BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATE INTRODUCTIONS
BALLOTS DUE JUNE 7TH There are two (2) open seats for the RJO Board of Directors. Please review the enclosed introduction sheets and submit your electronic ballot.
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Read why candidates want to serve on the RJO Board of Directors View what they hope to accomplish during their tenure on the board Learn about their experiernces in the industry and their communities
AG BECKER INCUMBENT
40 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 1980
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? I am running for re-election to the RJO Board of Directors to continue to see through the policies and procedures we have put in place and ensure their enforcement. I want to help with the continued growth of RJO - a growth that has been established and recognized throughout our industry. This past year has been quite the challenge dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic on every level. There were many zoom meetings held between the Board of Directors and the Executive Board while we navigated unchartered waters to help maintain a positive balance sheet for the corporation. CEO Sarah Streb and the RJO team were instrumental in RJO remaining successful this past year, along with the Board's guidance and the support on many vendors and members. Because of this, I truly believe we are the best professional group in the industry! I would like to continue to serve as a member of your Board of Directors to see that RJO continues to grow steadily, yet safely, into the future. I am and have always been a huge supporter of all aspects of RJO and what it does for our members and stands for in our industry. Serving on your Board of Directors is my way of giving back to an industry that has given so much to my family. I am a proud to be in the jewelry industry and want to continue to help others with their own success stories.
CONTACT INFORMATION Becker Jewelers Inc. Phone: (618) 526 - 7145 Email: agb@beckerjewelers.com Store Address: 315 N. Main Street Breese, IL 62230
Most importantly, I would like to continue to help RJO thrive through the pandemic and beyond and to see RJO come out stronger than ever. In doing so, I would like to find more ways to help our jewelers increase their profit. I want to continue to focus on the fiscal responsibility of all members and to increase our patronage dividend. As a coop I will make sure all voices are heard, no matter the size or volume of the store.
CAREER OVERVIEW I began engraving, fitting watch crystals and doing odd jobs at the age of 10 at my dad's store and continued through high school. I attended Trenton Jewelers School at the age of 16 learning diamond setting and jewelry repair. During college, I continued training through the G.I.A. home study courses and hold certificates in Diamonds, Diamond Grading, and Gem Identification. In addition, I participated in online courses from the Diamond Council of America, and am a certified senior management professional (CSMP) through Jewelers of America. I have owned and operated our store since 1989 and have been an active member of RJO since 1978.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: I received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing specializing in Advertising in 1986. I had served on the RJO Merchandise Review Committee for three years prior to being elected to the Board of Directors. I was also a founding board member of your RJO Foundation. In my home state, I had served on the Illinois Jewelers Association Board of Directors for 7 years in which I co-chaired the annual convention. Locally I am an active member of the Breese Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Board of Directors, and have been in charge of many citywide promotions and events. In addition, I actively support our local hospital and schools and have been involved in many of their respective fundraisers.
JEFF WICKERSHAM INCUMBENT
LIFETIME IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 1995
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? I have learned through good and hard times. The knowledge that I have received both from vendors and members ultimately helps RJO and it's members. At least I would hope so! I have been honored to sit on the RJO board and Chairperson of the MRC. What makes it the best...the people I work with in RJO. They all have the passion and integrity to make this the best organization in our industry. I can not say enough good things about Sarah Streb and the gals that work at the office. They are the ones who make us jewelers better through RJO. Giddy Up!
CONTACT INFORMATION Wickersham Jewelry Inc. Phone: (715) 355-5987 Email: jeff@wickershamjewelry.com Store Address: Rothschild, Marshfield and Rhinelander, WI
RJO is continuing to grow. The challenges we face change yearly. The cohesiveness the board has now helps us adapt to issues quickly. I'm very proud to sit on this board with these intelligent jewelers. We have a good thing and I only want to see RJO grow while still being beneficial to our members (owners) of this organization. As I've always stated, my phone and email are always open for conversation. I won't sugarcoat anything. You should have the respect that anyone in RJO deserves, especially because our members are the owners!
CAREER OVERVIEW I have sat on Wisconsin Jewelers Assoc. as a board member and president. I sat on the board of Midwest Jewelers Assoc. I have been on the RJO board for close to 20 years. At this time I am Vice President of RJO and Chairperson of the MRC (Merchandise Review Committee).
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: I believe my biggest asset is being involved with one of the best committees in our industry, MRC. These jewelers put in a lot of heartfelt dedication. They deserve a shout out for what they all do! The MRC is more time consuming then anyone can imagine. MRC has countless hours dealing and negotiating with vendors. MRC has over 100 vendors a year apply. We try to find the best fit for our members. As for our local community, that is our world. I'm involved in many different groups and organizations. I believe you get back what you give.
CHAD BENTER CANDIDATE
27 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 1966
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? Being the next generation of jewelers it’s our duty to step up and make sure RJO continues. My grandfather and a handful of other jewelers started RJO and I feel it is my duty to continue in his footsteps. I have grown up in the RJO family and feel it’s only natural for me to do my part in the industry. Growing up in a jewelry store setting I was exposed to the industry at an early age. My family vacations were planned around RJO shows. I had show friends that we only saw each other at the shows. I have met many great people throughout the years and have built great relationships through the RJO family. I know I will be a great asset to the board. Every day in this industry you gain so much knowledge that I am eagerly taking it all in. Thank you for the opportunity.
CONTACT INFORMATION VanDenover Jewelry Phone: (319) 283 - 3023 Email: info@vandenover.com Store Address: 1 East Charles Oelwein, IA 50662
Be a productive member and bring new ideas to the board.
CAREER OVERVIEW After graduating high school, I went on to Minneapolis Tech to study jewelry repair and design. Once I completed the courses in 1994 I moved back and worked with my parents at VanDenover Jewelry. I have completed courses from GIA in diamond grading, gemstone identification and colored stone grading. In 2019 I purchased the store from my parents. We were a founding member we of RJO.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: Jewelry Repair and Design degree at Minneapolis Tech. Earned my Accredited Jewelry Professional from GIA. Currently serve on the board of directors for the Oelwein Chamber of Commerce. Chairman of Planning & Zoning in Hazleton, IA (my hometown) Treasurer of local trap shooting club
LINDA BROWN CANDIDATE
36 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 2019
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? I would like to be more involved in the jewelry industry & RJO.
CONTACT INFORMATION Heritage Jewelers Phone: (931) 684-3115 Email: lindabrown730@yahoo.com Store Address: 108 Public Sq East Shelbyville, TN 37160
Work on bringing more educational programs to the membership.
CAREER OVERVIEW My ex-husband & I started business in 1985. I began by setting up & maintaining POS & accounting systems. Helped with buying & display, along with sales. After divorcing in 2010, I took over full time operation & management of store. I completed the GIA AJP, counter sketch training & have strived to increase my jewelry knowledge.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: Degree in accounting, GIA AJP, Graduate degree in business education. Involved in local community - past downtown merchant group president, serve on Habitat for Humanity board, United Way Board, Served as Rotary Club secretary & treasurer, served on Chamber of Commerce advisory board, past PTO President, past local swim team computer operator & vice-president, Sunday school teacher, hand bell choir.
CHRISTINE DAHLKEMPER CANDIDATE
27 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 2019
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? I believe I would bring a fresh perspective to the board since we have only been members of RJO for a couple years. I enjoy learning new things and getting things done. The educational part of the shows are so important and I would like to see that possibly expand. The networking is fantastic and I would love to participate more in helping newer members assimilate into RJO. I believe I have a lot to offer, as well as learn. Representing our group would be an honor and I would take the responsibility very seriously. I have been on buying committees for various categories of merchandise from the old catalog showroom days and I understand vendor relationships quite well. I also understand finance and numbers and believe that I can be a thoughtful, moderate, intelligent participant on the Board of Directors. Thank you for your consideration.
CONTACT INFORMATION Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection Phone: (814) 868 - 1910 Email: cad6845@gmail.com Store Address: 6845 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
I would like to continue, and perhaps expand, the excellent level of networking and educational opportunities that RJO provides to it's members. I would love to find healthcare and insurance alternatives for all members. I would also like to see specific succession planning seminars that integrate with NextGen. I believe that succession planning is one of the biggest needs of independent jewelry store owners that is not being met. We need to teach the owners to put a plan in place and then work the plan for a successful retirement! It needs to be a five to ten year plan.
CAREER OVERVIEW My career began when I was hired at a catalog showroom in the mid-80's. That chain closed and I co-founded our current retail jewelry store in 1995.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: I have served as President of the Board of a local homeless shelter, Parish council at my church, CCD teacher, currently a guest lecturer for a business management master's class for several years, and prior leadership roles in many capacities in my children's schools as well as various charities.
MARK LOREN CANDIDATE
41 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 2018
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? I feel I can contribute my extensive experience in jewelry design (multiple Spectrum Awards and local awards) as well as my experience serving on current and past Boards to the betterment of our members. Our store is consistently in the top ten rated stores out of the 160 on the Edge Retail reports in the largest store category. In my opinion, the RJO is the best industry organization for jewelers available. The relationships discovered and nurtured between other members and vendors are crucial to our continued success as the best. I feel that my contribution to the Board as a successful Jewelry Designer/ Artist and businessman would assist in adding creativity to the decisionmaking process for our members.
CONTACT INFORMATION Mark Loren Designs, Inc. Phone: (239) 482 - 4664 Email: marklorensan@gmail.com Store Address: 13351 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919
I would like to be able to add the perspective of a successful custom jeweler (40yrs) to the repertoire of our group. I feel it would be valuable to not only add jewelry vendors but additional suppliers who can aid our members in developing their own brands and personal style to their store’s identity. Also to aid our members with new inventory strategies that would aid them in the long term.
CAREER OVERVIEW Created jewelry in high school then went on to attend Gem City College School of Horology and graduated with certificates in watchmaking, diamond setting and jewelry repair. Apprenticed on the north shore of Chicago with an amazing custom goldsmith then went on to work at various fine retail jewelers until moving to SW Florida to help my employer open a new store. Stayed in SWFL and opened a trade shop doing work for 12 local retail stores then opened my retail gallery in 1985. Currently have 13 staff.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: GIA DCG, currently serve on our local Board of directors for Artfest, on the local Board for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, local Foundation Board for Lee County Public Schools, affiliate Board member for Harlem Heights Foundation. Past Board Chair for the American Cancer Society and Lifetime Excalibur member of same. Former State of Florida Board member for American Cancer Society. Former Board member of Fort Myers Symphony Orchestra, Jewelry industry speaker and coach including Chicago and Atlanta SMART shows as well as local public speaker on behalf of the retail Jewelry Industry.
DOUG MEADOWS CANDIDATE
49 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 2015
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? I'm confident I could, with the help of the Board, help bring RJO to a new level. I believe I can help make a difference. It would be an honor and a privilege to be a part of the RJO Board of Directors
CONTACT INFORMATION David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry Phone: (770) 578 - 0598 Email: doug@daviddouglas.com Store Address: 3605 Sandy Plain Rd., Suite 260 Marietta, GA 30066
I would like with the help of the Board to find ways to take RJO to the next level. Find ways to help members that want to, take their business to the next level Improve our website Develop tools that would help out members Improve Vendor / Retailer relationships To make RJO the strongest and most desirable membership in our industry
CAREER OVERVIEW I'm a 3rd generation jeweler and a 1st generation retailer. My Grandfather had a trade shop in Detroit that my dad and uncle took over. Began working/apprenticing at the shop when I was 13 years old (I'm 62 now). Then in my 20's I was introduced to the retail side of the industry. At 23 years old I left Detroit and moved to Atlanta. I went into partnership with a friend and begged & borrowed the money to buy a store in a major mall. After 2 years we successfully ran it into bankruptcy. Then in 1985 I talked my brother into moving to Atlanta and we took our first names and created David Douglas Diamonds. 15 years ago my Brother & I split up the company. He kept the Woodstock location and I kept the Marietta location. Currently it is my son Joseph and I running the company.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: 39 years of being in business. Currently on the Board of Directors of Life School International Currently on the Advisory Board for Perspective Ministries Past participation on the RJO Foundation Board Two years with Stuller Chairman's Advisory Council
JOE SCHIAVONE CANDIDATE
7 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 1999
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? As a member of the board I want to be available to anyone who needs a helping hand. I have always had a servant heart and want to see others succeed. I want to help develop the proper tools for this to happen. My door is always open. I will always lend a helping hand.
CONTACT INFORMATION Z's Fine Jewelry Phone: (623) 374 - 7706 Email: joe@zsfinejewelry.com Store Address: 7547 W Greenway Rd. Suite 580, Peoria, AZ 85381
As a member of the board I would like to utilize my years in the corporate world to help develop our family businesses. I want to help grow our industry to the next level. I used my past experiences and current to take our family business into the new generation and hope to help others do the same.
CAREER OVERVIEW I joined our family business in 2014 with intentions of purchasing the business from my in-laws. In January of 2021 my wife Brooke and I accomplished just that. Since then I have learned day-to-day operations as well as the following: Vendor relations Purchasing Cultivating New Business Marketing Strategies HR Responsibilities Community Development I currently sit on the RJO Next Gen Board where I have helped develop our curriculum and cultivate our following.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: I currently sit on the RJO Next Gen board. I am the treasurer for the Peoria Education Foundation. I spent 11 years as Vice President of Sales for a large corporation. I recently went through a purchase of our business.
STEVE SWAN CANDIDATE
45 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 1995
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? As a 25-year member of RJO, I would like the opportunity to give back to the membership. By volunteering my time and experience I would like to help guide the future of RJO. I have dedicated my entire career to the jewelry industry and have many years of experience in the retail, chain and guild jewelry divisions. In addition to 33 years of ownership of Swan Jewelers, these experiences have given me a unique view of the entire jewelry industry. Serving on a variety of boards and committees over the years in my hometown has taught me to put aside my individual opinions and do what is best for the community. I would use that experience to make decisions as an RJO board member, and make every decision based on what is the best for RJO and its membership.
CONTACT INFORMATION Swan Jewelers Diamonds & Gold Phone: (651) 345 - 3825 Email: steve@swanltd.com Store Address: 109 E. Center St. Lake City, MN 55041
Continue to promote advanced education for the members through RJO shows and seminars. Keep members up to date with the use of constantly changing technology in the jewelry industry, such as 3D modeling and CAD, Facebook and other social media. Find ways to adopt RJO overseas buying trips in Antwerp/Idar-Oberstein for more member benefits Continue to support and encourage donating to charities through the RJO Foundation.
CAREER OVERVIEW 1976-1978 Crescent Jewelers, La Crosse, WI Sales 1978-1980 Mark Jewelers, La Crosse, WI Sales 1980-1983 Zales Jewelers, Rochester, MN Sales, Manager trainee, La Crosse, WI Manager 1983-1988 Condon Jewelers, Janesville, WI Manager 1988 to present Swan Jewelers Diamonds & Gold, Lake City, MN Owner
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: Swan Jewelers, 1988 to present, Owner Radio Shack, 1991- 2010. Owner Lake City Fire Department 1991-2008 Volunteer Firefighter and Past President Relief Association Lake City Marina, 9-year Board Member and Past President Lake City Chamber of Commerce 33-year Member, and Past President Lake City Lions Club, 15-year member and Past President Lake City Safety Board, 8-year member and Past President Lake City Sportsmen Club, 30-year member
BILL WARREN CANDIDATE
40 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY RJO MEMBER SINCE 2017
GOALS FOR RJO WHY THE RJO BOARD? Being an industry veteran who has worn most every hat a jeweler can wear...I have a very unique viewpoint that perhaps many don't have. If elected, I will work with the entire board to bring new ideas and help RJO be even more successful than it already is.
CONTACT INFORMATION The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc. Phone: (828) 726 - 1009 Email: goldman86@bellsouth.net Store Address: 545 Main Street Hudson, NC 28638
I would love to aid in bringing new vendors to RJO as well as helping its members find success through cutting-edge technology and helping them realize they have untapped, undiscovered revenue streams right under their nose.
CAREER OVERVIEW My career began as a goldsmith's apprentice then as a goldsmith in my own right. I also learned lapidary, watch repair and I am a registered gemologist. After managing several stores for others, my wife Angie & I opened our own store in the small western NC town of Hudson. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment was learning to become a strong marketer for my own store and because of that success, another business grew out of the original jewelry store which is "Diamond" Bill Marketing. I am the founder of the Ultimate Jewelers Mastermind Group and enjoy helping other jewelers attain success through innovative direct response marketing and in finding multiple revenue streams for their stores. My book "The Fastest Way To A Full Recovery - 5 Profit Enhancing Strategies Jewelers Can Use Today To Create A Thriving Business" was #1 on Amazon for eight days & has sold thousands of copies and helped many independent jewelers.
EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE Experience and expertise that may contribute to RJO: My wife and I are very involved in church and I have served as both deacon and interim pastor. I am a Registered Gemologist Appraiser (ISG), served on our local bank board, former president of Hudson Community Development Association and served 12 years as Town Commissioner and Mayor Pro Temp of Hudson, NC.