Even though he runs a nationally known business, it’s the small things that the President and CEO of Hamilton Jewelers cannot live without
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
You can’t go through Princeton without noticing the half-timbered, Tudor-style edifice that proudly sits on the corner of Witherspoon and Nassau Street. A former Princeton dormitory, the stunning building holds historical significance to the community. Thus, it’s only fitting that it houses Hamilton Jewelers, a business that’s brimming with Princeton pride, fine jewelry, luxury timepieces, and striking home décor.
Hamilton Jewelers’ favorable reputation is rooted in its mission to gain the trust and loyalty of clients by acting responsibly and working ethically. For the past 103 years, Hamilton Jewelers has upheld its name, partly because its business values are also its family values. Just ask CEO Hank Siegel, the third generation of the Siegel family to become president of the firm.
Working for Hamilton since he was a teen, Siegel has become an expert on both Princeton and the jewelry business. Since he was elected president of the company in 1993, Siegel has maintained the excellence of the Hamilton brand while enriching its connection with the Princeton community. more
From celebrating birthdays to frolicking outdoors, the husband and wife team and co-owners of The Farmhouse Store tell us the things they can’t live without
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
The “About Us” page on The Farmhouse Store’s website begins, “Ultimately it’s a family business.” You need not look any further than owners Ron and Kristen Menapace’s list of 10 favorite things for proof of that statement. With their #1 spot going to spending time with their family, it’s clear that the Menapace’s success is rooted in their love for one another. Ron and Kristen aren’t running their highly esteemed home furnishings and accessories store, they can be found motorcycling, traveling, or doing another one of their favorite things listed below. more
From Hemingway and his wife to Small World and Viburnum, Nick Hilton shares the things he cherishes most.
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Around Princeton, Nick Hilton is the go-to guy for fashion. Born into the men’s clothing business, Hilton is now the eponymous owner of one of the finest men and women’s clothing shops in New Jersey. Alongside his fashion-forward wife, Jennifer and daughter, Catherine, Nick Hilton provides his customers a personalized shopping experience complete with style advice, custom-tailored clothing, and a welcoming environment. And while Nick Hilton might be known for his well-dressed exterior, it’s his thoughtfulness that truly set him apart. This is perfectly displayed in his list of 10 favorite things. Though one might expect his list to include designer suits or cufflinks, Hilton brings us through the qualities inherent in the things he loves. From the simplicity of Hemingway’s prose to the virtuosity of Canali clothing, Nick Hilton shares some of his most treasured things with Princeton Magazine. more
Mimi Omiecinski tells Princeton Magazine the people, places and products she can’t live without
Mimi Omiecinski is a Nashville girl who is unapologetic regarding her complete love affair with the host town of the 4th College in the King’s Colony.
“I have fallen completely in love with the town and people of Princeton. I would eBay everything I own to be able to raise my son, date my husband and entertain my friends in Princeton.”
Nine years since she transplanted to Princeton, Mimi is now owner of its #1 Activity on Trip Advisor. Her business, Princeton Tour Company, has recently been recognized as the #1 Tour Operator in the Northeast by AAA Magazine. In addition, she is the founder of a celebration honoring Albert Einstein’s birthday and the number 3.14, Pi Day Princeton, attracting international coverage from the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR and more.
Interestingly enough, this award winning tourism owner has no formal business training and holds no degrees in history. In 1988, she graduated top of her class from the University of Tennessee in Social Work – a training dedicated to building strong individuals, families and communities. Some believe it’s that unconventional approach to business that holds the secret to her success.
Princeton Magazine wanted to see what the irrepressible Princeton autodidact counts as her favorite sources of inspiration and must-haves. more