Pawnshop of Ventura
How long have you been a pawnbroker?
16 years
How long have you been a member of CAPA?
16 years I think
Why did you join CAPA?
My grandfather, Shelly Wainer, was a long time member of CLSDA and sent me to one of the conventions when I first came to work for him. I learned so much, met great people and saw value in being a part of the network. I was impressed by Jon Webster, Robert Verhoeff, Jordan Tabach-Bank and Sam Shocket and I left feeling like they all inspired me very much to want to do my best to run a successful shop. Shortly after, I met Jan Schneider, Diane Taylor and Jen Grossi and they really made me realize how women could be successful in this industry. Lastly, I’d say that Kim Andosca was a HUGE reason I was able to attend many of the conventions and she played a big part in making me feel like family when I felt pretty out of place most of the time. Had I not had the opportunity to be part of her team during the conventions all those years, I don’t think I would have been able to realize the full value of CAPA.
What do you enjoy most or you like most about being a member of CAPA?
I have found so much value in attending the conferences, being a part of this community, and all the resources made available to help navigate the laws. It is important to me that we are proactive in being a part of the discussion regarding any laws that pertain to our industry and CAPA provides that voice for us and is very good at it. I like that we can celebrate our wins together and also rant about the industry when we’re having “one of those days.”
What do you love most about being a pawnbroker?
I like being able to help people out of tough situations, the relationships I develop with my staff and customers, and finding the perfect piece of jewelry for the occasion/person.
Who inspires you?
My son Jack. Anyone that is authentically themselves and genuinely wants to do better. People who practice kindness and compassion.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose?
Sharon McMahon, Tabitha Brown, Natalie Barron, Marianne Williamson, Brene Brown, Michelle Obama
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
I’ve learned that I am not catering to my Spanish speaking customer base as much as I should be. I have also learned that it does not seem to matter to consumers whether Google reviews are genuine or paid for/incentivized.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?I was a Senator and then Vice-President of my student body at San Diego Mesa College and I traveled many times to both Sacramento and Washington D.C. to lobby for student rights. On September 11, 2001 I was serving as Vice-President of my school. I was also a member of our Model United Nations Team while I attended Cal State San Marcos and loved every minute of it.