2024 RJO Board of Directors Election Intros for 2025 Board

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Candidate Introductions 2024

Election Rules:

N ENDS JUNE 3RD

Each dues-paying RJO member store is entitled to cast one vote in the election

You may only vote for up to THREE candidates. If you select more than three candidates, only your first three selections will be counted.

Voting will close at 11:59pm on June 3, 2024.

How to Vote:

Log into RJOmembers.com and click on the RJO Board of Directors Election Button or click the link supplied in your election notification email.

Select your store from the drop down menu.

Select three candidates you wish to vote for by clicking the "Vote" button next to their names. Ensure you only choose three candidates.

Click "Submit" and place your vote.

“I am running for re-election for 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. We all as business owners are facing constant changes and struggles. Our board, along with CEO Sarah Streb and the incredible RJO team, work seamlessly together to help both members and vendors face these challenges and remain successful 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 have owned and operated our store since 1989 and have been an active member of RJO since 1980. I began engraving, fitting watch crystals and doing odd jobs at the age of 10 at my dad's store. Having a natural instinct on how to take things apart and rebuild them, I was always wanting to learn more. I attended Trenton Jewelers School at the age of 16 learning diamond setting and jewelry repair. During college, where I received a Business degree in Marketing and Advertising, I continued training through the G.I.A. home study courses and received certificates in Diamonds, Diamond Grading and Gem Identification In addition, I completed online courses from the Diamond Council of America and am a certified senior management professional(CSMP) through Jewelers of America

Most importantly, I would like to continue to help RJO thrive for many years to come and be stronger than ever. In doing so, I would like to find more ways to help our jewelers be more profitable and to increase our patronage dividend. As a co-op I will make sure all voices are heard, no matter what size or volume of the store.

BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

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 seven 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.

I am, and have always been, a huge proponent of all aspects of RJO This well-respected organization provides so many benefits and opportunities for our members and for our industry as a whole I am honored to be a part of this organization and 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 proud to be in the jewelry industry and want to continue to help others with their own success stories That is what RJO is about, family helping family!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AG'S INTRO VIDEO

“I believe that RJO is an important component in so many small jewelry stores across the country, and I want to help to make it as beneficial to the membership as it can, be that financially, educationally, or with support from other members within the group. ”

I started working on the bench for Doland Jewelers after high school while attending one of the local colleges. After graduating in 2009 I attend GIA in Carlsbad and got my GG. When I returned, I moved into a more managerial role. In 2012 my father and I were approached by a competitor in town whose was interested in selling his store. My brothers, father, and I bought James Martin Jewelers a month later. I took over running day to day operations of James Martin along with marketing, inventory controls, and financial management of the company In 2015 I was elected to the Board of Directors for RJO In 2023 I took over the role of Treasurer for this great company

I would like to increase the educational opportunities for members both at shows and in the individual stores. I also hope to maintain the outstanding dividend returns RJO has had for the last few years.

BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

GIA Graduate Gemologist

RJO Treasurer

RJO Next Gen Advisory Board, inaugural member Founding Member of the Galena Satellite Rotary Club

My family has been involved with RJO since before I can remember. Some of my earliest memories were attending RJO shows with my parents and brothers. My family has been very involved with RJO for years. My father Mike served on the MRC as well as Board of Directors. He was also a member of the RJO Foundation and has continued his support by auctioning off his paintings with all proceeds going to the foundation My brothers and I were all founding members of the Next Generation Board

“I believe with the experience I have on the board along with MRC. I have a good understanding of what makes this organization move in the right direction. I'm very proud where RJO has come from and where it's heading I want to make sure it stays on that course. The MRC is more time consuming then anyone can imagine. MRC has countless hours dealing with vendor issues and negotiations. If something needs to be done, the MRC is always there! Since I have time and space to do so here's a shout out to a the most dedicated, hardworking committee! Tom Nelson, Joanna Gruver, Kendra Harris, Brendon Davis, Cody Miller and Ronnie Godwin. None of this could be done without Sabrina Smead from the RJO office. Thank all of you for making my job easy!”

Born and raised in this industry. My business partner (my sister, Deb) and I own three stores. I have been on several different boards and committees in this industry and others. This organization has gone through scary times, like all of us in 2020. We made it, now stronger then ever. Sitting on this board during those times wasn't easy. We had our promises to our RJO vendors with guaranteed pay. We did that, but with some hard decisions we had to make for our members. Ultimately, it may not have sounded to those who questioned us as a good decision back then, but it ended with a stronger organization So those of you that were members in 2020, thank you for your support

I have been VP of RJO along with Chairperson of the MRC for some time now. I believe we have a great committee that works extremely well together. There's a lot of time and effort that goes into choosing and negotiating with the vendors. Ultimately, MRC is trying to make the best "deal" it can make for all of the members. The MRC has been doing a great job working for this organization, I want to continue in our process to make it even better. I'm always here to listen to you, a member and owner of this organization. Never hesitate to reach out to me about anything.

BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Along with RJO involvement, I sit on a local bank Board of Directors. Along with many community non-profit organizations. Our communities are what made us. You get out, what you put into it.

There's times I'm sure my business partner (my sister), managers, staff, and family think I work more on RJO then our own business I love what I do for this organization!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JEFF'S INTRO VIDEO

“I believe in the impact & future RJO has & what it will contribute to the growth of independent jewelry stores as a whole, nationwide. Since becoming a member of RJO, I've seen the value of the organization to empower & equip me to be a better retailer. The education I've received & friendships I’ve developed have been crucial in the development & success of my store At this stage in my career I feel I can offer back to our cooperative to help fellow jewelers. I think my experience as a store builder/owner coming up from the bench & designer side would be good to add to the Board of Directors.”

I began my jewelry journey in high school, starting off as a repair jeweler. After developing myself at that store a bit, I branched out into more of a designer role. I took advanced stone-setting & GIA Diamond/Color courses along with rendering classes & anticlastic raising. After developing my style, I ended up custom designing for various stores in Hawaii & Florida for 18 years. Twenty-two years ago I opened a small custom shop with a single showcase and expanded into my current location shortly after. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this September

I'd like to offer my experience to the organization coming from the perspective of a younger 1st generation store that has been built up from the bench & design side I feel I offer a unique perspective with my journey developing a successful store as a designer

BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

My store is fairly active in multiple charities in town and has been since our inception. I am currently not serving on any local boards but am now in a position where I can invest more time and give back to organizations, including RJO

We work with the following with both monetary & item donations for silent auctions & support throughout the year: Marineland Turtle Hospital & Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol

Advent Hospital Hospice Foundation

Seawolf Privateers Inc benefiting foster children & reuniting siblings in our county's foster program

Alpha Women's Center Flagler County Education Foundation

Flagler Sheriff's Employee Assistance Trust.

I've participated in three of the European Rock Tours and it's been incredible what that whole experience has done for our diamond sales & overall relationships with customers My son, Gabriel, has been active in the NextGen group for a few years Being able to work with all three of my kids as the store grows and we transition to a NextGen store has been a wonderful asset and I really look forward to helping others through the transition process

C A R E E R I N I N D U S T R Y

I proudly carry on the legacy of our 130-year-old family jewelry business as its 5th generation owner, and I happen to be the first female at the helm My journey in the glittering world of jewelry began even before I could walk, with my parents’ chance encounter at an Illinois Jewelers Association meeting back in '67 proof that love and diamonds truly go hand in hand Mom, ever the savvy businesswoman, strategically avoided being pregnant during the holiday season, ensuring I was practically born with a silver polishing cloth in hand After a detour to Iowa for a degree in business and psychology, I found myself briefly lost in the corporate wilderness before the siren call of family tradition brought me back home Starting at the gemstone-sprinkled bottom, I eagerly soaked up knowledge like a sponge, eventually taking the reins alongside my parents. Together, we’ve navigated the maze of small business ownership, though I must confess, their old-school ways occasionally made me wonder if I'd stumbled into a time machine But hey, every heirloom has its quirks, right? Through it all, my love for this glittering world has only grown, driving me to modernize our business for the challenges of today while keeping one foot firmly rooted in our sparkling heritage.

“Running for the RJO Board of Directors is a natural progression for me Joining RJO has been transformative, enabling me to step out of the shadows of my parents' leadership and carve my path in our business. The invaluable connections and education I've gained within the organization have empowered me to become a proficient businesswoman and leader in our store. I see this candidacy as an opportunity to reciprocate the support and guidance RJO has provided me. Serving on the Board would allow me to contribute my unique perspective, gleaned from my journey within the organization. It would be an honor to give back to this incredible community, leveraging my experiences to further enhance RJO's mission and impact ”

As a member of the Board of Directors, my aim would be to invigorate RJO with fresh perspectives and initiatives Specifically, I am committed to:

Thoughtfully expanding our membership base to ensure continued growth.

Empowering existing members to capitalize on the benefits of group purchasing, event participation, educational offerings, and networking opportunities with both fellow members and esteemed vendors

Cultivating stronger channels of communication between members and between members and vendors.

Promoting transparency and clarity in communication between the Board of Directors and the wider membership

Serving as an open and receptive sounding board for members, ensuring that the board remains guided by the needs and aspirations of our membership

Safeguarding the tradition of patronage dividends for the benefit of all members.

Dedicated efforts toward enhancing communication strategies to engage and support the next generation of members, thereby fortifying our industry as a whole

BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

GIA Graduate Gemologist

Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors (re-elected 2024) over 600 member businesses

Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Member 1999- 2008 - positions served Vice President Retail, Board President (2007), hiring committee, retail committee

District 62 Education Foundation

Frisbie Senior Center Board of Directors

Chaired Fundraising efforts in our community to support education & business development Economic Development Committee City of Des Plaines

As I address the group about my aspirations to join the Board of Directors, I want to emphasize my deep-rooted commitment to RJO and my genuine desire to contribute to its continued success

First and foremost, I believe in the transformative power of RJO Over the years, I've witnessed firsthand how investing myself in this organization has yielded rewards far beyond mere financial gain The sense of community, the invaluable networking opportunities, and the personal and professional growth I've experienced have been truly remarkable Now, I want to play an active role in fostering these same experiences for all members, ensuring that each individual can reap the full benefits of being part of our vibrant community.

My journey with RJO has been one of continuous learning and growth. From my initial introduction eight years ago to my more recent experiences navigating business transitions and driving growth, I've gained insights and expertise that I'm eager to share. While I may not have been a member since the organization's inception, I believe that my unique perspective having witnessed its evolution and growth coupled with fresh ideas, can bring new vitality to our collective efforts.

Above all, I'm driven by a passion for seeing RJO thrive. I want to inspire our members, bridge generational divides, and ensure that our organization remains a dynamic force within the industry for years to come By serving on the Board of Directors, I see an opportunity to not only continue my own growth journey but also to contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of RJO as a whole