Success Stories: André Pommier
The following is an article that appeared in a City of Cornwall Economic Development Newsletter.

Inquisitive. Hardworking. Dedicated. Loyal. A few of the many qualities which have made André Pommier a success.

André comes from a line of four generations of fine jewellers. His great grandfather began as a watchmaker in France and his grandfather was an optometrist jeweller in Will. From there, the Pommier men spread their talents across Eastern Ontario before André's father, George Pommier, located in Cornwall. Mr. Pommier opened his first store called the House of Gifts in the old Cornwallis Hotel, After a number of prosperous years in this store, he bought into Mr. Warren's jewellery store before eventually taking over the business. Mr. Pommier and his late wife, Jackie, managed Warren-Pommier Jewellers for almost twenty years.

As a child, André was continuously working in the store doing odd jobs and learning about the business bit by bit as he matured. His parents had a love for the store, which in time, André also developed.

This devotion to become part of the family business led André to attend George Brown College in Toronto majoring in goldsmithing, gemology and jewellery design. In 1985, André became a graduate designer goldsmith. Before André could use his new found talent in his father's business, he wanted to gain more experience by watching, studying and always being inquisitive of other designers' styles and talents.

Consequently, André worked in Toronto with Canada's leading jewellery manufacturer for five months, there André was able to see and participate in the entire process from the initial stages of model design to the marketing of the product. This further developed André's already keen business sense.

After André received two very prestigious awards, the DeBeer's Diamond Men's Collection and an honourable mention for the Editor's Choice Award (Top Designer of Canada), for his design of a fabulous men's pendant, André was invited to work for Canada's leading fine jewellery designer. As a goldsmith, André was able to learn a great deal from this gentleman which he has carried into his own career.

Before returning to Cornwall to join Pommier Jewellers, André travelled in Europe for a little over a month to visit the sights and study the stores abroad. He learned what sold over there, to whom and how. He spoke with designers and asked more and more questions - always seeking more knowledge.

When André returned to Cornwall, he and his father relocated the business to 6 Second Street East and changed the name to Pommier Jewellers Ltd. Mr. Pommier has been the greatest influence on André teaching him the ways to personalize a business - create a comfortable feeling. Mr. Pommier has passed on to André all of the well- earned characteristics necessary to develop a thriving business with satisfied customers.

The store has become well known for André's special customized pieces. He designs any type of jewellery but he does more than that. Pommier Jewellers is a service oriented business where the emphasis is on educating the clientele so they know what it is they are buying. When André makes a ring, he explains the unique qualities of the stone, illustrates detailed styles and designs - no pressure sales.

So, at 25 years of age, André Pommier has already made a great success of himself with tremendous insight from his father. Yet he seeks to accomplish more. Presently, André is in the process of studying for his G.I.A. (Gemological Institute 0f America) which is one of the highest degrees in gemology. He is halfway to achieving this goal. In Cornwall, André is the Public Relations Chairman of the Canadian Cancer Society and belongs to the Cornwall Golf and Country Club. He is also a member of the Retail Committee for the Canadian Jewellers Association.

With André's great interest in making Cornwall a better place to live and his dedication to his family business, there is no doubt that André will continue to achieve.

BEST OF LUCK, André!

What's New In Ecenomic Development? Summer 1988, Issue 4

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