The Burnell’s Team
Our family of professionals brings together a talented group of people who are delightfully diverse in their interests, age and areas of expertise. We’re proud to work beside them and pleased to introduce them to you.
Staff
Robin, Co–General Manager, Gemologist and Buyer, has had a passion for the jewelry business since she was 5. She had the good fortune of being able to help her grandmother pick out new jewelry every time she got a new dress. It stuck. Robin majored in art in college and focused on jewelry and textile design. After teaching art for a few years, she decided to pursue a career in jewelry.
Robin’s been in the business thirty-seven years as buyer, corporate sales director, manager and gemologist. She has a B.A. degree, a Gemologist degree from GIA and a Jewelers of America Senior Management Certificate. Robin is involved in the Wichita Independent Business Association and Wichita Chamber of Commerce. She teaches glassblowing and her hobbies include all things dogs, reading and music. Her dog’s name is Marilyn and it is fitting.
Nathan, Co-General Manager and Head Goldsmith, started at Burnell’s in 2006. He is our primary CAD/CAM designer as well.
Nathan’s grandfather, Aloysius Regan, opened a jewelry store in 1934, and Nathan’s father took it over in 1977. So he was born into the business and continues the tradition as a third generation jeweler. Nathan’s work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude are amazing.
He has won many awards, including First Place and Best of Show in 2016 and 2017 (Kansas Jewelers Association,) and Honorable Mention in the national CASE Awards competition in New York in 2017.
Nathan became a Jewelers of America Certified Bench Jeweler in 2005 and is also certified from Jewelers of America in Senior Management. Nathan is the incoming President of the Kansas Jewelers Association and Chair of the Events Committee at the Wichita Independent Business Association, and an active member of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce. He is an audio-book junkie, golfer and animal lover as well. He has two dogs: Fitzy and Rosie.
Sean, a Sales Associate for 7 years at Burnell’s and fourteen years in the jewelry business, focuses on helping bridal customers. He has a great sense of humor and easygoing nature, He currently is working on GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program and is a Jewelers of America Certified Sales Professional. Running and playing drums are Sean’s therapy. He volunteers his time to play drums for different church events and enjoys playing open jams as well as running ultra-marathons. He has a great new rescue dog named Dexter.
Cari loves people and has been in the customer service and sales industry for 20 years. She is JA and GIA certified. She loves selling engagement rings the most because she is able to bring both budget and desires together to make the perfect ring for each couple. Cari is a hard-worker, always eager to help, and a joy to work with. She loves to flower garden and spoil her Chihuahua Lucy.
Erin is a seasoned Bench Jeweler and has been in the jewelry business for 13 years. She has an Associates Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, but her dad convinced her to take a jewelry class for fun. She never looked back and has continued to grow and learn with an unending passion for knowledge of the industry. Erin obtained her Graduate Gemology degree from Gemological Institute of America in 2009. Aside from jewelry, Erin enjoys quilting and gardening. She has several cats and a dog named Penny.
Kristi is a new addition to the team and leading our digital presence. A self-proclaimed “creative type”, her background is in art, graphic design, and web design. Kristi handles our Marketing efforts, digital content, e-commerce, merchandising, and events. She is fashion and jewelry-obsessed, loves to travel, and is an aunt to six, dog mom to two, and proud wifey to Nathan.