Speakers – Pawn Expo 2024

Pawn Expo Speakers

Keynote Presentation:
"Future-Proof Your Business: Strategies for Growth in an Era of Disruption"

Gene Marks

A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian.

Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash? 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company’s Cash Flow This Year.

Nationally, Gene appears regularly on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today.

Through his keynotes and breakout sessions, Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and—most importantly—the actions they can take to continue to grow and profit.Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses.

Prior to starting the Marks Group PC Gene, a Certified Public Accountant, spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in Philadelphia where he was a Senior Manager.

LEGENDS UNLEASHED

A first generation pawnbroker with 32 years pawn industry experience, Fulton is the managing partner of six USA Pawn locations in central Mississippi. Currently he serves as Chairman of the Board for The Mississippi Pawnbrokers Association. While serving as President of the association, he worked with lawmakers on passage of significant legislation and launched the industry’s first online learning portal. Fulton is a former NPA board member and served as the membership chairman. He also was one of the founders of the NPA’s Future Business Leaders Scholarship fund. He has a strong background in marketing and multi-store operations and is always willing to share with others to benefit the industry.

Nick was also honored as the NPA Pawnbroker of the Year in 2023.

A fourth-generation pawn broker and native Nevadan, Max Pawn Luxury President Michael Mack graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in finance and marketing before joining the family industry. Mack and his partner founded Super Pawn, growing the brand to a 50-store chain before selling the brand in 2004.. Itching to return to the industry, Mack founded Max Pawn in 2009, bucking the traditional pawn model with an emphasis on authenticity, customer service, and community relationships. Since opening, Max Pawn has been a seven-time Best of Las Vegas winner and National Pawn Association Community Relations Award and Outstanding Pawn Industry Image Award recipient. Mack also served as a Las Vegas City Councilman from 1999 until 2004, a time of tremendous growth for the valley. In addition to customer service, Mack is focused on providing a balanced work environment for his team. Mack is a member of the National Pawn Association, Gemological Institute of America, and International Watch and Jewelry Guild.

Bob Moulton, a North Carolina native founded National Pawn in November 1987 in Durham, North Carolina. Over 30 years later, National Pawn has grown to 19 locations and 165+ team members across the state. Corporate giving has always been at the heart of Moulton’s business model, as they have donated thousands of musical instruments and tens of thousands of dollars to more than 20 public schools in NC. Bob and National Pawn have been recognized many times both Nationally and Locally,notably the 2011 National Pawnbroker of the Year, the 2011 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Business Honesty and Ethics, 2013 Triangle Business Journal Fast 50 Award and the 2015 National Pawnbrokers Association Outstanding Community Service Award.

Sam Shocket is the President of King’s Pawn Shop Inc. DBA Jewelry & Loan. In 1970 Sam started working in the Pawn Industry. In 1976, Sam took over the business from his father, who established King’s in 1945. Sam Graduated the GIA in 1978.Since taking the helm at King’s, Sam has guided the company and fostered its growth to its current status as California’s largest volume pawnbroker and North America’s largest jewelry-only pawnbroker. He is recognized as an innovative leader, with a reputation for excellence. Sam serves as a prominent elected leader on the board of directors for the California pawnbrokers association ( CAPA ). Sam has also served as a director and a trustee on the National Pawnbrokers Association. At one time Sam had three large volume stores located in the Los Angeles area, that employed 140 associates. In the last few years, He has consolidated and now has only one large volume store that employees 40 employees.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS

Robert Barnett is a second-generation pawnbroker who grew up in the industry and began working the pawn counter at his family’s shop full time in 1992. During his tenure, his family’s pawn shop became known as one of the highest-volume retailers of firearms and ammunition in the country and received numerous awards, including 2008 SHOT Business Magazine Retailer of the Year, Ruger’s first Retailer of the Year, ATK/Vista – Ammunition Retailer of the Year, Taurus Retailer of the Year, Multi-Time Hornady Ammunition Retailer of the Year, and a Smith & Wesson Million Dollar Club member.

Robert opened his own pawn shop, Elk River Trading Company, in Fayetteville, TN in January 2018 and specializes in firearms, jewelry and pre-owned luxury handbags.

John Bocker is the Managing Director and co-founder of FFL Consultants and provides expert guidance to firearms dealers around the country on various topics including ATF & state firearms compliance, physical security, internal operations and sales techniques to maximize profits. FFL Consultants specializes in keeping their clients “ATF Inspection-Ready Everyday”. John has more than 25 years of retail risk management, operations and regulatory compliance is an independent consultant for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. He regularly serves as an FFL subject matter expert, speaker and author at SHOT Show and FFL training events nationwide.

Chad W. Carter is a 34-year pawnbroker who has spent 31 of those years as owner/operator of Chad’s Pawn Shops. He began his career at the age of 15 working as a clerk in a family owned pawn shop in Texas. Chad currently owns 6 pawn shops across southwest Louisiana. Chad served as President of the Louisiana Pawnbrokers Association and has been a board member since 2009. Chad also serves as Secretary for the National Pawnbrokers Association Board of Directors. Additionally, Chad is the founder of the LA EPIC (Every Pawnbroker Involved and Caring) organization. This foundation encourages employees of Chad’s Pawn Shops to become involved in helping the communities they serve. Chad currently resides in Moss Bluff, LA with his wife Dana. He is the father of 2 children.

Eric M. Moore is a native West Virginian and a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Medicine. Eric began his career with the FBI in 1997 and has worked in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section since its inception in 1998. He has served as a Customer Service Representative, a NICS Legal Instrument Examiner, and a Management and Program Analyst in both the Appeal Services Unit and Processing for Daily Quality (PDQ) Team, and a Liaison Specialist assigned to the State Support Team. He is currently serving as a Liaison Specialist to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL).

Joel Levinson is a 5th Generation Pawnbroker. He has a degree in business Management, Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations from the University of South Carolina. He also has his Graduate Diamond Degree from GIA in Carlsbad, CA. He runs his store, Dynasty Jewelry and Loan, with his father, Ben Levinson, where they specialize in higher value items such as jewelry and designer handbags, footwear and more.

Jeremy is a third generation pawnbroker from Louisiana. He owns and operates a single store, taking over the business in 2013 after his father’s passing. He has been working in the store since he was old enough to talk to customers. He does not believe there is any other job he would rather do, he enjoys the challenges we face every day as pawnbrokers.

Anthony Vanegas, a lifelong pawnbroker, entered the pawn industry at the young age of 13 and hasn’t stopped since. He ultimately opened his own chain of shops (Sunbelt Jewelry & Loan) in the Houston and DFW areas of Texas. In addition to his involvement in NPA, he has also served with the Texas Association of Pawnbrokers. Anthony has been very blessed to work with his wife, Nena, and nephew, William since opening the stores. Outside of pawn, you’ll find them spending time with their children, granddaughter, and new puppy.

From corporate America to the pawn industry, Stacy Vazquez took a leap of faith in 2020 when she left consulting to join her family’s business. Since joining Sunbelt Pawn, Stacy has worked to grow Sunbelt’s online presence, luxury collection and community impact. Some of Stacy’s most proud accomplishments since joining Sunbelt is starting the Seguir Adelante Scholarship awarding $10,000+ in scholarships and starting Premier Luxury Goods – a luxury line of preloved authentic purses, accessories, etc. Outside of pawn, you’ll find Stacy enjoying time with her husband, friends or serving at their local church.

Johnny and his wife, Tara, own and operate Kendale Pawn Shop in Sanford, NC. The store was opened by Tara’s father, Jimmy Johnson, in 1980, and Johnny has been running the store full time since 1986. A member of the North Carolina Pawnbroker Association for many years, he has served on the board in many capacities, including President multiple times. Johnny and Tara have been married for 33 years and have twin daughters, Rebecca and Katie, and five grandchildren.

Tyler Wilson is a first generation pawnbroker from Alabama with over 10 years’ experience in the pawn industry. He has owned and operated Pocket Pawn in Ozark, Alabama since 2016 – and prides himself on being able to create a successful pawn business in even the smallest of markets. Throughout his pawn career he has become an expert in marketing pawnshops, speaking at multiple state and regional pawn conferences and sharing how he’s able to find success through very non-traditional marketing methods.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PANEL

Chelsea Burnette is a member of the pawn industry with over a decade of experience, having begun her career in 2013. Throughout her tenure, Chelsea has cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies of the pawn business ranging from customer relations and regulatory compliance to market trends. Her expertise has been instrumental in modernizing operations and innovating practices that have enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency within her organization.

Throughout the past year, Chelsea has assisted other pawn companies with training in new software systems, compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and implementing new ways to generate revenue. Chelsea recently spoke at an ATF hearing, providing valuable insights which contributed to that store retaining their Federal Firearms License.

Chelsea is a passionate advocate for the positive impact of the pawn industry in local communities. She actively promotes how pawnshops provide accessible financial services and support to individuals in need, highlighting their role in local economies and community development.

Chelsea regularly participates in industry conferences and focus groups. She believes continued education and training is paramount to being a successful pawnbroker!

Randi is a second generation pawnbroker who has been working full time in the industry since she graduated from USU in 2009. They have 2 locations in the Salt Lake area. Randi brought her husband Trent into the business. Now they love working together with their parents on growing the 2 stores. When they are not traveling they are spending time with their 2 dogs.

David is a third-generation pawnbroker overseeing City Pawn Shop in Montgomery, Alabama. With a full-time commitment to the store since 2012, he assumed the role of general manager in 2016. Established in 1943, City Pawn Shop holds the distinction of being Alabama’s oldest traditional pawnshop. David also serves as the Vice President of the Alabama Pawnbrokers Association. He resides in Prattville, Alabama, with his wife and two sons. Beyond his professional duties, David finds fulfillment in volunteering with his son’s Boy Scout Troop and coaching youth sports.

Meet Danielle Foster, a second-generation pawnbroker and the Fine Jewelry Specialist for Uncle Dan’s Pawn and Jewelry in Dallas, Texas. Danielle’s academic journey led her to the University of California – Santa Barbara, where she received a bachelor’s degree in communication, followed by a Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in New York City.

In her role as the Fine Jewelry Specialist, Danielle oversees luxury designer handbags and training, as well as grading and cataloging the extensive jewelry inventory for all nine stores. Apart from her work with Uncle Dan’s Pawn, Danielle manages her own curated jewelry collections and custom designs through her brand, byGemGirl.

Danielle is an active Board Member of the T.A.P. and the N.P.A. Young Professionals Board, where she was recognized as Young Professional of the Year in 2022. Beyond pawn, her professional affiliations include the Board and Communications Chair of the G.I.A. North Texas Alumni Association, a vetted member of Polygon, the Jewelry Trading Network (J.T.N.), RapNet, and is a candidate for membership in the American Society of Appraisers.

To stay updated on Danielle’s latest ventures, follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @byGemGirl and @BagsofPawn.

Michael Franco, the General Manager of Uncle Dan’s Pawn, has worked in the pawn industry since 2002. Michael oversees daily operations to ensure pawn shops are fully staffed, maintain cash flow, and consistently meet goals. He strives to improve production in the pawn industry by engaging and retaining quality employees.

Michael graduated from high school and immediately started working as a Sales & Lending Associate at a large pawnshop chain in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. He then entered a management position in 2007 and was promoted from Assistant Manager to Store Manager in 2009. Then, in 2012, he came on board to work as a Store Manager at Uncle Dan’s Pawn in Dallas, TX. He worked in that position for two years before becoming the General Manager in 2014. Uncle Dan’s had only six locations at the time of his onboarding. Michael has helped grow Uncle Dan’s to nine locations.

Michael’s passion for baseball, family, and community service is matched by his drive for business success. His leadership has led to a remarkable 4x increase in the income and production levels of Uncle Dan’s Pawn. With his exceptional team management and communication skills, Michael has a proven track record for engaging and retaining employees. His passion for better production, hitting numbers, and positively impacting the pawn industry has been a driving force in Uncle Dan’s growth. Under his leadership, the company has expanded to over 60 employees and added three stores, a testament to his inspiring achievements.

GOVERMENT RELATIONS SPEAKERS

Cliff Andrews has 20 years of experience serving as a chief advocate and advisor to association clients on public policy, public relations, and mission-focused association management in an ever-changing political and economic landscape. Cliff works in a bipartisan manner before Congress, regulators, and private sector stakeholder groups on a variety of policy issues, including small-dollar lending regulation. Cliff works tirelessly to make sure that key lawmakers are educated on the vital role pawn plays in the communities of America. His work is key to shaping the perception of pawn at the highest levels. Throughout his career, one of Cliff’s greatest strengths has been his ability to engage constructively with diverse people in building productive, lasting relationships. Paramount to his success is a focus on accountability, diplomacy, consistently demonstrating competency on pertinent issues, and establishing trust. He is a true “Washingtonian,” born and raised in the nation’s capital. Cliff lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, daughter, son, and Alaskan Malamute.

As CEO of LDPM, Inc, Bill developed the Picasso Pawn brand consolidating 10 individually named pawn stores and seven different companies into one cohesive unit. He started in the pawn business almost 30 years ago as something to do “in between opportunities” and never left. Bill and his wife, Heidi, love to travel and a have a cat named Kiki. Bill is a graduate of East Carolina University and the GIA Diamonds and Diamond Grading program. He is also an avid Carolina Hurricanes fan. In his free time, Bill can be found either on the golf course or practicing his game.

I have been a pawnbroker since 2001, when we opened our first store, Monster Pawn, in Bloomington, IL. We now own four pawnshops in Central Illinois. My favorite thing about the pawn industry is that every day is different. The day goes by fast. I could never have a sit-down job! I am most proud of my family. Two of my three children work for our company, and the third is a Marine.

The Government Relations Liaison is the connection between the States and Federal government and pawnbrokers. I take our customers’ stories and needs seriously. For some customers, pawnbrokers are witnesses to their lives. It is the GRC Team’s job to make sure our elected officials understand who we are and how we serve our customers.

It is an honor to serve my fellow pawnbrokers across the country as the Government Relations Liaison and to be working with the GRC Team. It’s great to be back and working with the NPA.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT SPEAKERS

Rafael Amador is considered to be an expert in the field of buying and selling precious metals. He currently works at United Precious Metal Refining and travels all over the world to visit customers and attend trade shows for the pawn and jewelry industries. Prior to joining United’s team, Rafael managed one of the largest gold buying operations in the country. It was his success in growing that company that caught the attention of United who brought him onboard to work with their team at the refinery.

Rafael released a book on Amazon titled “Gold & Silver Buying Tips: Understanding and Mastering the Art of Precious Metal Buying” in November 2023 and has had positive reviews from pawnbrokers across the country who have purchased the book and implemented the tips outlined therein. This seminar will focus on those and other testing methods for improving your team’s overall knowledge and performance at the counter.

Experienced business leader with a demonstrated history of working in the luxury goods, diamond wholesale and estate jewelry industry. I am second generation buyer and seller of diamonds, modern and estate jewelry from all eras, as well as family estates. As a top graduate from my class at the Gemological Institute of America, I learned to put my skills to use and grow our company. Our company Bluestone Trading was founded in 1978 as primarily being a diamond importer. Over the years I transitioned the company into being a major contender of buying second hand goods from auctions, store closing sales, and family estates/trusts.

After obtaining a Business school degree, Ido Itskovich has spent the last 39 years in the diamond and jewelry business. He is currently completing his 35^th year with the Yehuda Company. In 1993 he obtained a diamond grading and evaluation degree from the Israel diamond exchange, spending eight and a half years on the wheel cutting diamonds in Israel. He is licensed to cut and export diamonds from the Israel diamond exchange burse and has a second-hand license to buy from the public. Since the year 2000, he has operated a custom diamond and jewelry design studio in Las Vegas called The Perfect Princess Cut (owning a proprietary cut with 73 facets developed with AGS lab in 2002).

Larry Johnson is the CEO of Larry Johnson Consulting Services, a visual merchandising advisory firm based in Colleyville, Texas. His firm works with independent retailers around the world to increase profits by improving the presentation of their merchandise. The firm has consulted with scores of retail jewelry stores around the world since its inception in 2014. Larry is the author of “The complete guide to effective jewelry display” the most widely known book on jewelry merchandising in existence. His book was used as the primary textbook in the GIA visual merchandising classes. He has written years of monthly columns for INSTORE, Retail Jeweler and Canadian Jeweller magazines. He holds 3 US patents for display applications. He is a frequent speaker on the subject of visual merchandising at industry events around the world. In the past, Larry served as CEO of Chippenhook and Coastal Display Group. He was a Senior VP at International Packaging and Pacific Northern.

Tally Mack is the CEO of Bravo Store Systems. She’s a fifth-generation pawnbroker and began working for Bravo while she was pursuing her law degree. Prior to taking the reins as CEO, Tally served as Bravo’s Vice President of Business Development, leading the company’s sales and marketing organization. She’s been instrumental in leading and executing many of the company’s strategic shifts, including the acquisition of PawnMaster and CompuPawn. Tally is a pawnshop lover and eCommerce enthusiast. Tally earned her Doctorate of Law (J.D.) from DePaul University College of Law in 2013 after attending the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned her B.A. in Communication Studies. Tally also completed the Key Executives Program from Harvard Business School in 2013 and 2023.

Alan Nelson has been in the cash and credit constrained industry since 1987. Alan managed 223 pawn shops with a major brand, and also owned and operated his own shops. He’s actively a consultant for his company, PawnTrain. Alan can provide valuable processes to take back to your shop and implement.

Richard Pesqueira, GIA VP of Global Market Development, collaborates with industry stakeholders across global jewelry markets by utilizing modern solutions and educational offerings to support the trade and further GIA’s consumer protection mission. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Pesqueira has worked with a variety of brands, from family-owned jewelry stores to Fortune 500 companies, to transform their retail experience.

A GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG), Pesqueira has held senior-level positions at Tiffany & Co. and Hearts On Fire. Pesqueira started his career at Rogers Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry company.

After acquiring and selling a grocery store at 17, Steve Stallcup recognized he had a unique talent for determining a company’s current worth and potential. Prior to founding Stallcup Group in 2009, Steve spent 23 years in the pawn shop industry at Cash America, Inc. the largest operator and acquirer of pawn shops in the world.

At Cash America, Steve quickly advanced from loan counter to boardroom, holding several positions in operations, corporate training, and mergers and acquisitions. As a senior-level buyer, he learned many of the methods and actions used by buyers to acquire other pawn shop operations. Being privy to countless negotiations with big and small pawn shop owners, Steve learned the strategy modifications buyers use to exploit various seller’s weaknesses, concerns, and assumptions.

More importantly, he listened countlessly to the seller’s concerns, fears, and arguments as they sat across the negotiation table.

With this knowledge and experience, bundled with his ongoing interest in market trends and fluctuations, Steve made the decision to become an advocate and advisor to the owners that he had listened to for so many years. Stallcup Group was born, founded with the idea of making it a fair fight for hard-working entrepreneurs and pawn shop owners to get the money they deserve to support their family, retirement, and in many cases continuing the legacy their hard work had established.

Stallcup Group developed and applied their exit strategy program using the tools and techniques that Steve knew would balance the scales of negotiation for pawn shop owners. An exit strategy that has successfully put money into the hands of satisfied owners since 2009.

The passion and drive Steve had in 2009 is stronger than ever today. The leadership skills he uses as CEO of Stallcup Group are the backbone for representation he brings to his clients and to their side of the table for discussion.

Jake Stewart is the head of Sales and Marketing at Entrupy—the world’s first AI-powered luxury authenticator for resellers and enterprises.

With decades of experience in analyzing consumer behaviors, market trends, and the ever-shifting landscape of luxury, Jake stands at the front lines with pawn shop owners, SMBs, and fashion marketplaces as they guard themselves against inadvertent counterfeit sales.

Howard has over 30 years of progressive Loss Prevention experience, having held leadership roles at Macy’s, Old Navy, Anchor Blue Stores and The Wet Seal. Just prior to Jewelers Mutual, Howard was the Director, Loss Prevention & Operations at Amazon in Seattle. In this role, Howard was responsible for leading Amazon’s Loss Prevention team of over 2,000 associates that were responsible for theft investigations, risk analytics, physical security, auditing and awareness. Jewelers Mutual long-history within the industry coupled with Howard’s diverse background and understanding of retail shops like yours will have you leaving this sessions armed with the knowledge, tools and resources to help protect your business.

Jerry is the creator and the founder of the Pawnshop Consulting Group. PCG was officially formed in 2001 post selling the remainder of his stores in the Florida market at that time. Mr. Whitehead has an extensive career in the industry as a second-generation pawnbroker. His career started back in the mid 60’s when he would accompany his father to any one of their several stores back in those days to clean, sweep, mop, and even process some of the inventory as he began working full time every summer going forward. He grew up in the family operation which had grown to 12 stores by 1990 in the DFW area. Throughout his career, Jerry has been involved in the acquisition or sell of more than 250+ stores in the last 35 + years. The consulting relationships began back in the late 80’s and flourished as the seeds for the creation of the Pawnshop Consulting Group formally in 2001. To date, PCG has serviced more than 600 clients in more than 40 countries world wide and is the only true, global pawn consultant, and was the first mover in this Pawn Consulting space he created.

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Pawn Expo Speakers

Keynote Presentation: "Future-Proof Your Business: Strategies for Growth in an Era of Disruption"

Gene Marks

LEGENDS UNLEASHED

Nick Fulton

Michael Mack

Bob Moulton

Sam Shocket

Jerry Whitehead

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS

Rob Barnett

John Bocker

Chad Carter

Eric Moore

Joel Levinson

Jeremy Powell

Anthony Vanegas

Stacy Vazquez

Johnny Whiteside

Tyler Wilson

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PANEL

Chelsea Burnette

Randi Butterfield

David Ehrlich

Danielle Foster

Michael Franco

GOVERMENT RELATIONS SPEAKERS

Cliff Andrews

Bill Dawson

Kathy Pierce

INDUSTRY INSIGHT SPEAKERS

Rafael Amador

Ritchie Grammp

Ido Itskovitch

Larry Johnson

Tally Mack

Alan Nelson

Richard Pesqueira

Steve Stallcup

Jake Stewart

Howard Stone

Jerry Whitehead

About Pawn Expo

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Keynote Presentation:
"Future-Proof Your Business: Strategies for Growth in an Era of Disruption"