Independent Jewellers

TRUSTED QUALITY FOR OVER 60 YEARS WPGBLDG.COM 204.942.6121 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICES NEW CONSTRUCTION & RESTORATION Little did he know it when he was selling watches and shavers door to door in the city's North End in the mid-to-late 1930s, but John Epp was setting a precedent. Well-received by the community, Epp founded Independent Jewellers in 1937, eventually setting up shop at the corner of Notre Dame Avenue and Isabel Street. From that point on, Independent Jewellers became an integral part of the community and city. It was something that wasn't lost on Epp. Over the years, he and the other principals involved in ownership of the company – Epp's sons John and Ernest and son-in-law Alfred Schellenberg – were acutely aware of the role that community support played in the success of their business. Today, IJL's third generation owners, Jeremy Epp and Jonathan Klippenstein-Epp, are still intimately involved in the community, carrying on the practice passed down to them by their grandfather and father Ernest. Jeremy says they wouldn't have it any other way. "Our strong commitment to being involved in the community starts with the fact that we're part of a community – the neighbourhood around us, and the city as a whole," he says. "As a business in Winnipeg, we believe there's a social responsibility to be involved." That involvement dates back to the inception of Independent Jewellers. In those days, it was the norm for people to come together to help others in need. "I think our involvement comes from the sense that the best solutions often come from communities, not government or big business," Epp says. "It's all about people helping people." Not surprisingly, that down-to-earth philosophy has led to IJL being part of many charitable endeavours. They support Ronald McDonald House, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's annual RWB Gala and The Dream Factory (formerly the Rainbow Society) among other organizations. IJL also supports sport in the city at the community and professional levels. "We just like to be involved at the ground level – it's something we've always done," Epp says. "It's just a natural part of who we are." That natural bent to be involved is the result of the relationships that they – and their forerunners at IJL – developed with people from all over the city. "At its most basic level, the jewelry business is about trust – you have to trust the person you're buying from. In the course of selling jewelry to people, we've developed relationships, and eventually friendships." Getting to know people on a personal level changes everything, he adds. "When you care for people, you want to help, and do whatever you can to help make things better. Over the years, lots of people have done things for us, and have done those things without our asking. When you experience that kind of help – and also see how generous Winnipeggers are at charitable events – it's only natural to want to get involved and give back." Just like the people that have helped them, Epp and his brother aren't looking to get anything back in return. "We're very fortunate – we've done well in business and are in a position where we have the resources to help others. We don't have to be praised, because there's a certain joy that comes with helping people. We love being part of our community and will always be available to do what we can to make it, and our city, a better place to live." ❚ COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

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