Gesswein Appoints Ann Cahoon as Strategic Account & Educational Program Manager

Gesswein, a long-standing supplier in the jewelry sector since 1914, has bolstered its team with the addition of Ann Cahoon as Strategic Account and Educational Program Manager. Cahoon, renowned for her extensive experience spanning over two decades as a bench jeweler and educator, is poised to drive the company's engagement with retail partners and expand its educational outreach within the industry.

Gesswein Welcomes Industry Veteran Ann Cahoon to Key Leadership Role

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Gesswein, a prominent name in the jewelry supply industry for over a century, officially announced the appointment of Ann Cahoon to the crucial position of Strategic Account & Educational Program Manager. This strategic move aims to fortify retail alliances and broaden the scope of educational endeavors across the nation. Cahoon brings a wealth of expertise, accumulated over two decades, in both the practical artistry of jewelry making and the theoretical aspects of industry education.

In her new capacity, Cahoon will lead Gesswein's initiative to proactively cultivate relationships with independent retail jewelers, bespoke repair workshops, and various trade accounts throughout the United States. Her responsibilities will encompass providing expert guidance on efficient shop configurations and necessary equipment, as well as seamlessly integrating front-of-house operations with back-of-house efficiency. This holistic approach is designed to empower retailers to expand their repair and custom design departments, fostering growth and profitability.

Beyond direct retail support, Cahoon is set to significantly enhance Gesswein’s educational footprint. This includes developing hands-on workshops and bench training sessions, establishing robust apprenticeship and mentorship frameworks to assist retail establishments in recruiting and retaining skilled bench talent, and forging formal partnerships with trade schools, university-level jewelry programs, and influential industry associations. Furthermore, Cahoon will serve as a representative for Gesswein at key trade shows and industry events nationwide, and will provide valuable technical support, collaborating closely with the company's seasoned technical team.

Ann Cahoon’s impressive career prior to joining Gesswein underscores her suitability for this multifaceted role. Most recently, she held the position of Director of Manufacturing and Repair at Long's Jewelers in Burlington, Massachusetts, where she was instrumental in providing technical training and direct support across five luxury retail outlets in the greater Boston area. Her dedication to education is further exemplified by her seven-year tenure at Boston’s esteemed North Bennet Street School. There, she initially served as a Jewelry Making and Repair Instructor, eventually rising to Department Head, overseeing a comprehensive training curriculum for students ranging from novices to advanced practitioners. Earlier in her professional journey, Cahoon held the distinguished titles of Principal Goldsmith and Designer at Flying Marquis Studio and Chris Ploof Designs. She also contributed significantly as a Writer and Lecturer for the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA), regularly presenting at their renowned "Live at the Bench" series and co-editing the technical publication "Secret Shop Weapons" for MJSA Press.

Cahoon is widely recognized for her significant contributions to jewelry manufacturing education, having presented twice at the prestigious Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology with her insightful discussions on "Bench Myths" (2014) and "Bench Myths Revisited" (2018). She is also a founding board member of The Jewelry Manufacturing Symposium, a non-profit organization dedicated to producing the U.S. jewelry industry's premier technical education and networking conference. Her academic credentials include a BFA with honors in Metalsmithing/Jewelry and Ceramics from the Maine College of Art, complemented by a Certificate in Jewelry Making and Repair from the North Bennet Street School.

Roger Gesswein III, Vice President of Gesswein, expressed profound enthusiasm for Cahoon's appointment, stating, “Ann is undeniably one of the most respected trainers and bench educators in our industry, a reputation she has meticulously earned. Her career has been dedicated to empowering jewelers to refine their craft at the bench, serving as an instructor, department head, speaker, and published author. Bringing her unparalleled expertise in-house enables us to transcend the traditional role of merely selling tools. We can now actively support our retail and trade clientele in establishing more robust workshops, developing and retaining skilled bench talent, and ultimately expanding their repair and custom business. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome her to our team.”

The integration of Ann Cahoon into Gesswein’s leadership underscores a broader industry trend towards enhancing skill development and fostering innovation within the jewelry trade. Her appointment highlights the increasing recognition of the critical role education and strategic partnerships play in ensuring the sustained growth and success of independent jewelers and the wider industry. This move is a testament to Gesswein’s commitment to providing comprehensive support that goes beyond product supply, aiming to build a more skilled and interconnected community of jewelry professionals.