Meet Lisa Bridge, CEO

In an industry often defined by tradition and heritage, Lisa Bridge has shown she has the unique ability to both honor the past and embrace the future. As President and CEO of Ben Bridge Jewelers, a company celebrating over 100 years in business, Lisa represents the fifth generation of family leadership. However, her path to the helm of this prestigious jewelry retailer wasn't predetermined – it was a choice born of passion and purpose.

A Legacy of Choice

"I'm very lucky because I grew up in the business," Lisa reflects, recalling childhood spring breaks spent visiting shopping malls across Los Angeles, with perhaps a day at Disneyland if they were fortunate. But unlike many family business successors, particularly in the jewelry industry, Lisa wasn't automatically destined for leadership. "My parents always told me that I should do what I'm passionate about, find that and pursue it, and be a productive member of society in some way."

Initially, Lisa pursued a different path entirely, studying elementary education in college and obtaining her teaching certificate. However, various experiences drew her back to the family business, where she discovered her true calling. "I think I bring a different energy to the business because I did actively choose it," she explains. This sentiment was particularly poignant during her gemological studies at GIA, where she encountered many students who felt obligated to join their family businesses. "I love this business, and it captivates me and it still seems challenging and exciting,"

Building a Foundation

Despite her family connections, Lisa’s journey through Ben Bridge was far from privileged. She began working in stores during her teenage years, recalling with amusement, "I'm not sure who was buying an engagement ring from a 16-year-old, but I'm really glad that they did." Her early experiences included everything from scanning grading reports to working the sales floor at the Bellevue Square store, where she would later start her full-time career.

A New Era of Leadership

Since becoming president in late 2017 and CEO in February 2019, Lisa has overseen significant transformation at Ben Bridge. Perhaps most notably, she led a strategic consolidation of the company's retail footprint, reducing from 95 stores to 34 while maintaining or increasing overall business volume. "We've worked really hard to have greater focus on what we are offering and our unique experience," Lisa shares, emphasizing the importance of thinking beyond traditional metrics of success.

This transformation extended to the physical stores themselves, with Lisa overseeing a comprehensive redesign that enhanced the customer experience and strengthened brand identity. "We've redone our store design to create an experience, to have moments of connection within the store, to enhance our storytelling," thus ensuring that customers always know where they are and what to expect from Ben Bridge.

Pioneering Progress

Lisa's influence extends well beyond Ben Bridge's stores. As one of the few female presidents of the American Gem Society (AGS) in its 90-year history, she made a particular impact during her tenure – especially while visibly pregnant with her second child. "I thought that would have a positive impact on younger women who are coming into the business," she reflects. However, it was the reaction from industry veterans that proved most touching, with many senior women expressing how meaningful it was to see both a female president and a pregnant woman in such a position of leadership.

Mentorship and Industry Evolution

As a leader in the luxury jewelry space, Lisa is committed to supporting the next generation, particularly women entering the field. She serves on the Board of Governors for GIA and has helped establish initiatives like the Lonia Tate scholarship, which provides full gemology scholarships through the Black in Jewelry Coalition. Her advice to young women entering the industry is clear: "Having belief in yourself and your vision... being open to learning from everyone around you and also interpreting it in your own way, that each voice is so important and we need each of those voices to continue to move the industry forward."

Craftsmanship Without Borders

One of the most compelling aspects of Ben Bridge's approach to jewelry retail is their relationship with international artisans. Lisa shares a touching anecdote about an Italian craftsman who, visiting Seattle, spotted his own creation in a Ben Bridge window display. Despite language barriers, his pride and excitement at seeing his work showcased in an American market perfectly illustrated the personal connections that define the company's approach to sourcing.

These relationships extend beyond mere business transactions. Through their merchandising team, led by experienced professionals like Laura Barringer, Ben Bridge has helped many international artisans grow their businesses, offering insights into design and operations that have allowed small workshops to flourish. This commitment to supporting craftsmanship and traditional jewelry-making techniques sets Ben Bridge apart in an increasingly mass-market industry.

Meeting Modern Demands

Bridge's understanding of the evolving jewelry market led to the creation of her eponymous collection ten years ago. Observing friends spending significant money on fashion jewelry that wouldn't last, she saw an opportunity. "Why would you be spending that amount on something that's not going to last? Better to have something that's made of precious metals and genuine gemstones that's going to be able to be a part of your life and your story for a long time."

The collection, which began with destination-inspired pieces reflecting her love of travel, has evolved to include various themed collections, including a celestial line inspired by her daughter's nursery. This personal touch and attention to wearability reflects Lisa's philosophy about jewelry: "We're about jewelry that can be worn and enjoyed every day. The worst thing you can do to a piece of jewelry is put it in some safety deposit box somewhere and have it sit there."

The Ben Bridge Difference

When asked what sets Ben Bridge apart from other jewelry retailers, Lisa's answer is immediate: "Our people." She points to the extraordinary tenure of many employees – including one manager who recently received a 50-year service award – while also celebrating the fresh perspectives brought by newer team members. This combination of experience and innovation creates what Lisa describes as "a really strong culture within Ben Bridge."

Looking Forward

Under Bridge's leadership, Ben Bridge continues to transform while maintaining its core values. The company emphasizes direct sourcing relationships with artisans and manufacturers, particularly in Italy, creating unique value propositions for customers while supporting traditional craftsmanship. As the industry grapples with trends like lab-grown diamonds and fast-fashion jewelry, Lisa remains committed to education and quality, helping customers understand the enduring value of fine jewelry.

"The amount that we care is very palpable within the organization," Lisa explains, describing how this extends to partnerships with artisans and suppliers worldwide. This commitment to quality, combined with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, positions Ben Bridge well for the future while honoring its past.

The Future of Luxury Jewelry

As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, Lisa sees several key trends shaping its future. "We're really lucky that how we operate as a business and as a retail business is very different than I think a lot of people would expect," she explains. Unlike many retailers who focus on mass production or trending items, Ben Bridge maintains direct relationships with artisans and manufacturers, particularly in Italy, where they often serve as the sole U.S. retailer for certain craftspeople.

As Ben Bridge moves forward under Bridge's leadership, the company continues to balance tradition with innovation. While maintaining their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, they're also embracing new ways to tell their story and connect with customers. Through social media, educational initiatives, and community engagement, they're working to ensure that new generations understand the value of fine jewelry while maintaining the personal touch that has defined the company for over a century.

"The amount that we care is very palpable within the organization," Bridge explains, and this care extends to every aspect of the business – from sourcing and design to customer service and community involvement. Ben Bridge's commitment to quality, authenticity, and personal connection positions them well for continued success.