“My Goal? For Every Store Owner to Say, ‘No Worries When It’s in Andy’s Hands.'”
C&L Salesman Andy Kim
We met Andy Kim, senior manager of sales for C&L Jewelry in Georgia. While the role of a ‘salesman’ is often reduced to just ‘business,’ his story shows that true success requires genuine care for people and consistent dedication. Kim sees sales as “building trust through consistency and adding personal passion to maintain long-term relationships.” This approach, shaped by time and countless experiences, has given him a deeper understanding, driving him to take responsibility every day. His story may not be flashy, but there’s something quietly special in the way Andy Kim approaches sales.
How to Make an Unfamiliar Environment Feel Familiar
After his military service, a visit to his sister, a nurse in Maryland, marked the start of his life in the U.S. Following his parents’ advice to study and care for his sister, he left university in Korea and started college in the U.S. To save on living expenses, he rented a cheap apartment in a neighborhood often referred to as a “ghetto.” The neighborhood was unfamiliar and grim, with people visibly affected by drugs. “I was scared and didn’t know anyone, so I asked my African American roommate to invite his friends.” Kim brought alcohol, made Korean-style bomb shots with soju, and threw a week-long party. Soon, he was called “Brother.” “That’s when my English improved, and the neighborhood felt more comfortable. If the mood shifted, someone would step in and say, ‘This guy’s okay.’ (laughs)” Rather than avoiding problems, his approach has always been to resolve them, a mindset shaped in school.
In high school, he was student body president, resolving conflicts both inside and outside the school and helping troubled youth make positive changes. For his efforts, he received the Exemplary Youth Award. His skill in navigating unfamiliar environments and easing tension seamlessly transferred to his sales work. On his first visit to a store long time ago, he greeted the owner, but the owner continued working without responding. He didn’t leave; instead, he quietly waited for over 30 minutes. “I was determined to connect with this owner.” Today, they share a strong relationship. Later, when he asked, the owner admitted he hadn’t heard him. “I joked, ‘How could you miss someone this big?'” Now, whenever they run into each other at events in other states, the owner is always the first to greet him warmly.
Jewelry, the “Item of Allure,” and the Charm of Sales
Kim has a diverse academic background. He majored in electrical engineering in Korea, studied economics in the U.S., and later pursued a master’s in accounting. He interned at an accounting firm but realized it wasn’t the right fit. He then took a sales role at a wholesale company in Maryland, spending five years learning the industry. Later, due to family circumstances, he moved to Georgia and, through a fortunate connection, joined his current jewelry company, C&L. When asked about jewelry sales, he explained that presentation and display are key to driving sales, showcasing the unique appeal of the field.
Jewelry is often referred to as an “item of allure,” and Kim believes a key part of a salesperson’s role is to design the right lighting, placement, and layout to attract the customer’s attention. He also finds the diversity of clientele fascinating. “Even with four stores on the same block, you can’t display things the same way. The customers are all different.” This is why he customizes the setup and strategy for each store. “When a client tells me something sold well, it feels great. That’s the joy of sales.” He ensures these efforts don’t go to waste by regularly sharing ideas and results with a close colleague working in another region of C&L. “Store owners can’t afford constant trial and error. A few failed attempts are still failures. So we share both successes and setbacks to reduce risk.”However, not every effort leads to big results.
He says he rarely feels stressed, but if he had to choose, it would be when sales are slow for any reason. “In those moments, I treat it like a natural disaster that is something out of my control. Store owners often want to help, urging me to at least hit a minimum, but I don’t push during those times. They understand my approach, so when things improve, they often support me even more. It pays off in the long run. The company also understands and gives me the space to manage the situation.”
His Own Cheat Code: Passion
For him, the foundation of sales is trust, and trust is built through consistency. “Store owners know how hard young people work these days. When you keep showing up, that creates trust. But many give up before it has a chance to develop.” Kim adds his own passion to that trust. He often wears the products himself during sales visits. “When a new item comes out, I try it on first and show it to them.” “I want them to see the product before placing an order.” Most items are for women, so the sizes rarely fit, but he stacks rings or wears several bracelets when visiting the store. “At first, owners are like ‘What is this?’ then they laugh. Some even say I look scary.”His efforts to make store owners smile, even just a little, come through in these playful gestures. “I’m not the type to stay stuck in one place, so I make small changes, even if they’re minor. Some days, I go in and stay quiet for a while or try speaking while touching things. Through this, I learn what they like.”
“Long journeys on the road are always full of unpredictability. “On my way home from a business trip, a tire flew off a truck ahead, hitting the front car and heading toward mine.” Although he avoided a major accident, he describes the moment as feeling like a slow-motion scene from a movie. “My life flashed before my eyes. If I had been going faster, this interview wouldn’t be happening. Since then, I’ve lived with much more gratitude for each day.”
Jewelry follows trends, and C&L is always ahead
When asked to brag about C&L, Kim responded without hesitation. “New products come out really quickly. Jewelry is a trendy item, so it’s easy to refresh the store’s vibe or replace old products. Our company is always embracing new challenges. Recently, we launched a cosmetics line called ‘Yeppi.’ For salespeople like us, these are essential tools. The more tools we have, the stronger we become.”
Once a fitness enthusiast with a natural talent for excelling in any sport, he is now a dedicated father to a 19-month-old, spending all of his free time devoted to his family. “When I focus on my hobbies, it takes away from family time, so I naturally cut back. Having experienced so much when I was younger, I have no regrets now (laughs).” Now, every client visit begins with talks about his child. “They always ask about my child. Bragging is something you pay for. When I share photos or videos, I throw in a little extra service.” Behind the word “sales,” there’s a warmth of human connection. Perhaps that’s why we are drawn to support his sales journey, as bright as the jewelry itself.
