VAC 2019 Applications

Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#1 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 10:53:13 AM Friday, September 13, 2019 11:12:31 AM 00:19:18 98.102.165.3

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Jeff Wynkoop

Q2 Company Name Quality Gold

Q3 Position: VP of Sales

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 500 Quality Blvd Fairfield, OH 45014

Q5 Company Phone Number: 1-800-354-833

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 215-354-6001

Q7 Email Address: jeff@qgold.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

21 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I started in the industry at Metal Marketplace in 1998 as a intern. It was supposed to be a 6 month job, which has turned into 21 years!!

10 years at MMI where I worked my way up to a Sales Executive. In October of 2008, I was offered a Director of Sales position at Quality Gold, and again worked my way up to VP of Sales. I love this industry and I love RJO. I have learned so much professionally and personally. I work with close to 100 accounts currently

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: RJO Vendor Advisory Committee IJO Vendor Member Board of Directors SJO Vendor Member Board of Directors

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: As I mentioned earlier, I love RJO. The energy and passion with which the new executive leadership has brought is inspiring. I served on the VAC for the last 7 years. We accomplished a lot. Not only did we make RJO better, but the RJO shows better as well. I also believe that there is more work to be done, and I would like nothing better, than to continue the work for the advancement of RJO, and more importantly the RJO Members I believe anyone who has been in VAC meetings with me knows my commitment to the group. My input and experience will bring further improvement to RJO as a whole

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#2 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 1:40:35 PM Friday, September 13, 2019 1:44:52 PM 00:04:17 73.65.241.171

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Shawn Clark

Q2 Company Name Heavy Stone Rings

Q3 Position: Sales Director

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 1165 West 675 North Orem, Utah 84057

Q5 Company Phone Number: 801.765.4616

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 801.360.4834

Q7 Email Address: shawn@heavystonerings.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

11 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I have been with Heavy Stone Rings my entire career. We are family owned and operated and I was the first and only national sales rep for our company for 10 years.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: N/A

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I think it would be a great opportunity for me to learn. I also think I am on the younger side of the vendor population. (34) I would love to rub shoulders with both members and vendors and give insight I have gained from having a customer base that I personally service that is nation wide.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#3 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 1:37:42 PM Friday, September 13, 2019 1:51:47 PM 00:14:05 66.207.114.162

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Darrell King

Q2 Company Name Gunther Mele Packaging

Q3 Position: CEO

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 1321 Millersport Hwy Ste 203

Q5 Company Phone Number: 289-291-4602

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 416-602-4474

Q7 Email Address: darrellk@gunthermele.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

25 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I have been with Gunther Mele for all of my 25 years in jewelry. We work with thousands of independent jewelry retailers across North America. I have personally visited hundreds of stores and worked with owners and staff on strategic branding initiatives and innovative merchandising solutions.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: Past-President of the 24 Karat Club (Canada) and board member for 6 years Board of directors for 4 years of the Gift and Tableware Association Sustainable retailing committee (2 years) with the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I enjoy working with independent jewelry stores and believe that I can offer a unique perspective on the jewelry industry that does not solely come from the product side. I am not currently serving on any boards or committees in the jewelry industry and would like to contribute and be involved.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#4 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 2:42:52 PM Friday, September 13, 2019 2:59:35 PM 00:16:42 104.179.115.223

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Mr. Leonard A. Friedman

Q2 Company Name Classic Of New York, and Bentelli,

Q3 Position: Traveling Sales Rep for both companies.

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 4211 Golf Rd. Skokie, IL 60076

Q5 Company Phone Number: 732-886-2100

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 224-688-1045

Q7 Email Address: labelfried@ameritech.net

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

I don't recall when I started about 10 year ago.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I've been selling Sterling Silver jewelry for both of the above companies for at least 10 years.

I travel ILL, WIS, MINN, IOWA, and have traveled ND, and SD. I have been a sales rep since 1973 traveling,and I've also been a manufacture,of other products traveling back and forth to Hong Kong, even working with factories in mainland China.

I think I can be very objective and impartial about the companies I rep and also the experiences of what Jewelers are going through nationally.

I enjoy working with people, and the traveling.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: I have been a board member of my large Synagogue dealing with people's likes and dislikes.

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I think I have experiences that will help contribute to views shared by a Board, and help RJO grow into the future.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#5 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 2:22:57 PM Friday, September 13, 2019 3:00:37 PM 00:37:39 71.186.186.58

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Debbie Whalen

Q2 Company Name Gunther Mele Packaging

Q3 Position: Sales / Trade Show Manager

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 1321 Millersport Hwy Suite 203 Buffalo, NY 14221

Q5 Company Phone Number: 800-516-0108

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 716-829-9505

Q7 Email Address: dwhalen@gunthermele.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

27 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I was in the precious metals refining industry for 25 years as a salesperson covering every state in the Union at one time or another.

Since 2017, I have worked for Gunther Mele Packaging. I handle several key accounts throughout the US, the Mid-Atlantic Region as well as international accounts.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving:

Respondent skipped this question

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: Certainly, being a part of such a well respected organization would be something I would be very proud of. I enjoy being on a team that draws the skills and talents of individuals and combines them to put forth solutions and ideas that benefit the group as a whole. I feel my lengthy experience in the industry makes me a good fit on the Vendor Advisory Committee.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#6 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 3:54:08 PM Friday, September 13, 2019 3:58:01 PM 00:03:52 174.236.4.14

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Sunny Aiya

Q2 Company Name Aiya Designs / Lustour

Q3 Position: Vendor advisory board

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 152 Prospect Pl Alpharetta GA 30005

Q5 Company Phone Number: 7703659794

Q6 Cell Phone Number:

Respondent skipped this question

Q7 Email Address: Sunny@AiyaDesigns.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

35 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

Grew up in the jewelry business and looking to make it better for the next Gen

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: RJO VAC

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: Take the business to the next level for both wholesale and retailers

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#7 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 4:00:58 PM Friday, September 13, 2019 4:09:08 PM 00:08:10 70.91.244.9

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Wayne Levy

Q2 Company Name Aladdin Gold Creations

Q3 Position: owner

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 3575 Commercial Avenue Northbrook, IL 60062

Q5 Company Phone Number: 847-291-9053

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 847-477-2782

Q7 Email Address: wayne@aladdingold.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

45 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

Sales rep and owner of Aladdin Gold Creations since 1974

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving:

Respondent skipped this question

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I think I can help bridge the gap between the retail members and the vendors in various areas including promotion of vendor events such as trunk shows, the importance of show attendance and breaking down the communication barriers between the members and vendors.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#8 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 4:02:00 PM Saturday, September 14, 2019 9:17:41 AM 17:15:41 172.254.4.226

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Michael Haider

Q2 Company Name ODI

Q3 Position: VP of Sales

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 18 East 48th St, 4th Floor New York, NY 10017

Q5 Company Phone Number: 212 852 4953

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 914 533 4574

Q7 Email Address: Michael@team-odi.com

Page 2: Additional Information

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

40 years

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I started my career as a sales rep and the last 27 years as a VP of sales for two companies. ODI and Shaw. I managed the sales force of both companies and managed my own accounts, which consisted of mainly Independent Jewelers from 100 store operation to single store operations. I have a very good understanding of the independent jeweler and the challenges they face.

Recently I have developed a self branding program for the Independent Jewelers, which has had great success . I have always believed this is a partnership and a relationship that goes both ways, it's not just selling merchandise. In today's market there are so many different generations to sell to you need to have a sales strategy and understanding of each in order to max your business.

I really believe in buying groups, as an opportunity to share and gain knowledge from each other.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: I have previously served on the RJO Advisory and would like to again have the opportunity to serve again. I have serve on other buying group boards over the last 25 plus years.

Currently the president of the SJO Jewelers Board.

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I enjoyed being on the Advisory Committee before and would like to be a part of it again. I think I can bring even more to the table now then I did before.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#9 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Monday, September 16, 2019 10:36:21 AM Monday, September 16, 2019 11:00:27 AM 00:24:06 100.38.147.74

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Prashant Mehta

Q2 Company Name Diamond Expressions dba DiaExpressions

Q3 Position: President

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 20 West 47th Street Suite # 1100 New York, NY 10036

Q5 Company Phone Number: 800-755-5768 / 212-671-1133

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 917-447-3233

Q7 Email Address: prashant@diaexpressions.com

Page 2: Additional Information

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

25 years

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I started out with wholesaling loose diamond sales in 1994 and moved into jewelry manufacturing, production and sales in 1996. I have spent all my jewelry career servicing the Independent jewelers across the country

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: RJO- VAC Indian Diamond and Colored Stone Association - New York

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I feel that given the experience in the jewelry industry working with the retailers I can make a difference to the RJO community

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#10 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Monday, September 16, 2019 10:21:18 AM Monday, September 16, 2019 11:26:13 AM 01:04:54 47.19.59.114

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Lenny Prion

Q2 Company Name The Edge by Abbott Jewelry Systems

Q3 Position: Director of Education

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 3 Corporate Drive, Ste 215 Shelton, CT 06484

Q5 Company Phone Number: 203-567-1905

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 2036136265

Q7 Email Address: lenny@ajsllc.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

21 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I've worked with jewelry store software for 21 years. I started out in technical support and through the years i have done everything from support to sales, to training and data analysis. I am currently the director of Education. I am in charge of creating the curriculum and make sure they are delivered efficiently and effectively. I've also worked in jewelry stores for 9+ years. I've done sales, inventory management, customer retention and even light repairs. I attend about 14 jewelry shows a year and travel to stores for training any where from 4 - 12 times a year. These shows and training keep me in touch with what is happening in the retail Jewelry industry. I have also spoken at various Trade events through the years.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: I have been part of the VAC for over 3 years.

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I real think my jewelry experience is unique. Having been in the retail industry and working closely with store for the past 21 years gives me a huge insight to what retails want and need and being on the service vendor side has also allowed me to have close relationships with vendors because there is no competition. I think in the time that i have served on the VAC, we have seen a lot of great growth and change and I would love to continue to be a part of that.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#11 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Monday, September 16, 2019 11:52:10 PM Tuesday, September 17, 2019 12:05:26 AM 00:13:15 76.23.37.119

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Nick Miller

Q2 Company Name Podium

Q3 Position: Vice President of Sales

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 1650 W Digital Dr, Lehi, UT 84043

Q5 Company Phone Number: (801) 758-0580

Q6 Cell Phone Number: (801)678-4565

Q7 Email Address: nick@podium.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

3 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

Podium started in the jewelry industry early on in our company's brief history. Since signing on our first independent retail jeweler, we have several thousand jewelers using our software and have dozens of industry-specific technology partners. Podium has worked closely with RJO and their members to both provide world-class software and education on why reviews and messaging matter to local business. Podium has a jewelry specific sales, client service, and product team, dedicated to building and innovating products that will continue to help move the industry forward from a technology standpoint.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: N/A

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: As a technology/software vendor, I bring a unique perspective that most vendors/suppliers do not have. Working heavily in several retail industries, I can bring to the table what other industries are doing that is working from a technology perspective, as well as potential pitfalls to be aware of. Most of the technology vendors that exist in the group today are jewelry only software providers. While this has its pros, it can also cause groupthink. Podium works with 45,000 businesses and has the unique advantage of being close partners with Google, Apple, Facebook, and others that driving the way consumers find, choose and communicate with local businesses. Podium and I care deeply about the clients we have in this industry and in RJO. By joining the VAC, I hope to bring some of what we have learned from both working closely within the industry, and what we have learned by having extensive outside experience as well.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#12 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Wednesday, September 18, 2019 1:34:10 PM Wednesday, September 18, 2019 7:12:52 PM 05:38:42 73.109.61.22

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: James Lawson

Q2 Company Name JD&CO A Trung Do Goldsmith Co

Q3 Position: VP Business Development

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 8639 Pacific Ave

Tacoma, WA 98444

Q5 Company Phone Number: 253 -537 -8287

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 253-306-1542

Q7 Email Address: jimmy@jdcojewelry.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

35 Years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

Signet Jewelers INC: 1984 PT sales Assoc. 1988 Store manger 1990 - 1993 District Manager 1993- 1998 Regional VP North East 4 Points Corp :

VP Operations 1998 -2003

Whitehall:

Regional Manger 2003- 2005

Zales Corp:

District Mgr AZ 2006-2008

Luxottica: Samuels Jewlers :

Regional Manger 2015 - 2016 Director of stores 2016 - 2018

JD&CO:

VP Business Development 2018

2008 - 2015 Director of Stores

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: Board of Directors: Arizona Burn Foundation / Director Camp Courage Children s Burn Camp / Chairman for the Holiday Festival of tree's : 2008 - 2009 Took this annual fundraiser from a $20,000 event to a Black Tie event that raised $80,000 1st year chaired and $125,000 year #2 the event is currently at 1 million East Valley Partnership:

Business owners of the East Valley in Phoenix 2000- 2008 Fundraising

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I am a visionary with a sincere passion to contribute to the growth and development of the people and Organizations i have been given the privilege to Lead. Recognizing raw talent, opportunities matching them up and assisting others to believe the impossible is possible, and driving them to achieving it and create a belief in themselves. A team player with the ability to motivate talent and organizations, to dig deep into their heart and souls and "Become" more than they ever thought possible. Observing behaviors, accessing data, creating action plans, goal setting, empowering, listening, encouraging, recognizing and rewarding the achievements of those I have been given the privileged to Lead. Most importantly staying humble and, expecting nothing in return except the success of my team and of the organizations that allowed me to invested and contribute my time and skill sets in. At the end of the day... Thankful and appreciative.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#13 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Tuesday, September 24, 2019 6:28:37 PM Tuesday, September 24, 2019 6:38:36 PM 00:09:59 67.254.151.134

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Kaushal Shah

Q2 Company Name VEER

Q3 Position: OWNER

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 31W 47TH STREET SUITE 702

Q5 Company Phone Number: 855-836-5483

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 765-409-6999

Q7 Email Address: KAUSHAL@VEER.DIAMONDS

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

SINCE CHILDHOOD AS I GREW UP IN THE BUSINESS

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I CAME TO THE USA TO STUDY BUSINESS AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY. I ALWAYS HAS A PASSION FOR DIAMONDS AS I GREW UP WATCHING MY DAD MANUFACTURING LARGER SIZE DIAMONDS AND I KNEW THAT SOMEDAY I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS. MY EDUCATION IN USA GAVE ME A STRONG FOUNDATION AND I FOUND MYSELF WORKING AS A SALESMEN FOR 8 YEARS SERVING THE INDEPENDENT JEWELRY STORES. I INSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH MAKING RELATIONSHIPS AND KNEW THAT THIS WAS MY PATH. WITH BLESSINGS FROM MY GURU I DECIDED TO START VEER IN 2012 AND HAVE NOT LOOKED BACK. WE ARE A SUPPLIER OF CHOICE FOR CONSISTENT AND QUALITY DRIVEN NATURAL DIAMOND BASIC PROGRAMS. WE STRIVE TO GIVE GREAT SERVICE AND OUR ONLY MISSION IS TO MAKE OUR RETAILERS MARKET LEADERS IN THE CATEGORY OF DIAMOND BASICS.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: I HAVE SERVED ON THE RJO FOUNDATION BOARD. MY TERM EXPIRES NEXT YEAR AND I WILL NOT BE REAPPLYING. I AM LOOKING FOR ANOTHER LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY THAT WOULD ALSO ALLOW ME TO GROW AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND ALSO BRING RJO MEMBERS WITH SOLUTIONS WITH DAY TO DAY PROBLEMS.

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: AS A VENDOR, WE GO THROUGH MANY PAINS TO KEEP OUR CUSTOMER HAPPY BUT TO BE A SUCCESSFUL VENDOR ONE HAS TO LEARN TO FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE. I BELIEVE I CAN BRING THAT BALANCE AND MAKE SURE BOTH SIDES ARE HEARD AS WE ARE GROWING AS AN ORGANIZATION. I SPECIALIZE IN RESOLVING CONFLICT AND HAVE MANY A TIMES WALKED AWAY FROM BUSINESS BECAUSE, "INTEGRITY" IS OFTEN ALSO DOING THE RIGHT THING WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#14 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Tuesday, September 24, 2019 10:44:23 AM Wednesday, September 25, 2019 6:12:09 PM Over a day 172.58.173.248

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Manav Shah

Q2 Company Name ARKK Jewelry

Q3 Position: Managing Partner

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 150 S Washington Avenue Bergenfield NJ 07621

Q5 Company Phone Number: 2129978527

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 2014034773

Q7 Email Address: Manav@arkkjewelry.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

13 Years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

My career began at the age of 15, I would spend my summers working in my family’s diamond office in Mumbai, India. This is where I learned how to sort and grade diamonds. This continued until I completed college. Soon after I went back to Mumbai to work in a jewelry factory. This is where I learned how to create jewelry on all platforms from product development to melting gold, to setting and final QC. After that I worked at my family’s jewelry company Factory Direct Jewelry, they catered to major chain stores such as Signet and Costco. This is where I learned diamond buying and the difference of diamond qualities and product workmanship between different customers. Lastly I took over to Arkk jewelry, where we growing at an unprecedented rated and gaining customer loyalty and trust.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: Currently I am not part of any committees or boards; after taking over Arkk Jewelry I have poured all my energy and focus onto the company. However I have in the past volunteered at our local hospital, have become a certified lifeguard, became a swim instructor and worked with special needs children, and earned a black belt in karate.

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I think board would greatly benefit from me joining, I am hard working, and have a deep understanding of the American as well as the Indian jewelry market. I successfully run a company that is growing when majority of the vendor/wholesalers are struggling and shrinking. I will give you a a younger/millennial view or advice on whatever problems we face.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#15 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 27, 2019 2:51:31 PM Friday, September 27, 2019 3:16:56 PM 00:25:25 207.91.187.146

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Dora Leviton

Q2 Company Name EARSTUDS USA

Q3 Position: Sales Manager

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 5580 LBJ FREEWAY Suite#525 Dallas, TX 75240

Q5 Company Phone Number: 972-458-7182

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 914-522-6221

Q7 Email Address: Dora@earstudsusa.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

28 Years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

At age 18 I started as a bookkeeper for a diamond company while I was putting myself through college.

From bookkeeping I went on to inventory control. Then off to GIA school. Finally I became a sales person. My family and I moved from New York to Texas where I was a partner in TEVA Diamonds for 10 years. Two years ago TEVA decided to move to New York and I decided to stay in Texas. Which lead to the opportunity to work with EARSTUDS USA and I could not be any happier.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving:

Respondent skipped this question

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: First and foremost I love the RJO Group, being part of EARSTUDS USA for the past 2 years now and participating in the RJO shows I have come to appreciate what RJO represents. The closeness of the customer/vendor relationships really feels like a family. I truly believe I could add value as one of the members if I would be chosen.

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

#16 COMPLETE Collector: Started: Last Modified: Time Spent: IP Address:

Web Link 1 (Web Link) Friday, September 13, 2019 2:07:09 PM Friday, October 04, 2019 1:42:54 PM Over a week 73.196.108.180

Page 1: Contact Information Q1 Name: Larry Chasin

Q2 Company Name Thinkspace

Q3 Position: CBDO

Q4 Street Address (include City, State and Postal Code): 1421 SE 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97214

Q5 Company Phone Number: 844-935-3935 ext 206

Q6 Cell Phone Number: 646-522-7601

Q7 Email Address: larry.chasin@thinkspacehq.com

Page 2: Additional Information Q8 How long have you been in the jewelry industry?

24 years

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Vendor Advisory Committee Application 2019

SurveyMonkey

Q9 Briefly explain your career in the jewelry industry.

I grew up in the jewelry industry but my dad never really did well during those early years so I went off to study engineering and then became a patent agent and a practicing patent attorney from 1992-1996. In the mid '90's my dad's career took off and I chose to move back to New York to work with him to make some real money :-) I started out working with the Kwiat Family from 1996 - 2008 as a road salesman traveling from Maine to Florida developing leveraged inventory-based partnership programs that enabled me to work closely with more than 150 independent retailers to build a $10M sales territory from scratch.

From 2008 to present, through Ideal Diamond Solutions, GemFind and now Thinkspace, I've been one of the industry's leading visionaries for adopting a website technology network approach to help independent jewelers and their suppliers do more business together by helping them vertically integrate and manage the vendors digital catalog in the stores website, and by helping them better navigate the internet marketing channels. It does not make long term sense for independent jewelers to re-invent the website wheel themselves as it's too much work and too distracting to do it right. Similarly, it's not practical for vendors to send spreadsheets in all different formats to their clients and expect the information to magically get on the website. An intermediary service provider(s) is needed. Thinkspace is one of the key players in the industry players delivering on the mission of providing a website and data network that brings the economy of scale that is needed so that small independent stores can participate in the continuing evolution of digital advertising evolution that is Google, Facebook, etc.

Q10 Please list any other committees and/or boards in which you have or are currently serving: None.

Q11 Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of the RJO Vendor Advisory Committee: I believe that my unique experience can help RJO vendors understand what they need to do to help RJO retailers use their websites to sell more of their products in-store. As a member of the Vendor Advisory Board, I would like to help RJO establish a data standard for the group so that all RJO vendors can work together to help RJO jewelers more easily integrate products to their website and POS, regardless of the website or POS provider.

While this is an RJO social network on Facebook, and while JewelConnect is a product-based B2C network program, I believe the group would benefit from a more advanced product network that Thinkspace has already established within the RJO Group. We now do business with almost 100 RJO retailers, and we have the digital catalogs from most of the RJO vendors, but the quality of the data supplied is all over the place, and there is little consistency on the jeweler's site when one vendor's products are displayed next to another. As such, I believe there is a unique opportunity to help the group as a whole solve the problem for themselves and for the industry at large.

My service on the RJO Vendor Advisory Board would be to further this mission of establishing website data standards and helping vendors understand why they need to make the time/money investment to improve the quality and managment of their product catalog data so that the group flourishes over the long haul.

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