Edge Retail Academy Strengthens Leadership Amidst Growing Demand

The Edge Retail Academy, a prominent business coaching and analytics firm serving retail jewelers, has significantly expanded and restructured its leadership team. These strategic moves, involving new executive appointments and internal promotions, are designed to meet the increasing demand for the company's coaching programs and to further support the growth of its clients within the jewelry industry.

Leadership Expansion and Strategic Vision

Becka Johnson Kibby, CEO of Edge Retail Academy, highlighted the growing need for their services. “With growing demand for our coaching program among retail jewelers aiming to accelerate their growth, we’ve expanded our team with seasoned professionals who bring deep industry and coaching experience and a history of delivering results,” Kibby stated. She emphasized that these additions will enhance the leadership team and position the company to deliver even greater value.

The firm also announced that co-founder David Brown has transitioned from president to chairman. In his new role, Brown will provide strategic guidance and oversight, focusing on continuity, discipline, and long-term sustainability for the company and the broader jewelry industry, while stepping back from daily operations. Becka Johnson Kibby, formerly vice president, now leads daily operations as CEO.

New Appointments and Internal Promotions

Several key individuals have joined or been promoted within the Edge Retail Academy's leadership structure:

• Ellen Gardner has been appointed as the new Vice President of Business Coaching. Gardner brings over 25 years of experience in business consulting and coaching, coupled with experience as a business owner. Her expertise lies in improving financial and operational performance and leading national training programs on scaling, forecasting, and return on investment.
• Jennifer Motes, previously a business coach, has been promoted to Senior Director of Coach Development. Motes possesses more than 30 years of experience in the retail jewelry sector, encompassing store ownership, multi-store operations management, strategic merchandising, and team development.
• Mona Lisa Shaffer, formerly a senior business coach, is now the Director of Business Coaching Operations. With over 30 years in the retail jewelry industry, Shaffer specializes in leadership, management, sales performance, team development, and inventory optimization.
• Cindi Haddad Drew joins the company as a Business Coach. Drew offers more than 40 years of industry experience, including owning and operating her own retail store. Notably, she is a former client of Edge Retail Academy, having successfully transitioned to a remote ownership model, a strategy she now helps other jewelers adopt.

Additionally, Sherry Smith, who previously served as vice president of coaching strategy and development, will now lead the strategic growth and expansion of Edge Retail Academy’s Business Coaching Program in her new role as vice president of coaching strategies and development. Kibby noted Smith's exceptional combination of strategy, experience, and insight is critical for the program's future.

Supporting Continued Growth

The Edge Retail Academy's coaching services are designed to help retail jewelers boost sales, optimize inventory management, enhance profitability, improve recruiting and team performance, and plan for succession. The expanded team's collective expertise covers retail operations, financial performance, sales growth, merchandising, team development, and succession planning.

Representatives from the Edge Retail Academy plan to be present at JCK Las Vegas to discuss their coaching programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more and schedule complimentary services such as a Store Performance Analysis or a Business Insight Survey.