Perris Pawn & Hemet Pawn
Name of Pawn Shop
Perris Pawn & Hemet Pawn
How long have you been a pawnbroker?
18 years
How long have you been a member of CAPA?
18 years
Why did you join CAPA?
Early on, I joined CAPA for procedural guidance with the operation manual and the rate poster. I began attending conventions and learned better practices, product techniques and how to avoid many costly mistakes. I made some changes. I became aware of laws and regulations that threaten my business. I learned about legislation, advocacy, friends, Senate bill this and Assembly bill that. I put my head down and focused on growing my business while CAPA lobbied for my interests in Sacramento and kept me updated of the changes. The CAPA Google group was another benefit. It allowed me to ask questions that were answered by fellow pawnbrokers in real-time and I found answers to questions I did not think to ask. I attended more conventions and learned how to authenticate watches, diamonds, coins and handbags. I learned techniques to increase sales and I learned about security, loss and insurance. I made more changes. Pawn 101 helped me avoid many legal pitfalls and diminish other liabilities. Today I continue to depend on CAPA to guide me through the legal minefields, expand and safeguard my business, and I occasionally speak with the CAPA attorney for free.
What do you enjoy most or you like most about being a member of CAPA?
Peace of mind. Knowing that I have the latest information to run my stores correctly and I have the CAPA board, staff and members to lean on when I have questions or run into difficulties.
What do you love most about being a pawnbroker?
Having a successful business that is always interesting that provides a valuable service to so many clients.
Who inspires you?
Fellow pawnbrokers. I am always learning from them.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose?
The beauty of being a member of CAPA is that I now have several mentors, but Steve Jacobson was my first. I had known Steve for several years through waterskiing and he was the first pawnbroker I had met.
What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
Customer relationship management platform integration. Integrating calls, text messages and website into one database to facilitate efficient communication with and marketing to current clients and future clients.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I started my working career as an electrical engineer and thought I would continue in that line of work until retirement. I had never been in a pawnshop until I considered starting my own business.
Website
www.perrispawn.com