Today we’d like to introduce you to Dirk and Jan Swiderek.
Dirk and Jan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story is one of hard work and perseverance. From a young age, I was taught to work hard, respect others, and to be kind. My father was a retail jeweler and entrepreneur, and I admired his work ethic, honesty and integrity.
I always loved working with my hands and even though my earliest endeavors didn’t take me in the direction of the jewelry business, I soon found myself immersed in it. My first experience with jewelry after getting married in 1980 was as a jewelry salesman for a manufacturer from Southfield, Michigan. After a couple years, I began working for a diamond wholesale company in Chicago where I learned the diamond business from the inside out. I eventually opened my own wholesale diamond company and later opened a retail jewelry store both of which are still operational and thriving.
After 35 years in the jewelry business, I can honestly say that I have been blessed beyond measure. I’ve met some amazing people over the years, some who helped and supported me through good and difficult times. With the help of my wife of 37 years and now business partner, we have raised three beautiful daughters all of which are college educated and giving back to society. I never looked at my carrier in the jewelry business as a job because I loved every day I put on my shirt and tie and came to work. Every day we get to meet new and interesting people, and with hard work, honesty, integrity and a little kindness, we feel we’re making a difference.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest struggles were starting a business undercapitalized while raising a family. I had the support of my wife along with family and friends but had to persevere long hours of work while taking large financial risks.
Heritage Jewelers – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Heritage jewelers has become one of the leading retail jewelry stores in the Southwest suburbs in the past eight years. Our business is built on honesty, fairness and integrity, as well as value. We give everyone who walks through our doors 110% of our attention in a friendly and welcoming environment.
We have one of the most talented jewelers in the Chicago area with over 30 years’ experience, and our prompt in- store service is something to experience. We also specialize in custom design jewelry and re-purposing older jewelry into new remounted designs at fair and reasonable prices.
We are most known for our engagement ring and diamond jewelry. With over 35 years of diamond buying experience, we give our customers the best value for their money. We bring “Jewelers Row” prices to the suburbs without the downtown hassle. What sets us apart and what I’m most proud of is that every person who walks in our store leaves with a feeling of comfort and as a friend.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Often times people measure success by the size of their checkbooks or by their material possessions. For me, success has always been more about adding value to other peoples’ lives. If I can go through a day giving more than I receive, it’s a good and successful day!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1115 E. 9th Street, Lockport, IL 60441
- Website: www.heritagecustomjewelers.com
- Phone: 8158389591
- Email: dswiderek@comcast.net
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