Tell us a little about your business. – Sartor Hamann (SartorHamann.com) has been around since 1905. We are a fourth-generation family-owned fine jewelry business based out of Lincoln. We have two locations in Lincoln and one in Grand Island. I’m proud to be a part of Lincoln’s inaugural fine jewelry store and a winner of Lincoln’s Best, year after year.

How did you get started in the business? – I attended one of the oldest jewelry colleges in the United States, Gem City College. The school is located in Quincy, IL, right along the Mississippi River. It is still around today. In April 1990, I walked into Sartor Hamann right after I graduated from college and Don Hamann hired me that day. I’ve been at Sartor Hamann ever since.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Every day is different in this business, and you’ve got to be ready to go when you’re working with precious items like people’s jewelry. We work hard to keep up with the latest technology and advances in the jewelry and metal industry. I do a lot of jewelry repairs, and each piece has its own set of challenges.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I think I’d have to say putting in almost 36 years at Sartor Hamann.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I really like to play golf in my free time.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I used to do archery. I was the indoor and outdoor state champion for about 8 years here in Nebraska. I was also the National Champion for the indoor division in 1983.
I shot archery for about 14 years total.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I go back to some things that my dad has said: “Work hard and be reliable to other people.”

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’ve got to say I’m a pretty good mixologist. I’ve got a homemade Bloody Mary recipe that is always a big hit at the Husker tailgates. I think it plays into that part of me that likes to be creative, just in a different space other than jewelry.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I think I’d be a pilot. That was something, when I was young, that I always wanted to do. I have a lineage of family in the Airforce and I grew up making model airplanes. It just always appealed to me.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – I really like Toast right now. They’ve got a great menu and I really like the ambience; it’s got a good feel and they seem to be really consistent with their quality of dishes. You know you can go there and get a good meal any time.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – They can contact me via Sartor Hamann’s website contact form.