As I walked past the Plaza Hotel on a glorious May morning in 1994, I heard someone call out,

Warren Buffett! Turning in the direction of the voice, I saw a woman,

stop Buffett on the sidewalk and start a friendly conversation with him.

Buffett listened patiently to the woman who, as it turned out, was a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway.

At the time, the legendary investor was the second richest man in the United States.

As it happened I was in New York that day to meet with our financial advisors at

Morgan Stanley to talk about our company which at the the time operated 143 jewelry stores nationwide.

Personally, I felt uncomfortable expanding the company beyond my ability to know every single manager on a first name basis.

We had grown well beyond that point and we were still growing.

We had no interest in going public.

And we certainly didn't want some financial butcher

carving up this jewel and selling it piecemeal. As the woman said her

goodbyes and turned to go and as Buffett prepared to cross the street I saw my own opportunity.

Stepping forward I thrust out my hand.

Hello Mr. Buffett I said I'm Barnett Helsburg of Helsburgs in Kansas City. I didn't sense any

recognition in his face but he politely shook my hand and said hello willing to

hear me out. Then right there on the sidewalk I told one of the most astute businessmen in America

why he ought to consider buying our family's 79 year old jewelry business.

I believe that our company matches your criteria for investment, I said.

To which he replied simply, send me the information, it will be confidential.

My conversation with Buffett lasted no more than half a minute. My idea, of course, was to grab

his attention. How often do you encounter Warren Buffett on a sidewalk and peak his curiosity in your family company.

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