Industry: Fine diamonds and jewelry
Address: 17395 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53045
Web site: www.lylehusardesigns.com
Telephone: (262) 789-8585
Education: Graduate gemologist (G.G.), Gemological Institute of America; accredited senior gemologist (A.S.G.), Accredited Gemologist Association; national jewelry appraiser, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Family: Wife, Danielle; and children Rebecca, Aidan and Nadia.
What’s new at your company?
“In celebration of our upcoming 40th anniversary, Lyle Husar Designs is expanding to over 5,000 square feet and adding new designer boutiques, including Hearts On Fire, Tacori, Simon G., Fana, Baccarat, Pandora and our Award Winning ‘Husar Originals.’ When completed, you’ll find over 6,000 fine diamonds, jewelry designs and Swiss watches. That’s over five times the selection of most jewelry stores.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“The store expansion has been a significant investment in our future. I spent a year designing plans for the showroom. New showcases, lights and most importantly … new merchandise. Rather than open several locations over the years, we’ve stayed true to our original mission to provide the highest levels of integrity, an uncompromising level of quality and the finest value in the city.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“The jewelry store where women get into trouble … And men get out of it!”
What have you learned about growing up in a family business?
“It’s difficult growing up in a family business and not knowing if your success is based solely on your family’s past success. By going out on my own and doing the things I did, it gave me the confidence to believe I could be successful on my own merits. That’s what allowed me to come back into the family business years later, and have that sense of accomplishment under my belt.”
What makes your business special?
“How could anyone not love the diamond business? It’s sexy. It’s filled with stories of romance, passion and adventure. Some people are simply better story tellers than others. I believe that I am a great story teller, perhaps it’s something I learned from my children. The more exciting you make the story, the more interested they are. It’s really simple. Thrill your customers. Give them something to remember. Tune in to what’s important to them and exceed their expectations. Customers are like diamonds – no two are ever alike. I find something interesting about every customer and take great strides to not place them into any type or category.”
What was the most memorable moment of your career?
“A 30 ct., fancy, vivid, yellow diamond ring was requested by a client. Unable to locate a secure shipping method, I chartered a private jet and flew the gem personally to the appointment. This event helped to inspire my pursuit of a private pilot license for future deliveries.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“If I weren’t selling jewelry, I’d probably be treasure hunting with my family aboard a private yacht. I spent four years working with Mel Fisher in Key West, Fla. The ship he found was the Nuestra Senora de Atocha. She was lost during a hurricane in 1622. The team recovered over $500 million in gold, silver and emerald artifacts. I still have my first ‘Piece of Eight’ coin.”
