We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmy Choo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jimmy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Throughout my professional journey, I have always had a strong aspiration to actively participate in the decision-making process of a company and play a pivotal role in shaping its future direction. The process of building something from scratch has always been immensely gratifying for me. My ultimate dream is to contribute towards building and scaling a business that can stand the test of time, and eventually look back with pride on my significant contribution to its success.
Fortunately, I got the chance to join a rapidly growing organization where my input is highly valued in the decision-making process. Prior to my tenure at Grand Caliber, I was fortunate enough to have an extremely stable and lucrative job that promised early retirement and financial stability. However, a part of me always wondered if I was capable of achieving something greater than the ordinary 9-5 corporate life. With an unwavering belief in my potential, I decided to take a leap of faith and make a career shift. Despite currently earning less than before, I feel a greater sense of fulfillment and am motivated by a larger vision.
Grand Caliber is part of an industry that is severely outdated but has immense potential. My hope is to not only shape Grand Caliber but also revolutionize the way the entire industry conducts its daily operations. This prospect drives both me and my team to constantly push the limits of innovation and explore uncharted territories.
What should our readers know about your business?
At Grand Caliber, we are dedicated to providing our clients with a superior luxury watch experience that goes beyond their expectations, while nurturing long-term relationships. In an industry that is often characterized by transactional interactions, we aim to alter the perception of the secondary market, also known as the “Grey Market,” by offering exceptional service, knowledge, and building trust with our clients. Our focus is not solely on watches, but on building relationships that last.
When assessing a business, it is crucial to identify its three unique features. While competitors may share two of these features, no other company should possess all three that match yours. Our three distinctive features are:
Knowledge – Expertise in handling all vintage to modern luxury watches in-house.
Customer Service – World-class customer experience from initial contact to final delivery of the watch.
Marketing – Our social media presence enables us to connect with a broader audience compared to others within our industry.
Our journey has not been an easy one. We have invested significant time and resources into laying a strong foundation for the company. This involved rigorous recruitment and hiring processes to bring in the right talent, along with investments in our e-commerce and client relationship management platforms, and reviewing our policies and procedures. The challenge lies in the fact that these investments do not necessarily provide immediate returns. However, over time, they make a significant impact if given the chance to develop. Thankfully, our team and ownership group share a common vision and are working together toward the same goal. We trust our process and the plan we have put in place.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s a wide range of activities to do in Dallas and it varies based on the person visiting. For instance, if your friend is passionate about food, I would highly recommend taking them to Uchi, especially during happy hour, which is my go-to restaurant in Dallas. I prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, so I often will take my friends to places like Truck Yard, HG Supply, or Hardwood Arms, where you can unwind with some drinks in a relaxed environment.
Apart from fantastic dining and bar options, Dallas usually hosts a plethora of sports events featuring popular teams like the Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, Rangers, and FC Dallas. Additionally, you may catch a live concert. For those looking for a comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Dallas, I would strongly suggest checking out an Instagram account called Dallasites101. It provides insight into various must-visit places in Dallas.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of a company that boasts of an exceptional ownership group with incredible colleagues. The past 12 months have been particularly trying for us, as we have faced various challenges such as employee turnover, tough market conditions, and the usual hurdles that small businesses experience during their growth phase. However, our team has remained steadfastly united, collaborating and supporting each other toward a common goal.
Our ownership group has been an unwavering pillar of support, demonstrating both patience and empathy and providing valuable guidance whenever required. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to help me build this company into what it is today.
Website: https://grandcaliber.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandcaliberco/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-caliber/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandcaliberco/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@grandcaliber.
Image Credits
Credit: Grand Caliber