The Visionary
“I love to find something different for the business, whether it’s a gripping new work by a designer or creating a custom accessory alongside an artist” – Todd Rauchwerger, CEO
Since starting out as a part time salesperson at $3.50 an hour in the store’s earliest days and then becoming the owner of the business in 1998, the visionary and man behind the J.W. Cooper name, Todd Rauchwerger has been steering its success – one amazing hand-crafted creation at a time.
Featuring a core compilation and ever-changing assortment of luxury accessories for men and women, including handmade solid gold belt buckles, sterling silver buckles, exotic and designer belts, one-of-a-kind pocket knives, alligator boots, luxury pens, timepiece cuff links and mammoth ivory carvings, among other unique works of art, Rauchwerger is relentlessly on the hunt for the next beguiling piece to put on exhibit. His foresight routinely captures national media attention, landing J.W. Cooper editorial coverage in leading publications, such as Robb Report, The New York Times and Elite Traveler, and further cementing the brand’s foothold in this special luxury arena.
After three decades of steering his Bal Harbour and New York City stores to success, Rauchwerger predicts a day when his loyal customers will have the opportunity to enjoy shopping with J.W. Cooper in additional markets in the U.S. and overseas, while introducing a fresh audience to the J.W. Cooper name.
Regardless of how much he grows the company or how much prestige it receives, one element will remain a constant with Rauchwerger: the joy he receives from seeing the look of amazement on every customer who walks through his doors and hearing them say, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
And that, precisely, is the point–a point which some clients take quite seriously, requesting custom-designed buckles and jewelry pieces for themselves or as gifts. In fact, Rauchwerger takes great pride in knowing his clients can indulge in custom pieces exclusively designed by an artist. Every piece is a work of art, and goes beyond being simply an accessory.
