A Quest for Excellence: The Incredible Story of the Most Beautiful Store in the World

From an unattractive, flat-roofed former produce stand, Ira Jacobson built the world's most beautiful store. This is the story of how he did it.

For 50 years, Brielle Galleries was a world-renowned retail destination filled with the most exquisite collections of porcelain sculptures, crystal, silver, jewelry and other magnificent creations. His legendary events and dedication to customer service earned him a devoted clientele of celebrities, politicians, world leaders, CEOs and people who appreciated the fine and unusual objets d'art in which he specialized.

In these pages, Ira shares both his inspirational story and his business lessons for other entrepreneurs. His story is a true embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit, proving that it's possible to build great things out of courage, determination, and a willingness to break some of the rules.

Over the course of five decades, Ira Jacobson built Brielle Galleries into a $6 million enterprise and one of the country's foremost retailers of luxury goods. Whenever obstacles arose, he found a way to use them to his advantage. In the days before the Internet, Ira created a global client base. When he couldn't find enough fine porcelain to satisfy his client base, he started a porcelain studio. His customers and employees continually marveled at his ability to turn any venture into a successful one.

Ira has received many forms of industry and professional recognition, but the accomplishments in his life he values most include his 50-year marriage to his wife, Helene, with whom he lives on the Jersey Shore; his wonderful and successful children, Lisa Jacobson and Daniel Jacobson, and son-in-law Richard Lubarsky; and his two beloved grandchildren, Julia and Ryan Lubarsky.