Don Broyles

May 19, 2009

Putnam Rotarians today heard straight talk today from one of their own about ethics in the marketplace as Don Broyles gave insights into the jewelry business.

A partner in Calvin Broyles Jewelers, a family enterprise with showrooms in Spring Hill and Teays Valley, he brought to the table a wealth of personal first-hand experience in his vocation.

Simply put, Broyles said, business integrity is demonstrated "by what you do when people aren't looking."

In such a specialty as jewelry, public trust in your integrity is "a must."

Not only must you keep a reputation for unquestioned integrity, but the firm must operate in a way that will enhance the confidence of the public.

"Always do the right thing," he said with a quote from Mark Twain. "It will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

And what about the rest that is astonished and continues to question? The company holds the highest credentials available.

Since 1985, Broyles Jewelers has been a member of the American Gem Society, an honorary fraternity with a special emphasis on ethics. "Only about five percent of the jewelry businesses are elected to membership," Broyles told the group.

In order to qualify for membership in the Society, firm owners, principals and employees must have completed an accredited course or a graduate program from the Gemological Institute of America. In addition, they must have completed further studies with the Society.

"We have four gemologist appraisers." Broyles told the group. "There are only six in the state."

He noted the foundation of Rotary in business ethics as shown in its traditional "Four-Way Test": (1) Is it the truth? (2) Is it fair to all concerned? (3) Will it build goodwill and better relationships? (4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

. "A good Rotarian is a good business person," said Broyles.

And for Broyles, a charter member of the Putnam club, a "Good Rotarian" is one who is guided by the "Four-Way Test."