Debbie and I have been running Optima Gem for over 25 years. We believe we will be capable and have the desire to continue running the business well beyond typical retirement age of 65. However, even if that is 10 or 15 years away, we are starting to think about whether we want to phase out or sell.

Although we are still hopeful, it seems unlikely the business will stay in the family. Therefore, regardless of phasing out or selling, we know the main value in the business is the infrastructure and reputation. We are likely to get “lowballed” on the value of the actual gems when we (or our heirs) sell. What we really want is to have our gems go to people that we know appreciate them as much as we do. That's where you come in!

We'd like to give our gems to our loyal clients that have been our friends and fellow gem lovers for years. “Give” infers “free” and in a way that is what we are doing. We are setting up a loyal customer program that will build up gem credit for our clients that can be spent buying our gems just prior to selling the business or our retirement. This means two things: 1) you get free gems. 2) we have a warm feeling in our hearts knowing our gems will continue to be treasured.

It's kind of like a company pension plan. It doesn't cost you anything but if you continue to work (buy gems from us), you gain gem credits. The longer you are an Optima Gem client and the more gems you buy the more “vested” you are in the program. Unfortunately you don't have choice on when these gem credits can be spent. You'll have to wait until we quit the business. But at that point, you'll get to spend them anyway you like. Details are not settled, but we are working on the math of what's practical.

For now, please help us come up with a catchy name for this program. We don't like “Optima Pension” or “Gem Co-op”, so maybe you can come up with something better.

Dave & Debbie