An employee who sets the gold standard of service for every Borsheims customer was named this year’s Ike-It Employee of the Year. Rachel Bennett, Senior Jeweler at Borsheims, was presented with the award on February 17th after being nominated and selected by her colleagues. The award is named for longtime Borsheims owner Ike Friedman, who passed away in 1991.
Rachel began her career at Borsheims in 2004 as a sales associate in the Gift Gallery before transitioning into the role of Apprentice Jeweler. Over the years, she has taken on new challenges that have expanded her role within the company. In 2022, Rachel was selected to learn computer-aided design (CAD) and help develop Borsheims custom jewelry design program. Since then, she has completed several advanced CAD courses, dedicating countless hours to refining Borsheims digital design capabilities. Most recently, in 2025, she finished a custom ring hand-fabrication class.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Creighton University. She and her fiancé reside in Omaha, Nebraska; both are transplants to the city, having met there after growing up outside the United States.
Borsheims CEO and President Karen Goracke applauded Rachel for her passion and commitment to the company’s core values. “Rachel is an integral part of our Shop team. Her presence strengthens our team dynamic, and she consistently goes the extra mile for both her customers and coworkers.”
Rachel’s Borsheims colleagues nominated her and voted for her to win this prestigious award. Their feedback includes:
- Rachel is amazing! She is always willing and able to help with any customer. She understands that we are all here for the customer and providing exceptional service to them. She takes the time to explain repairs to you so that you can explain it to the customer. She is friendly, fun and wickedly smart.
- Rachel does a lot of different jobs and is constantly working on expanding her skillset. She is always kind and happy to help others.
- She is a dedicated employee and fine craftsman. Her work in CAD is an excellent addition to Borsheims.
- Rachel is always considerate when she asks for help. She is a great teacher and has helped me grow as a polisher. She explains details to you so you can learn. I am grateful to have her as someone to look up to in the Shop.
- Rachel always works with sales associates to determine the right outcome for the customer. She is thoughtful, considerate and detail oriented.
- Rachel exemplifies the qualities of a true “Ike-It” winner through her unwavering dedication to our customers. She consistently prioritizes the needs of each client, ensuring their satisfaction remains at the heart of her work.
Borsheims’ Ike-It Employee of the Year Award is named for and is a tribute to Ike Friedman, who owned Borsheims from 1947 to 1989. The honor was started in 1992, the year following Friedman’s passing. It is awarded annually to one associate who embodies Borsheims’ commitment to customer service and who demonstrates the company’s core values. This year marks the 34th anniversary that Borsheims has given the award.
