorting and shopping melee that has consistently proven profitable for myself and others who have adopted it. This presentation will cover the entire process, from removing diamonds from mountings to selecting the most efficient techniques to save on labor.
We’ll dive into methods for frosting diamonds, whether done in-store or through your refiner, and discuss how to separate diamonds by size using the best plate sizes for optimal results. Bob will walk through his sorting process and demonstrate how to maximize returns at every step.
Additionally, he’ll showcase the Excel spreadsheet he uses for shopping melee and explain how to leverage it effectively. Attendees will also receive access to the digital file as part of the session. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the process, this presentation offers actionable insights to enhance your profitability.
10:00 am – 10:50 am
Breakout: Panel – Managing after a Catastrophe
Speakers: Johnny Whiteside, Chad Carter, Jay Dunbar, Adam Anundi
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a hurricane, fire, or burglary—pawnshop owners face unique challenges in rebuilding their businesses and supporting their communities. In this session, a panel of experienced pawnshop owners will share firsthand stories of resilience and recovery after facing catastrophic events.
You’ll hear about the immediate steps they took to stabilize their operations, navigate insurance claims, and safeguard their employees and inventory. They’ll also discuss strategies for preparing ahead of time, lessons learned from their experiences, and the importance of community engagement during difficult times.
This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to fortify their business against the unexpected and learn from those who’ve been through it all. Join us for an insightful and inspiring conversation on overcoming adversity and emerging stronger.
10:00 am – 10:50 am
Breakout: Ai 101 for Pawnbrokers
Speaker: TBD
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and pawnbroking is no exception. In this introductory session, you’ll learn how AI can be a game-changer for your business, helping to streamline operations, improve customer service, and boost profitability.
We’ll cover the basics of AI, demystify its concepts, and explore practical applications tailored specifically for pawnbrokers. From pricing tools and inventory management to fraud detection and marketing automation, this session will highlight how AI-powered tools can simplify daily tasks and enhance decision-making.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or new to the idea of AI, this session provides actionable insights and resources to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving pawn industry. Join us to discover how AI can work for you!
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout: Adapting to Change: Growth in the Modern Economy
Speaker: Christopher Shumaker
The pawnbroking industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, shifting consumer trends, and the need to build stronger community connections. This session explores how modern pawnbrokers can adapt to these changes to foster growth and remain competitive in today’s economy.
We’ll discuss the latest technology transforming the industry, emerging market trends, and innovative strategies for improving customer experiences. You’ll also learn how to build a loyal community of customers and partners by embracing transparency, trust, and personalized service.
Whether you’re navigating new challenges or looking to future-proof your business, this session will provide actionable insights to help you thrive in a modernized marketplace.
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout: Employee Development
Speaker: Trevor Rivett
Gain personal freedom and grow your business by building an engaged, trustworthy team. This session addresses common challenges, like struggling with trust or feeling like nothing gets done right without your presence, and offers actionable solutions. Learn how to recruit the right people, train them effectively, and develop a culture of growth and appreciation. Discover strategies to reward employees fairly and meaningfully while fostering a team that delivers profits and freedom. Transform your employees into your greatest assets and create a thriving business—even when you’re not there!
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Breakout: Buying Your First Pawn Shop: Lessons from the Front Lines
Speakers: Abigail Mielcarek and Carli Karlson
Join two first-time pawnbrokers as they share their journey of purchasing their first pawn shop. Learn about the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the strategies that helped them succeed. Whether you’re considering buying your own store or just curious about the process, this session offers valuable insights and practical advice straight from those who’ve recently taken the leap.
3:10 am – 4:00 am
Breakout: Firearms Panel
3:10 am – 4:00 am
Breakout: Best Practices in Inventory Management and Financial Benefits
Speaker: Jennifer Kanistras
Efficient inventory management boosts cash flow by turning idle stock into actionable capital. High turnover prevents aging inventory, reduces shrinkage risks, and keeps merchandise fresh, with strategies like data-driven pricing and bundling improving performance. Proper handling of damaged items and accurate loan counter practices ensure inventory accuracy and customer trust.
Lessons from store acquisitions highlight the importance of addressing stale inventory and training staff on best practices. Empowering store managers with financial insights and data-driven decision-making enhances profitability and operational efficiency.
3:10 am – 4:00 am
Breakout: How to Educate Your Local Police: Training the Trainers
Speaker: Nathan Dechairo
Session Description:
Learn how to effectively educate local law enforcement about the pawnbroking industry. This session will guide pawnbrokers on volunteering their time to speak at police seminars or small meetings, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Discover strategies for helping officers understand your rights as a pawnbroker while emphasizing shared goals: recovering stolen items for victims, convicting criminals, and recognizing pawnbrokers as legitimate businesses with rights. Build stronger relationships with law enforcement and create a foundation of trust and cooperation in your community.
JM INSURANCE AGENCY PARTNERS, INC
MARSHALL & STERLING
DLIGHT MATERIALS SPECIALIST
