Today we’d like to introduce you to Don (Tucker) Strzepek.
Strzepek is a true Chicagoan. He attended Lane Technical High School (class of 1979). He graduated from DePaul University of Chicago (class of 1984) with a double major in English and Communication. Strzepek has over 25 years of experience in both business and education. Strzepek earned a gemologist degree in 1993 from the Gemological Institute of America. He is currently the President and owner of one of Chicago’s oldest diamond and fine Jewelry houses – The Tucker Company.
Don – please kick the story off for us.
Tucker Inc. is a premier jeweler in downtown Chicago Illinois. We are located in downtown Chicago in the historic Jewelers Row at 5 S. Wabash Suite 507. Tucker Incorporated has been in business since 1935, serving over three generations and will continue to be a leader in the jewelry industry for the next generations. We are known to our customers as The Tucker Company.
Our customers say “shopping at the TUCKER Company is a tradition. …pass it on!”
We are fine diamond and gem experts with GIA (Gemological Institute of America) training and degrees. We have diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond pendants, diamond bracelets and fine diamond jewelry.
We find the perfect diamond for that perfect engagement ring. We can custom design your one of a kind engagement ring from start to finish. We have in-house designers using the latest technology to create your diamond is forever engagement ring or jewelry.
We also have a wide variety of colored stone jewelry—rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and semi-precious stones.
Our Customers comeback to us because of our fine selection of certified (GIA) diamonds and certified diamonds at wholesale prices.
We welcome you to come into our store at 5 South Wabash # 507 in Chicago Illinois to experience a Chicago tradition of personal service, customer care and great quality at an affordable price.
I started working for Sherman Tucker in the fall of 1985 and was planning to relocate to San Diego to continue in my teaching career. However, under the guidance of Mr. Tucker, I went on to earn my gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. I enhance my design skills while on the job. In 2006, I purchased the company and have continued to design for clients both near and far. Clients include Chris O’Donnell, Sara Paretsky, Jesus Salgueiro, and many other notable clients, both near and far.
I am known for my ability to work one on one with my client to strive to design with their desires and lifestyle in mind. I am not a cookie cutter Jeweler. I appreciate the interaction with my clients to achieve ….. one of a kind designs … from simply elegant to Avant Garde.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road in this business has not always been smooth…. Lol. The economic crisis in 2008 to 2010… was by far the most difficult. I had to face almost failure, as many small businesses did. However, I prevailed and it was more than a struggle. It was a huge challenge and made with many sacrifices. Someone recently said to me … I commend you for making it through that very difficult time…you have my respect.
In this industry, I have to prove myself with each and every client.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tucker – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The industry is jewelry. I do it all!!! I am a consummate jewelry designer and professional, from repairing clocks and watches to designing – one of a kind … custom jewelry. I am a full-service jeweler. I am known for quality of my work at affordable pricing. I am known for the quality of my gemstones and my personal attention to detail with each and every client. I am most proud that I always put the customer first. I am in this industry because it is my passion to design what is going to make the client … smile!!! I am most proud that I can continue with the standard of excellence that was put forth by Mr. Sherman Tucker. I am proud that I can continue the Chicago Tradition that began in 1935. I am proud and humbled that clients have flown in from as far as Australia and Hong Kong to just meet with me. I am proud that people give me the opportunity to create for them. What sets me apart from others is my human interaction and my desire to get to know my clients. Each initial visit begins with a 1 hour consultation… because I work for you…. without you there is no me!!!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the vibrancy that the City of Chicago has… I love the cultural diversity and all of the neighborhoods rich in history, food, marketplaces, and events. Chicago is home!!! I am a true Chicagoan., born here and have never left.
I don’t like the national image that the rest of the country has in regards to Chicago.
Chicago is a city of big shoulders… (Carl Sandburg)
Contact Info:
- Address: Tucker Company
5 South Wabash Suite 507, Chicago IL 60603 - Website: www.tuckercompany.net
- Phone: 312-263-3315 or 773-719-3666
- Email: Tuckercompany@aol.com
- Instagram: tuckerinc
- Facebook: Tucker,Inc.
- Twitter: Donald Strzepek @tuckerdiamonds
- Yelp: Tucker Company
Image Credit:
George Lopez
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