JMK Shows Celebrate 40 Years in Antiques Show Management
Contact:
Allison Kohler, President
JMK Shows & Events
(973) 927-2794
JMK Shows is proud to announce their 40th year in the antiques show management business. The very first show was staged in June of 1972. The company was founded by Rona and Jesse Kohler, who sought to provide shows that had quality antiques paired with affordable prices. The Kohlers had worked with several charities, including UNICEF, the American Cancer Society, and the Lion’s Club, running antiques shows. Everything changed when, in 1972, several dealers who had done their charity shows approached the couple and asked them if they would take over the Meadowbrook, NJ, show, which needed a new manager. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Meadowbrook changed from a dinner theater to a disco in the late ‘70s, and the manager took a new job at a place called Birchwood Manor. the show continues in that location to this day. It was listed in CountryHome Magazine as one of the “100 Hot Antiques Shows” in America.
In a reminiscent mood, Rona Kohler told of the days when Governor Kean issued a proclamation declaring “Antiques Appreciation Days” for the state of New Jersey, in commemoration of Birchwood Manor, the state’s oldest show. He arrived at the show in his limousine with his security guards. This was in the 1980s, and the tradition continued for several years during the dates of Birchwood Manor. “We always dressed up for our shows,” said Mrs. Kohler. “Jesse wore a tux and I wore an evening gown. The show had an elegant look, and so did we.” She added, “We always required our dealers to give a guarantee—I think we were the first ones to do this.”
In 2001 their daughter, Allison, took the reins, and is now president of JMK. .She has worked diligently to build on the foundation created by her parents and now has fourteen antiques shows plus some beer festivals.
The shows cover every possible aspect of the antiques and collectibles market, and include higher end venues such as Alexandria, Virginia, White Plains, New York, Sarasota, Florida, and Morristown, New Jersey. On the other end of the spectrum is Atlantic City, where almost anything can be found, from 18th century candlesticks to vintage toys to jewelry to 1950s lunchboxes. The always popular Doll and Teddy Bear Show is held annually in November in Teaneck, New Jersey. Many of the shows have extra features. In the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut shows, there are glass and china restorers, as well as certified appraisers to help people value their treasures.
From the exhibitors’ point of view, JMK provides extensive advertising and publicity, always with the dealers’ success in mind. “If the dealers don’t do well, they won’t come back, and then there is no show,” said Kohler. “We do everything we can to make the dealers welcome and comfortable at our shows.” If an exhibitor has an anniversary or a birthday, there will always be a friendly acknowledgment of the event....a lovely wine basket or a birthday cake. This is a tradition begun by Rona and Jesse Kohler. They would even cook a Thanksgiving dinner for the dealers during their Thanksgiving show, and would throw a New Year’s party for the exhibitors at the New Year’s show. And from the point of view of the public, Allison Kohler is always there to greet the customers with a smile, and bid them farewell as they are leaving.
Allison Kohler is one of the most enthusiastic young show managers in the business. Her passion for what she does, and her obvious affection for the people she works with, add up to a winning combination that communicates itself to both her exhibitors and the public.
For a complete listing of JMK shows, visit jmkshows.com .