Featured Merchants

December 17th, 2009

Gems 'N Loans

Featured Gems ‘N Loans Team Member: John Martin

John Martin has been with Gems N’ Loans for 13 ½ years and has served in more capacities and done more of a variety of jobs than anyone.

Before joining Gems N’ Loans, John was an attorney and practiced law. Because of that background, he has been a good sounding board for decision making. John is not only the liaison with the local police but also with the state pawnbroker association and is a regular respected contributor to the pawnbroker’s discussion group.

Most recently, John has been involved with local law enforcement assisting in tracking down illegal gold buyers. This activity has been valuable to Gems ‘N Loans because it keeps down the rampant proliferation of numerous illegal gold buyers that are creating so much competition for so many licensed pawnbrokers in California.

As our training director, he spends numerous hours with each new hire teaching them how to use the Pawndex software, gold identification and a myriad of things they need to know. He has served in numerous management capacities, including general manager. He keeps the hard working printers working and coordinates computer problems with the computer tech, Nam.

As a professional musician and guitar expert, his expertise and knowledge of guitars has been valuable to the company. John can be seen playing bass guitar with his band, “High Plains Drifter” almost every Saturday night.

For many years John has been the “GO TO” guy for so many things: musical instruments, high end watches, diamonds and gem stones, information about products and processes and issues with our Pawndex software. From Mac Hembree, owner of Gems N’ Loans, THANK YOU, John, for your many years of dedicated and versatile services to our company. We appreciate you!

Escondido Mattress Factory
Where Santa Shops!

Randy Taylor, Owner, Escondido Mattress Factory

You don’t need to go to Europe for the fine, hand crafted, professional manufacture of the finer things in life. You can find it right here, in North San Diego . . . at Escondido Mattress Factory, 1281 Simpson Way, Escondido.

Randy Taylor is a Master Craftsman. He builds the finest mattresses available . . . he’ll build custom mattresses . . . for antique beds . . . or for standard size beds. He’s seen it all . . . he’s done it all . . he refuses to go the mass mattress manufacture route. They only build one sided mattresses. He lovingly builds you double sided mattress, ensuring you, and your family, of sweet dreams for years. This 79 year old master craftsman has been serving his customers for over 50 years.

Randy builds several mattresses a day. He has to in order to keep up with demand. He also has a beautiful, large, showroom - all the better to show you the variety of mattresses he offers.

He moved to Escondido in 1954 . . .and has earned the respect and continued loyalty of his customers. They know his quality is top notch and enjoy doing business with a nice, honorable, caring man. Whether it’s a mattress for a crib, a standard size, or antique, he’s up to the task. “My customers keep coming back,” he says. “We’ve made and sold mattresses to the children of some of our customers. They know we care . . . and they know quality when they see it. Or sleep on it.”

Custom Handcrafted Mattresses & Box Springs
New Mattresses • Box Springs
Factory & Showroom - 1281 Simpson Way
760.745.5336 • 760.746.5336