2020 RJO Lifetime Achievement Winner

2020 RJO

AWARD

RECIPIENT

BOB DISINGER DISINGER JEWELERS OF JASPER & FRENCH LICK

It is with great pleasure and honor the RJO Board of Directors announces this year’s recipient of the RJO Lifetime Achievement Award, Bob Disinger of Disinger Jewelers of Jasper.

Born in Anderson, Indiana, attending Anderson High School and continuing his education at Indiana University, Bob received a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration.

He continued his education earning his Masters of Business Administration from Marion College. When he decided to enter the jewelry industry he again chose to further his education receiving the Diamonds, Diamond Essential and Diamond Grading Certification from the Gemological Institute of America.

Prior to joining the jewelry business, Bob was the Vice President of Service Frontiers of Lafayette Home Hospital. However, he soon received the calling to enter the family business.

Founded by his grandfather in 1932, Bob decided to join Disinger Jewelers in 1991, serving as owner and General Manager.

His first executive decision as owner was to join RJO. Ed Bacon was very instrumental in convincing Bob to join. Bob has always stated joining RJO was one of the best business decisions he made in his 30 years with the business. Invited to join other buying groups Bob stayed loyal to RJO. In his words, “This buying group is my ace in the hole!" It was RJO where Bob furthered his education, gained lifetime friends, made wise purchases for the business, visited many different states for the RJO shows, traveled abroad to Antwerp and toured Germany on his Idar-Oberstien trip. Banked into Bob's retirement are 30 years of RJO dividend checks!

"This buying group is my 'ace in the hole!'"

Bob Disinger

In his time with the organization, Bob has been incredibly supportive of RJO through attendance at events, prioritizing purchasing through the group and giving his time to serve on leadership committees. Bob has attended approximately 45 RJO buying shows, five Antwerp trips, one Idar-Oberstein trip, one Succession Experience weekend, supported the Next Gen group by sending his successor to the Next Gen Experience and by serving on the RJO Foundation Board as Vice President. He is also a Pioneer Member of the RJO Foundation 100+ Club and one of two inaugural members of the RJO Foundation Shine Bright Legacy Society, leaving a legacy through planned monetary giving to help the next generation of independent jewelers continue their education.

Bob is also ingrained in his community currently serving on the Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center's Board of Directors as Vice Chairman for 14 years, Memorial Hospital's Foundation as Vice Chairman for 16 years and President of Alpha Omicron Educational Foundation as President. In addition, Bob continues to serve on Memorial Hospital's Executive Committee, Compensation Committee, Finance Committee and Investment Committee.

He previously served on the Indiana Jewelers Association Board of Directors for three years as well as Matt Stuller’s Advisory Board for three years.

Bob has also served as a Scout Leader for six years, a youth soccer coach for six years, Scout Commissioner, Junior Achievement Chairman, Jasper Chamber of Commerce President, Jasper City Festival Chairman, Memorial Hospital's Gala Chairman and Memorial Hospital's Annual Support Chairman.

Bob and his wife of more than 30 years, Jacque, have a son William and a daughter Mollie. Bob and his wife are avid boaters and enjoy many weekends on Patoka Lake and days on the beach in Venice, Florida.

Bob has proven to be a compassionate and caring leader in the Jasper community. He strives daily to do what is right, regardless of the ultimate outcome. Bob is both talented and humble. He is inventive in his approaches to issues and challenges, yet never desires personal credit. Bob brings a rational voice to decisions made at the store and on the Boards and Committees in which he serves. He is a genuine leader who has integrated himself into the fabric of both the retail jewelry industry and his Community.

Past recipient of the RJO Ultimate Jeweler of the Year award in 2006 in Recognition of Outstanding Performance in Business Planning, Marketing, Customer Service, Community/Industry Service and Staff Development, it is with great pleasure and admiration that we now honor Bob with the RJO Lifetime Achievement Award.

We wish him all the best in his retirement at the end of the year and thank him for all he has done for RJO, the overall industry and his beloved community.

Congratulations Bob!