2017 RJO Board of Directors Candidates

BILL BECKER (Incumbent)

Beckers Jewelers 401 S. Gear Avenue, West Burlington, IA 52655 & 123 W. Monroe, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry “RJO has been, and still is a cornerstone in the success of our business. I believe it is paramount that we give back to an organization such as this that has been so good to my family and I. I am passionate about this business and RJO. We have something unique special in this industry, and I plan to use my experience and common sense to see its growth and family atmosphere continue into the future.”

Store phone: Cell phone:

(319) 385-3722 (319) 752-1197

Store website: www.beckerdiamonds.com E-Mail: bill@beckersjewelersonline.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board:  Improve the quality of educational seminars at trade shows  Continue the strength of the patronage dividend which I believe has been the success of RJO  Attract new quality members Career overview: Worked as Manager and Assistant District Manager for national chain before going to GIA, then back to the family business. Purchased business in 1987. Expanded second store to Burlington, IA in 2004. Built freestanding building in 2006.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO:  Graduate Gemologist (GIA)  Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS)  Past President of the Iowa Jewelers Association  Current board member of RJO for many years  RJO Golf Committee Chair Additional Information:  Community Activities: o Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce, various committees o Past Judging Chairman, Heartland Chapter NCRS o Actively involved in St. John’s/St. Paul’s Parish, Notre Dame schools o Past president: Mt. Pleasant Rotary

ERIKA GODFREY Hawthorne Jewelry 2104 Central Ave., Kearney, NE 68847 20 Years in the Jewelry Industry “I have always been driven to search out the best tools and resources available for my success and also have the desire to help others succeed. It is important to me to be an active participator in RJO and 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 on a daily basis. I understand the changing atmosphere of consumer purchasing and its effects on small business. 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.

A large number of small independents make up the majority of retail membership through 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 want to continue to find ways to make it possible for all of us to succeed in today’s market, 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.

It is my strong belief that RJO is responsible for helping me grow my business. I would welcome an opportunity to give back to an organization that offers me a place to grow, learn and achieve. I have always held the belief: you get out of it what you put into it. It’s my time to work and it would be an honor to serve on the RJO Board of Directors.”

Store phone: Cell phone:

(308) 234-3773 (308) 390-8492

Store website: www.hawthornejewelry.com E-Mail: erika@hawthornejewelry.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board:  Increase membership to increase collective power within the industry (retailers and vendors alike)  Create a strong link between members: both retailer to retailer as well as retailer to vendor loyalty  Continue offering the most advanced and streamlined tools for our organization  Expand on educational opportunities; seek out fresh and unique seminars  Encourage the growth of the Next Gen's and the Foundation’s accomplishments  Provide clear communication between the MRC and Board as well as the Vendor Advisory Committee to each member via email blasts, website and newsletters  Increase the power of our dividend  Review, refine and add membership benefits to maintain current member participation & increase new membership  Expand reach and power of the overseas buying trips  Increase brand recognition and influence of the RJO name; work with other organizations to maintain, grow and promote the power of independents within the industry

Erika Godfrey, Hawthorne Jewelry (continued) Career overview: My store has been a part of my family since the early ‘40s beginning with my great uncles and my grandparents. My dad eventually took over and 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 and became an owner in 2010. We are located in an 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, offering a bench jeweler on site. I strive to find ways to adjust, grow and provide an avenue of interest, quality and ethics to both my employees and my customers alike.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO:  Ethical and responsible businesswoman continuing and growing store’s profitability  Business owner since 2010  RJO Foundation Board Member 2015-2016  Past president NESD Jeweler’s Association 2009 – 2011  Gemologist, GIA 2002  Past board member Kearney Centre Association  Past board member Downtown Kearney, Organization Committee  Meadowlark Elementary Parent Advisory Council past president  School Improvement Committee, Meadowlark Elementary Additional Information:  Community Activities: o Active member of First United Methodist Church: served on Staff & Parish Relations Committee, currently serving on Missions Committee; choir member; youth mentor; Confirmation leader o Piano & voice teacher of 9 students o Member Platte River Singers o Member Crane River Theater o Mentor/speaker/participant in conjunction with University of NE at Kearney marketing classes (undergraduate and graduate levels) o Active supporter: Kearney Safe Center; Make-a-Wish; Miss Nebraska; Kearney Community Theater; Kearney Catholic High School Foundation; Kearney Public Schools Foundation; Bearcat Boosters and more…

JEFFREY KAISER JB Kaiser Jeweler 201 NW

4th

Street, Suite 110 Central Square Mall, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 45 Years in the Jewelry Industry

“RJO is a wonderful organization that has helped our store become much more profitable over the past years.

Although I have been a member only five years, I believe that I can offer fresh ideas that will help the group grow to new heights. Every organization needs fresh vision in its leadership to flourish in changing times. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve the membership as a board member to pay back some of what RJO and the industry has blessed me with over the course of my career.�

Store phone: Cell phone:

(218) 326-5206 (218) 301-9007

Store website: www.jbkaiser.com E-Mail: jeff@jbkaiser.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board: I believe I could be a productive asset to the Board based on my past experience. I have many ideas which could possibly help the organization grow and prosper, some of which I have previously suggested to the office.

Career overview: I have spent my entire life in the jewelry business since I was 14. After four (4) years of jewelry art classes in high school, I attended Minneapolis Vocational for two (2) years in the Jewelry Manufacturing course. I then worked for a small manufacturing jeweler in Minneapolis for nine (9) years as a diamond setter and later became the shop foreman. I left there in 1981 to purchase a store in Grand Rapids, MN. After three (3) years, the owner died and so did our verbal purchase agreement. My wife Cindy and I opened JB Kaiser Jewelers in 1984. We are proudly in our 32nd year of serving our community with the help of my daughter Sarah. I am a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), a former member of American Gem Society having earned the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser. I am a Past President of the Minnesota Jewelers Association having spent 18 years proudly serving that board.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO: Journeyman goldsmith and diamond setter, Graduate Gemologist (GIA), Former member of AGS, title of CGA (AGS), Past President of MN Jewelers Assoc. Private school board member (past). Youth for Christ board member (past).

Additional Information: I would appreciate your support in my quest to serve a position on the RJO Board of Directors. I will work diligently to represent all members of RJO to help improve the many benefits of membership in the best retail jewelry buying group in the industry - RJO.

DAVID KUX Kux Jewelers, Inc. 650 North 15th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440 37 Years in the Jewelry Industry “I have served on many jewelry industry boards and have experience in co-op owned groups like RJO. I would like to broaden the geographic make-up of the RJO board to offer a wider scope and diversity.”

Store phone: Cell phone:

(601) 428-0674 N/A

Store website: www.kux-jewelers.com E-Mail: davidjk@megagate.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board:  Continued improvement of educational programs for members  Improve attendance of members at RJO buying shows  Maximize the patronage dividend  Improve and develop more ancillary educational programs and benefits for RJO members Career overview:  I am a second generation family jeweler  Owned independent family retail jewelry stores for over 50 years  Have been responsible for sales, buying, operations, management, advertising and financing  Have been affiliated with many industry trade organizations and committees Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO:  Past and current board member of Leading Jewelers Guild  Past President of Leading Jewelers Guild  2nd Vice President and current board member for the Mississippi Jewelers Association  Graduate Gemologist from GIA (former Santa Monica, CA residence program)  Graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Accounting

NANCY ECKLUND MARCHELL Signature Jewelers 4491 S Washington Street, Suite A, Grand Forks, ND 58201 18 Years in the Jewelry Industry “I feel I have good leadership and business skills, and I can bring expertise not only from a jeweler's perspective, but also from a business perspective. Having worked in the finance industry for 20 years, I have skills and perspectives from that career that can benefit RJO members. I love marketing, brainstorming, and networking. With my children now grown, I have more time to give back and pay it forward, and the RJO Board of Directors would be a great place to start in the jewelry community.�

Store phone: Cell phone:

(701) 757-4848 (218) 791-4722

Store website: www.signaturejewelersegf.com E-Mail: signature_jewelers@hotmail.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board: As a member of the RJO Board of Directors, I feel I can well represent jewelers across the country. I can be a strong voice for smaller independent stores, working with other team members to keep RJO an organization that continues to grow, and bring new benefits to all its members. I am interested in the transition issues of our next generation in this industry, and would also like to help grow awareness of the RJO overseas buying trips, and the benefits gained from these experiences.

Career overview: I started working part time for an independent jeweler in 1998 and found my niche. In 2002 I opened my own store. On a shoestring budget, with a big dream and a lot of faith, I started my business from scratch while working a full time job and raising my children as a single parent.

Over the past 14 years I have created a strong and viable business and I am proud to be one of the successful and respected woman-owned businesses in my community today. I have completed my GIA courses and feel I understand the jewelry industry from every perspective, and yet I realize I have much to still learn.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO: I am very much a "hands on" owner and work extensively with marketing, sales, appraisals, and every day business operations. This has given me a keen understanding of every facet of the jewelry business. I have strong vendor relationships and believe that contributes to success, as well as progressive thinking about the future of the independent jewelry industry as we look for ways to set ourselves apart. Again, my 20 years in the finance industry gives me a good business perspective.

I served on an 11 state credit union board of directors for six (6) years, and I have served for 9 years on a regional loan committee which funds small businesses. I work with our Chamber of Commerce and volunteer on several youth and small business committees within the region as well.

Nancy Eklund Marchell, Signature Jewelers (continued) Additional Information: With the continued changes in the jewelry industry, we know for independent jewelers it is no longer “business as usual.� If elected to the Board of Directors, I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the team, and I also look forward to doing my part to help RJO remain a strong organization with increased benefits to its members. My skill set, the success of my jewelry store, and my common sense approach to business are strengths that I feel will benefit this organization. I would be honored to represent my fellow jewelers on the RJO Board of Directors.

RICHARD R. MCINTOSH (Incumbent)

McIntosh Jewelry, Inc. 407 East Douglas, O’Neill, NE 68763 45 Years in the Jewelry Industry “I have been a member of RJO since 1972 and have served on the Merchandise Review Committee for 12 years and I'm currently serving on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer. I feel my experience on the board will be beneficial to the Organization in the future.”

Store phone: Cell phone:

(402) 336-1431 (402) 340-1431

Store website: www.mcintoshjewelry.com E-Mail: rich@mcintoshjewelry.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board: The industry is changing and I feel with my help RJO can grow its membership and keep the rebate to our members as large as possible.

Career overview: I am a second generation jeweler from O'Neill Ne. where I own and operate McIntosh Jewelry. I graduated from Gem City College School of Horology with a degree in Jewelry Repair and Watchmaking and attended GIA in Residence where I received my diamond grading degree. I am a certified Bench Jeweler with the Jewelers of America.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO: I have served on the board of directors of St. Anthony's Hospital, O'Neill Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska/ South Dakota Jewelers Association and have been President on them all. I was reelected to the Nebraska/South Dakota Jewelers Association on the Board of Directors.

Additional Information: My son has joined the staff of McIntosh Jewelry and I now have more time to dedicate to the duties of the Board.

TED RAHAIM DBK Family Jewelers 165 East Street, Plainville, CT 06062 25 Years in the Jewelry Industry “RJO has been great to me bringing me many new vendors and meeting great people. The group has helped my store grow and continue to succeed, to the dollar amount of over $200,000 a year purchased from the RJO vendors. I would like to bring my unique knowledge of business to the group, helping to continue to grow RJO and keep it the best buying group in the business.�

Store phone: Cell phone:

(860) 747-3374 (860) 983-8828

Store website: N/A E-Mail: trahaim@ymail.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board: I would bring a mix of the corporate jewelry world and the independent jewelry world, to help bring a different voice to RJO board. As far as what I would like to be able to accomplish, I would like to see us expand into the northeast more, as we are not represented as well as other parts of the country. I would also like to look at bringing in smaller manufacturers, that bring a niche to RJO stores.

Career overview: I started out in corporate jewelry world with Sterling Inc. and worked my up to district manager before leaving and opening my own store in July 2000. In 2008 I joined RJO, and in 2015 I went through an expansion, to twice the size of the store.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO: I am a licensed Tax Preparer, in small business as well as personal tax returns, and currently licensed in 15 states as well.

Additional Information: I am a huge supporter of RJO and my belief in this group makes me a big asset to help make future decisions, as I have the time and availability to serve.

STEVEN M. SWAN Swan Ltd. Jewelers 109 E Center Street, Lake City, MN 55041 40 Years in the Jewelry Industry “As a 20 year plus member, I would like an opportunity to give back to the group by volunteering my time to help make decisions affecting the future of this group.”

Store phone: Cell phone:

(651) 345-3825 (651) 927-9458

Store website: www.swanltd.com E-Mail: steve@swanltd.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board:  Continue the growth of the group through the use of shows and seminars.  Keep members up to date with the use of technology in the jewelry industry, such as 3D modelling and CAD.  Find new ways to adopt internet apps like Facebook and Twitter to help members compete in the modern marketplace.  Keep members abreast of new and changing products such as Created Diamond, Matrix and 3D printing.

Career overview:  1976-1978 Crescent Jewelers, LaCrosse, WI Sales  1978-1980 Mark Jewellers, LaCrosse, WI Sales  1980-1981 Zales Jewelers, Rochester, MN Sales, Manager trainee  1981-1983 Zales Jewelers, LaCrosse, WI Manager  1983-1988 Condon Jewelers, Janesville, WI Manager  1988 to present Swan Ltd. Jewelers, Lake City, MN Owner Expertise/experience 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 27-year Member, and Past President  Lake City Lions Club, 15-year member and Past President  Lake City Safety Board, 3-year member and Vice President  Lake City Sportsmen Club, 25-year member Additional Information: As an RJO board member, I would make every decision based on what is the best for RJO and its members. Serving on many boards and years of service to the community has taught me to put aside my personal opinions and do what is best for the community. I would do the same for RJO.

TREVOR T. WILLIAMS Leitzel’s Jewelry 607 East Lincoln Avenue, Myerstown, PA 17067 6 Years in the Jewelry Industry “I’m hoping to be able to bring a younger generational point of view to the Board. I believe my experiences over the last 6 years, along with my previous experience in the corporate accounting world, can be very beneficial to the Board. I would define myself as a fiscal conservative, but progressive on the selling and fashion side of the business. There is risk and reward in every decision you make, and finding that balance requires thought, analysis, and action. By skipping any of those steps, we make poor decisions, which I do not like to do. I want to push the group forward and see the independent store thrive.”

Store phone: Cell phone:

(717) 866-4274 N/A

Store website: www.leitzelsjewelry.com E-Mail: trevor@leitzelsjewelry.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board: I would like to see the group start to leverage the collective buying knowledge of one another. I believe that providing some reporting information to RJO would help stores to recognize new buying trends as well as increase everyone’s sales. With the protected areas (at least for larger accounts), we should not be directly competing with another member. The process has to be easy for the members to encourage participation or the vendors can provide selling information.

There might be vendors out there I don’t deal with that have hot sellers or maybe I do deal with them and I’m not getting the current trends.

Career overview: Founded in 1949, Leitzel’s Jewelry had 61 years of history before I joined. I had the privilege of joining an established family business consisting of an on-site goldsmith, on-site Graduate Gemologist, a sales team, and Mr. Leitzel, who has been around the business his entire life. My wife is the third generation of the Leitzel family to run the store, and I left a successful accounting career to continue to build the family business, as well as start our own family. Over the course of the last six years, I had the opportunity to help with almost every aspect of the business from buying, technology implementation, selling, financial management, advertising, and staff management. As a single store, our hands are on everything. Since joining Leitzel’s, we have grown the business 51.8%, which is an annual growth of 8.8%. This year we are happy to celebrate 67 years of business and many more to come!

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO: Before my time at Leitzel’s, I worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers as an auditor, where I was able to obtain my CPA license. During that time, I dealt with extremely large corporations and foundations and spent my time in front of people ranging from maintenance to the executives.

It showed me that no matter who you are dealing with, you need to build a relationship with them, as each individual is pivotal to the organization. In addition, I am currently working on classes for my GIA Graduate Gemologist degree. I serve on other boards and committees within our local community and church. I enjoy giving back to organizations that impact my community and improve the industry.

Trevor T. Williams, Leitzel’s Jewelry (continued) Additional Information: I look forward to contributing to the Board of Directors and more importantly to the RJO membership. I think that it’s important for the membership to know that although young, I possess a skill set that helps to mediate and facilitate discussion. As a newer member, I feel that I will ask questions to better understand the Board’s decision making. I hope those questions lead to process improvements, as well as increased profitability for the members. I enjoy learning, sharing, and discussing the implantation of new product or business practices to my business or a peer’s business.

THOMAS WRIGHT Wright’s Jewelers, Inc. 4101 Pioneer Woods Dr., Lincoln, NE 68506 49 Years in the Jewelry Industry “Because of my long involvement with JA committees and the AGS board for eleven years I have a wide background of acquaintances from all parts of our nation and I feel that could be of benefit to RJO.” Store phone: Cell phone:

(402) 474-0774 (402) 430-7574

Store website: www.wrightsjewelers.com E-Mail: tomandmary@wrightsjewelers.com

Accomplishments to achieve while on the board: As a very unique member owned group, RJO, the board must work for the membership good and maximize the business for the good of the membership. My goal would be to help grow the business and in turn the financial position of the members.

Career overview:  First job in the industry Aug 6th 1966 with Zales in Omaha NE.  Nov of 1966 began working with Sartor Hamann in Lincoln, NE  Apr 1968 left to attend Gem City in Quincy, IL  Sept 1969 returned to Sartor Hamann in Lincoln, NE  Feb 1979 opened Wright's Jewelers with wife Mary  Wright's Jewelers still open at current location.

Expertise/experience that may contribute to RJO:  Through the years I attained G.G.- GIA and Certified Gemologist and Certified Gemologist Appraiser-AGS  Eleven years on the AGS board  Five years as Chair of the International Guilds Council for AGS