“RJO has been, and still is a cornerstone in the success of our business I believe it is paramount that we become good stewards to this industry and give back to the organization that has been so good to myself and my family. I am passionate about this business and RJO. We truly have something uniquely special in this industry, and I plan to use my experience and common sense to see its continued growth and maintain a family atmosphere prosper in the years to come. ”
Worked as manager, and assistant District Manager for national chain before studying in residence at GIA, then into the family business. Purchased business in 1987. Expanded to second store in 2004, Built freestanding store in 2006.
Protect and continue the strength of the patronage dividend which I believe has been a large part of the success of RJO
Attract quality new members
Maintain a balance of education, networking, and creating a family atmosphere
Recognize and encourage the great efforts of the members of Merchandise Review Committee, the Next Gen, and the RJO Foundation
Graduate Gemologist (GIA)
Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS)
Past President of the Iowa Jewelers Association
Owner of the longest continuous membership of RJO
Current board member of RJO for many years
Board of Directors Chamber of Commerce, various committees
Actively Involved in St. Johns/St. Paul’s Parish and Notre Dame Schools
Past President - Rotary
“I believe RJO is responsible, in large part, for helping me grow as an businesswoman It has also helped me grow my business I would welcome an opportunity to give back to an organization that has offered & continues to offer me a place to connect, learn and achieve. I want to be able to help others do the same. I have always held the belief: you get out of it what you put into it. A position on the RJO Board of Directors will allow me to be accountable and I will work effortlessly to provide a venue to do that. It's my time to work & it would be a privilege to serve on the RJO Board of Directors."
I was very fortunate to have had not only my family, but also a wonderful group of retail jewelers in my state who helped me "grow up" in this industry They answered questions, made suggestions & taught me so much about this business My store has been a part of my family since the early '40s beginning with my great uncles & my grandparents My dad eventually took over & built our store's name I came into the business a couple of years after graduating college in 1995. When my father retired in 1999, I took over the reins & became an owner in 2010 We are located in a historic and thriving downtown, one door north of our original site which opened in 1878 Today, we continue on as a full-service jewelry store with an on-site bench jeweler I strive to find ways to adjust, grow & provide an avenue of interest, quality and ethics to both my employees and my customers alike.
Having sat on RJO's Board of Directors since 2017, I have seen & participated in the growth of our membership I have witnessed the direct increase to our collective power within the industry And I'm proud to have helped navigate through the craziness of Covid When tested, our members solidly stepped up to the plate with their responsibilities which allowed RJO to fulfill its obligations to our vendors without interruption We are a strong & well-prepared organization!
But there's always more work to be done And I would be honored, as one of your Board of Directors, to work on the following:
Continue to grow the membership while making certain that our small independent jewelers always have the opportunity to compete
Maintain and create strong links between members: both retailerto-retailer as well as retailer-to-vendor
Continue offering the most advanced and streamlined tools for our organization
Expand on educational opportunities; seek out fresh & unique seminars
Encourage the growth of the Next Gen's & the RJO Foundation's accomplishments
Ensure clear communication between the MRC and the Board as well as the Vendor Advisory Committee and to each member via email blasts, the RJO website & newsletters
Increase the power of our dividend
Continuously review, refine & add membership benefits to maintain current member participation & increase new membership
Expand our reach & power of the Overseas Buying Trips: As a host & fellow retail traveler, I am passionate about what this event offers & want to see our jewelers take advantage, benefit from & expand their businesses with it.
Increase brand recognition and influence of the RJO name; work with other organizations to maintain, grow & promote the power of independents within the industry
Encourage growth and diversity within our Leadership Committees while maintaining the historical integrity which is RJO's foundation
Continue to advocate for well-led leadership roles within each committee where ideas, issues & growth can be made in an open & forward thinking organization
Ethical & Responsible Businesswoman continuing & growing store's profitability
Business owner since 2010
RJO Board of Directors: 2017 - Current
RJO Foundation Board Member: 2015 - 2016
European Branding Opportunity (Rock Tour Host): 2022Current
Rock Tour Retail Traveler: 2012 - Current
Past president NESD Jeweler's Association: 2009 - 2011
Gemologist, GIA: 2002
BNI Member: 2019 - Current
Past Board Member Kearney Centre Association
Past Board Member Downtown Kearney, Organization Committee
School Improvement Committee, Meadowlark Elementary
Past Board Member Kearney Public Schools Foundation: 2019 - 2020
Active member of First United Methodist Church
Piano & Voice Teacher
Member Platte River Singers
Mentor/Speaker/Participant in conjunction with University of NE at Kearney Marketing Classes (undergraduate & graduate levels)
Active supporter: Kearney Safe Center; Make-a-Wish; Kenna's Rae of Hope; Custer County Foundation; Kearney Humane Society; Kearney Community Theater; Kearney Catholic High School Foundation; Kearney Public Schools Foundation; Bearcat Boosters; UNK Boosters & more
I have always been driven to search out the best tools and resources available for my success & I also have the desire to help others succeed. It is important to me to be an active participator in RJO & bring our combined success to a higher level. I represent a small store, understanding very well the challenges and needs that small stores struggle with to survive. I understand the changing atmosphere of consumer purchasing and its effects on small business. A large number of small independents make up the majority of retail membership within RJO and we need to be certain that our voice is heard. There are things that mom & pops can't compete with; but professionalism, quality, integrity and hard work will always make us viable I will work to provide avenues to take each of our businesses to our own individual next level and help guarantee the success that we all work hard to attain
“With a finance career prior to my involvement in the jewelry industry, I bring expertise not only from a jeweler's perspective, but also from a business perspective. With over 20 years in accounting and finance, I have skills and knowledge from that career that benefits RJO and its’ members I love marketing, brainstorming, and networking and being a part of the RJO leadership team has provided a great opportunity for me to give back to the jewelry industry. "
I started working part time for an independent jeweler in 1998, and in 2002 I went out on a diamond studded limb and opened my own jewelry store. After 20 years in business, I am proud to be one of the successful and respected womanowned businesses in my community. As a GIA graduate and with 25 years of business experience I understand the jewelry industry from most every perspective. Yet I know there is always more to learn.
Having served the past 7 years on the RJO Board of Directors, it has been an incredible growing and learning experience. I have actively worked with our new membership programs and have been involved with mentoring and facilitating some of these events. I have been very involved in creating and hosting the brain gain breakout sessions and have built so many great relationships because of these events. I will continue to be your voice, working to strengthen the RJO organization as we grow, and bring new benefits to the RJO membership. I am honored to co-host our European Rock Tour with Erika Godfrey, and we are excited to have seen tremendous growth Together we will continue to build the RJO overseas buying trips, and promote the many benefits gained from this experience
I am very much a "hands on" business owner and work extensively with marketing, sales, and day-to-day business operations This has given me a keen understanding of every facet of the jewelry business I have strong vendor relationships and believe creating a team with our vendor partners also contributes to RJO’s overall success Balancing progressive and common sense thinking has been critical as we think about the future of the independent jewelry industry More than 20 years of experience in the finance and accounting industry give me a business perspective that can benefit RJO as we continue to grow. I chaired an 11 state credit union board of directors for six years, and I have served for nine years on a regional loan committee which funds small businesses. I work with our Chamber of Commerce, I serve on our hospital board of directors, and volunteer on several youth and small business committees within the region.
Since a jewelry class in high school where we actually cast silver rings and did glass enamel I have always wanted to own my own jewelry store. But when I graduated college no one was going to give me my own store. So I worked my way up in manufacturing for twenty years until I could afford to buy a good store The store had been started in the 70’s and had a great reputation, but it was lacking any computer information system and had absolutely no social media It needed someone that understood jewelry, how to build a team, and implement systems I have had an absolute blast the last six years owning my own jewelry store I love to work with my customers to get them the perfect piece It could be from our vendor partners or a custom that I design with the customers input I would be honored and excited if I could be involved as a board member with RJO.
“I am the next generation of owners. Our generation needs to step up and contribute where we can I would like to see more on the electronic side of things More in the way of internet advertising Google ads, social media, etc "
Attended Minneapolis Tech in the fall of 1993 Studied jewelry repair and design Graduated the following year Moved back to Oelwein in 1994 and started working for my parents as the bench jeweler and diamond sales While working at VanDenover Jewelry I was able to take GIA courses held at the show I completed the Gem Identification, Colored Stone Grading and Diamond Grading classes In 2019 I purchased the jewelry store from my parents. My wife and I currently run the business together.
Continued growth in numbers for RJO. See the next generation of owners thrive and sustain a living in the retail environment.
Minneapolis Tech, 1993-94 GIA courses, 1997,1998,1999 Chairman of P&Z Hazleton, IA, 2014-current Oelwein Community Area Development, 2020-current Treasurer of the Fayette County Conservation Club, 2021current
My grandfather was one of the original stores to establish RJO We have been a part of RJO since the beginning We are a sixty-one year old store with three generations of RJO family I have been a part of that for nearly 30 years At the age of 47 I feel I am ready and excited to help RJO in any aspect they may need me
I joined my Mom and sister, after a short career in accounting There was one store and my Mom knew we needed another location to justify an opportunity to support us all We opened the second location when I returned Shortly thereafter the third sister joined the team as a bench jeweler Another location was added in 2001 and the fourth in 2009 Our mom passed away 28 years ago, and the three sisters are co-owners of Tena’s We continually strive to improve through education, training, being a member of RJO, IJO, AGS, Georgia Jewelers and local organizations in our communities. My daughter, Emily has joined us as a third generation member, which has allowed the three sisters to be more involved in the leadership of the company. It is truly a passion that has been a blessing.
It appears the Board has made tremendous growth in the past few years and has grown RJO as a leader in our industry I would like to see this continued and to be able to accomplish stronger unity, support and leadership in RJO and the jewelry industry
Accountant
AGS Retail Jeweler
AGS and GIA Diamond, Colored Stone and Leadership Training
Georgia Jewelers - Past President (2 terms)
Local Chamber of Commerce - Past President, Elberton, Georgia
Elberton Rotary Club - Past President
Local hospital Foundation former Board Member
Founder - Camp Newford, Christian camp for children
It would be an honor and privilege to be considered for a Board Member of RJO
“Being a member of a family jewelry business, I want to ensure our industry continues to the highest standards in all areas As a Board Member, this would give me an opportunity to work with fellow jewelers to expand on this mission "
“I believe I would bring a fresh perspective to the board since we have only been members of RJO for four 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, as well as network with more current members "
My career began when I was hired at a catalog showroom in the mid-80's and I worked in every department. That chain closed and I co-founded our current retail jewelry store in 1995. While raising five children, I worked full-time on the sales floor, as well as performed duties in buying, accounting, technology, advertising, human resources, and everything else behind the scenes. We are currently preparing for a third generation succession and I am heavily invested in the future success of our store as well as the success of all RJO members!
I would like to continue, and perhaps expand, the excellent level of networking and educational opportunities that RJO provides to its members I would love to find healthcare and insurance alternatives for all members I would also like to see continued 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 Another great need is tighter inventory management 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.
In addition to my career experience noted above, I served as President of the Board of a local homeless shelter, Parish council at my church, CCD teacher, 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. I am also an expert event and travel planner!
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 as well as a buyer for our store since 1995. I understand the importance of vendor relationships quite well. I also understand finance and believe that I can be a thoughtful, moderate, intelligent participant on the Board of Directors. I will keep an open mind, do the due diligence required and keep the best interests of the whole group at the forefront of decision making. Thank you for your consideration!
“The Retail Jewelers Organization is great, but I believe that it can be made even better. I think with some minor improvements to the polish and symmetry, we can create a Triple EX organization. I believe with my in-depth knowledge and experiences within the jewelry industry along with my ability to listen to others and express my opinion, I can provide a great service to the RJO family "
My origins within the jewelry industry started at the age of 13, where I started cutting and polishing amber. In 1988, I immigrated to the United States of America from the former Soviet Union. I had $200 in my pocket, a family, and some big dreams. I opened a small jewelry booth in a flea market, not knowing much English and having no prior business experience. Fast forward 35 years later, I am the proud owner of Henry's Fine Jewelry with two premier locations in upscale neighborhoods in New Jersey that specialize in custom jewelry design, engagement rings, repairs, and appraisal services
Even though I feel RJO runs as a well oiled machine, some improvements and adjustments are necessary with changes in technology, marketplace and betterment of procedures. These also may include the membership, participating vendors quality and quantity, education during the shows, possible group travel outside of the European trip, exchange of best practices and ideas.
As an engineer by education and working in a completely different industry, I truthfully feel that my engineering background helped and is still helping me in running my business. The two skills that I contribute to my background are the ability to hear others and solve problems. I am currently a 12 year chapter member and former Vice President of my local Business Network International chapter and have close ties with my local community.
I want to be your voice within RJO Therefore, I am looking forward to meeting with as many members as I can, hearing your suggestions and concerns. Personally, I love the RJO community and the jewelry industry as a whole. I want you to share in my love and passion for RJO by making it the best it can be.
“I would like to run for the RJO Board of Directors because this unique opportunity would be a tremendous challenge to me as an individual and a small business owner. I possess a variety of professional and interpersonal skills that will not only be a conducive match, but make a positive impact on this organization. By being a part of this organization, I know I will be afforded the incredible opportunity to grow in leadership development, personal aspirations, and diversifying relationships within the organization."
My career in the jewelry industry began in 2015 after I married my husband, Byron Byron's family, the Cones, have been in the jewelry industry since 1954 I began managing the Carlsbad location in March of 2015, and soon also became very active in helping my father-in-law manage the Odessa location I quickly discovered I had an affinity for both sales and the jewelry trade. Under my management our Carlsbad store surpassed a million dollars in gross sales for the first time in its history. Prior to the COVID pandemic our store reached new sales records exceeding 1.8 million dollars. Byron and I purchased both jewelry stores when Bill, Byron's father retired in 2018 I was well prepared and experienced in business management having worked for my own family's businesses since I was very young Before moving over into the Jewelry industry I was a Water Rights and Land Management Specialist for our water transfer company
I have many personal things I'd like to accomplish by joining the RJO Board of Directors, but would also like to contribute my time back to the organization that has helped me grow so much in the industry over the years. Having grown up in various family businesses and managed stores for years I have a deep understanding for business logistics and budgetary practices within the profession I believe my years of personal experience and knowledge in budget planning would be a great asset to the board I would like to help grow the RJO community, help build deeper relationships between the retailers and vendors, develop more opportunities for learning within the organization, and make my time available for any other areas the board may choose to develop or pursuit.
My family has a non-profit that pours into our local community that I have worked closely with for many years They provide clothing and furniture, paying rent and utilities, helping with medical bills etc to individuals throughout Carlsbad and the surrounding areas I have helped with many fundraisers and organized multiple events with them including my yearly favorite, The Christmas Shopee. "The Giving Tree" goes up in our jewelry store every November and is filled with "angels" in need. This past Christmas, Cone Jewelers clients and staff alone provided gifts for over 250 families. Ultimately with this program, Faith Hope & Love provides a full Christmas (food/clothes/stockings/gifts) to over 400 individuals in our community I have completed multiple courses through GIA, and am currently enrolled, hoping to complete the remaider of online course by the end of 2023 I am currently serving on the event committee for an Eddy County Sheriff candidate running in the upcoming election. I have worked closely with Shane Decker for the last 5 years. His guidance and training alone has deepened my knowledge in the jewelry industry tremendously.
"It’s such an impressive group of individuals that only wish success for our partners in retail. Knowing when we meet a new vendor, we are truly getting the best price possible for our clients is a relief. Not to mention the quality has been tested and approved. Our retail stores keep us busy enough in life and buying from RJO gives me a level of confidence my competitors don’t have. I’ve worked bench, manufacturing and retail so I have been exposed to so many levels of this beautiful industry. I would like to preserve the quality, integrity and hopefully encourage future jewelers to carry on the traditions "
Started out as high school student at fourteen years old at a local catalog store “Arthur’s." After graduation I moved to California to attend GIA, the original campus in Santa Monica, and completed graduated jeweler in 1990. I’ve worked as a production manager at a manufacturing company “Namecraft." Moved onto mom and pop store to be a full time bench jeweler. Then went back into retail sales at Tiffany & Co. Decided to finally make my dreams come true and opened my first retail store ten years ago. Diamonds By Dawn LLC Hard to believe it’s been thirty eight years of bling and great memories
I am a newer member of the RJO family, and honestly being self-taught, through trials and errors, I only wish I had access to an organization like this years ago. I am an artist at heart but owning, operating a retail store takes so many levels of expertise With RJO as a partner in life and retail education I have been able to take my company to the next level Anything I could do to support, encourage or to see this organization flourish please count me in
Graduate Jeweler GIA 1990
Deborah Heart Hospital Entertainment committee St Mary’s Church Volunteer religious education
I’ve never considered being a part of such a board, I don’t normally get involved in politics for instance, But if there was anything I could to help, encourage or assist with this fine organization I would love to be apart of it My store was recently burglarized, closed down for two months to repair and reorganize I would like to share my new found knowledge of insurance, security and safety measures for my fellow members I’m still planning on moving to my new location, expanding to 2,500 square ft , added private parking and in creased security Wishing success and many more years of happiness to come our way.
I'm a third generation owner of an 85 year old single location (traditional downtown) independent jewelry store. I grew up in the back room of a jewelry store and swore I'd never follow in my father's footsteps. After three semesters at college, the school and I came to the mutual decision that it wasn't right for me. As I had obligations to my roommates, I took a position with a nationwide home improvement company and quickly learned that I was a skilled salesperson. Two years later they were ready to promote me to store manager My parents had joined RJO (and then IJO) during my absence and were growing My dad asked me to come to a show before I committed to the promotion with ColorTile and that show in February, 1987 was a complete game changer for me For the first time I realized that the jewelry industry was much larger than the back room of a mom and pop store I determined then and there that I could be a succesful jewelry store owner and carry the family tradition forward
I would like to help as many qualified independents realize their full potential through RJO membership
I am a Graduate Gemologist.
I am a past president of my local Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, my church congregation, the JayCees, the BSA Eagle Board and numerous other civic organizations
I'm an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster
I have served three terms on IJO's Board, one term during each owner's tenure
I have not always lead with the heart of a servant leader.
As a younger, cockier business owner, I met Connie and Steve Matsen one year in Antwerp. Their example made a literal life altering difference in how I run my business and family.
I submit this application from a place of humility, eager to serve and eager to learn.
"This organization has blessed my career and I'd like to pay that forward."
I am proud to be the 3rd generation and first female owner of my family's jewelry business As a child, I saw the hard work and passion poured into the business by my grandfather, Marvin, and my father, Ceylon. Like many, my story began by cleaning cases as a child and, little did I know, the seed for my future was planted. I worked every weekend during college, poured my time into my business degree so I could graduate a semester early, then moved to Carlsbad to earn my Graduate Gemologist diploma at GIA As they say, the rest is history My husband, Trevor, and I grew our business to two locations alongside my mentor, my father, and completed a successful business transition One of the best contributions we made as the next generation of our family business was to join RJO
