In the heart of Haile Plantation, Clint and Sheena Asbell have been changing the way people feel about pawn shops since the fall of 2009.
With their uniquely named “pawn boutique” business, Haile Jewelry & Loans, the Asbells have created a unique niche in Alachua County that strives to provide their clientele with high-end products.
“We wanted to do something different that would attract people who didn’t want to walk into an everyday pawn shop,” Clint said. “I wanted this to be a place your mother, sister or wife would feel comfortable walking into.”
Born and raised in Gainesville, Clint had been working in the pawn shop industry for five years when he decided to take pawn shops “to a new level” by opening Haile Jewelry & Loans. Crafting a store in Haile that “resembles nothing like a normal pawn shop,” the Asbells strived to provide a clean, refreshing, friendly environment that specialized in high-end jewelry, fine watches, designer handbags and accessories.
Although Haile Jewelry & Loans offers collateralized loans and purchases everything from electronics and tools to automobiles similar to a standard pawn shop, those products are rarely on display in the Haile boutique. Instead, they are sold through the store’s eBay or Amazon stores. The physical store focuses on designer brands such as Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer, Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, Coach, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, among others.
By branding themselves as a “pawn boutique,” the Asbells have sought to change some of the negative connotations associated with their industry. Sheena recognizes the “old-school mentality” toward the pawn industry, but feels that Haile Jewelry & Loans is changing that view with high-end inventory and upscale ambiance featuring upbeat music and glowing scented candles.
Part of the process of changing misconceptions is a belief in building a strong client base, which stretches from Gainesville out to Ocala, Jonesville, Live Oak, Lake City and Zephyrhills.
“We are more than salespeople,” Clint said. “We are about building relationships.”
One way that Haile Jewelry & Loans has continued with that philosophy is the recent addition of Sandro Jakowczuk, a Certified Watchmaker of the 21st Century with the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute. Jakowczuk is one of two Certified Watchmakers in the area and the only one who works full time on site at a pawn shop. Starting at the age of 13 as an apprentice to his father, Jakowczuk has accumulated 25 years of experience in fine watch repair.
“I’ve done retail work and trade work from home and what I like about being here is now customers have a location to contact or meet with me. It improves their overall experience,” Jakowczuk said.
Being a great watchmaker, according to Jakowczuk, comes down to an appreciation for tinkering and “a curiosity of mechanicals.” This mindset goes along with the Asbell’s upscale approach. In Clint’s eyes, Jakowczuk’s presence in the store allows customers to see Haile Jewelry & Loans in a different light, and it allows for quicker turnaround on repairs.
Before choosing Haile Jewelry & Loans in August of this year, Jakowczuk had multiple offers for work ranging from Michigan to the Caribbean. Choosing the Asbells came down to the right fit, quality products and overall comfort.
“My affirmation was seeing how they treat people,” Jakowczuk said. “When people leave the store, they feel like friends.”
For Clint and Sheena, who were high school sweethearts at Buchholz High School, it is important to befriend both their customers and their community. On top of being fervent supporters of local small businesses, the Asbells are involved in the Food4Kids Backpack Program, ViVA!, March of Dimes, Noche de Gala, Reeling for Kids and Taste of Gainesville.
“We are super passionate about any charity that gives back to Alachua County,” Sheena said.
Beyond expanding their philanthropy, everyone at Haile Jewelry & Loans has similar goals for the future.
“When people in the area think of fine watches, I want them to think of Haile,” Jakowczuk said.
Clint feels that the store measures up well against the other high-end stores in the area. He wants Haile Jewelry & Loans to be “major competition for retail jewelers” and the first thought for people who are looking for their next high-end jewelry purchase. Sheena aims to attract younger customers and students who may not know about their establishment.
Haile Jewelry & Loans has created a distinctive mark in Gainesville and Alachua County by providing high-end products and services in an industry that may cause people to think otherwise. To Sheena, Haile Jewelry & Loans is the best of both worlds.
“We are a fashionable way to recycle,” she said.