Today we’d like to introduce you to Tawnya Pearson.
Hi Tawnya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A-1 Hawk Jewelry & Loan was founded by our dad, Jimmy Pearson, in 1987. My sister, Sarah, and I grew up in the stores, learning the business from the ground up. Our dad taught us the importance of hard work, honesty, and always putting customers first values that still guide us today.
Losing our dad in 2021 was the greatest challenge we’ve ever faced. Overnight, we found ourselves carrying on not only a family business, but the legacy he spent decades building.
Today, Sarah and I own and operate A-1 Hawk Jewelry & Loan, with two locations, along with Pawn Central Jewelry & Loan, serving the Portland metro area and Oregon City. Our goal has always been to be more than a pawn shop by helping people through life’s ups and downs with compassion, integrity, and exceptional service.
Today we are proud to continue our dad’s legacy while building the next chapter for our family, our employees, and the communities we serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Taking over the business after our dad passed was a big adjustment and a huge learning experience. Running three stores isn’t easy,
Like any small business, we’ve dealt with economic ups and downs, rising costs, and unexpected setbacks. In December, a car drove through the front of our largest store. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it forced us to remodel and close our sales floor during one of the busiest times of the year. It definitely wasn’t ideal, but we made the best of it and came out with a better store in the end.
Every challenge has taught us something. As a small business owner, you learn to adapt, solve problems, and keep moving forward. No matter what comes our way, our priority is making sure we’re here for our customers, supporting our team, and continuing to serve the communities that have supported us for so many years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about A-1 Hawk Jewelry & Loan?
We have a little bit of everything. We offer collateral loans with no credit check, buy and sell jewelry, luxury handbags, tools, electronics, musical instruments, and much more. Customers can also shop great deals on quality pre-owned items or take advantage of our layaway program.
We offer in-house jewelry repair, offering ring sizing, chain repair, diamond replacement, watch batteries, and other jewelry services. We authentic designer and luxury brands, giving customers confidence when buying or selling.
What sets us apart is our focus on customer service and building long-term relationships. Our goal has always been to be more than a pawn shop by creating a clean, welcoming, and fun environment where people feel comfortable doing business. Many of our customers have been coming to us since Sarah and I were kids, and now they’re bringing in their own kids. That kind of trust is something we’re incredibly grateful for and never take for granted.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I learn best by talking with other business owners, visiting pawn shops, and attending industry conferences like the Pawn Expo. I enjoy seeing how other businesses operate and bringing back ideas that can help improve our own.
One book that’s had an impact on me is “The One Minute Manager”. It’s a reminder that good leadership comes down to clear communication, recognizing your team, and helping people succeed.
As far as apps, I use ChatGPT and Gemini for brainstorming, marketing, writing, and problem-solving, Slack to stay connected with our team. Canva, and Pawn Leads for marketing and social media, and our pawn software to help manage the day-to-day operations of our stores.
I believe you can learn something from everyone. Whether it’s another business owner, an employee, or even a customer, I’m always looking for ways to improve and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.a1hawk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a1.hawk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A1HawkDivision
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdd051aJVdSP1aUoz6uEkBw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@a1hawkpawnshop?lang=en
