2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Candidate
Introductions
Election Rules:
ENDS JUNE 2ND
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 2, 2025.
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 would be honored to continue to serve this amazing organization I feel my past experiences and extreme growth in my own store will help shine light to the growth of RJO. I will continue to bring new perspectives. As a current member of the Board of Directors I continue to bring fresh ideas and directives each and every time we meet I will continue to bring the best of what RJO does to our membership ”
Eleven years ago, my wife and I joined our small family business. Unlike my wife I did not grow up in the industry. So, when I joined our store it was a clean slate. I was learning a new industry from scratch. Today we are on year five of owning the store and it has been the most rewarding career I have ever had. Today I continue to wear may hats in our store. Here are just a few: Bench Jeweler, Jewelry Designer, HR, Bookkeeper, Buyer, and Fire Extinguisher....
Since 2017 I have had the honor to represent RJO on a Board I would like to continue to be a voice for every store whether you generate $100,000 or $20,000,000 I will continue to help protect our patronage dividend I want to see our markets grow and continue to be the best and largest buying group out there
BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Current Board of Directors of RJO
Previous member of the RJO Next Gen Advisory Board President of Greenway Medical Plaza Treasurer of Peoria Education Foundation Eleven years as a Vice President of Sales in Corporate America
Serving on the RJO Board of Directors is just one way to be able to give back to an organization that has given my family so much Thank you for being a part of our family I promise to always listen and uphold the integrity of our RJO family
Thank you for your consideration and allowing me to be your voice!!!
“I have chosen to run for re-election to the RJO Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about this industry and committed to supporting my fellow RJO jewelers in meaningful ways. With 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry, 27 years of experience as a RJO member store, and 3 years of service on the RJO Board, I believe I can continue to be a strong advocate for our members, working to make RJO even better together. The relationships I have built within RJO are invaluable, and I am dedicated to ensuring every member’s voice is heard and represented I firmly believe learning is a lifelong journey, and by working together toward a shared vision, we can accomplish far more than any one of us could achieve alone. I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving and helping RJO grow stronger for all of us.
I began my career in jewelry in 2000 at just 12 years old, starting as a cleaning girl in our family's jewelry store. From those first few days, I was drawn to this incredible profession. Now, 25 years later, our store celebrates 114 years in business, and I am proud to be part of the fourth generation carrying on this legacy. In 2006, I earned my Graduate Gemologist certification from GIA, and for the past eleven years, I have served as President and part owner of Sturhahn Jewelers, leading a team of nine dedicated staff members Throughout my journey, I have developed a deep appreciation for all aspects of the business from inventory management to team leadership but what I cherish most is seeing generations of families walk through our doors, continuing traditions and creating new memories. Jewelry is more than just a profession for me it’s a passion, a legacy, and a privilege. I truly love what I do!
As a current Board Member of RJO, I am committed to fostering the continued growth and strength of our organization. As we demonstrate to the industry what it means to be #RJOStrong, my goal is to help ensure RJO remains as strong and beneficial as possible for every member. This means continuously striving for the best pricing, top-tier educational opportunities, exceptional vendor partnerships, and the highest possible dividends. Achieving these goals requires the dedication and hard work of a committed team including the RJO staff, Board of Directors, and Merchandise Review Committee all working together to drive success RJO has long been a leader in developing innovative programs, and I am passionate about continuing that tradition My focus is on creating new initiatives to support our members in navigating the evolving challenges of our industry while also enhancing and refining the systems we already have in place Together, we can ensure RJO continues to thrive, providing lasting value to all of its members.
D A V E A S K E W
J E W E L E R S I N C .
“I’m running because I care deeply about RJO, about our industry, and about the people in it. I’ve served on many boards over the years and understand how important strong, thoughtful leadership can be. This is an opportunity to step up, contribute my perspective, and be a force for good - not just in the organization, but in the broader industry we all share. I believe in doing what’s right, and when I see a way to help, I take it ”
I began my career in the jewelry industry over 20 years ago, apprenticing under master bench jewelers at Settle Jewelers in Bloomington, Indiana After working for both small independents and large retail operations like the Shane Company, I opened my own store - Dave Askew Jewelers - in 2009, during the heart of the recession. Since then, I’ve grown the business into a trusted community fixture in Saint Cloud, Florida, specializing in custom design, expert repair, and personal service I’ve continuously advanced my skills through CAD design, hand engraving, casting, and stone setting, while also mentoring young bench jewelers and helping guide customers through meaningful jewelry experiences.
As a board member, I want to help safeguard the future of small independent jewelers - our businesses, our values, and our way of life The pressures from large corporate chains and online retailers continue to grow, and it’s critical RJO remains a strong, adaptive force supporting independents. I want to ensure our group continues to provide not just buying power, but strategic insight, education, and community - everything needed to help small stores thrive in a changing market
BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
I bring over two decades of leadership experience in both business and public service. I’ve served two terms as an elected city councilman in Saint Cloud, Florida - including one term as Deputy Mayor - and have held board positions with six nonprofit organizations These include ten years with the St Cloud Chamber of Commerce, eight years with the Osceola Education Foundation, six years with Help Now of Osceola County (a shelter for survivors of domestic violence), and ongoing involvement with the St Cloud Main Street Program for historic preservation. I currently serve on the board of the Toho Water Authority, which provides water services to much of Central Florida These roles have given me extensive experience in governance, budgeting, long-term planning, and balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders. Combined with my hands-on experience running a successful independent jewelry store since 2009, I believe I can offer a grounded, practical, and service-minded perspective to the RJO Board Before entering the jewelry industry, I served as a manager and senior animal care specialist with Disney, helping to open Animal Kingdom I later became District Manager at the Indianapolis Zoo I ultimately chose to leave that career to raise my children, joining my wife’s family business, Settle Jewelers, and training under master bench jewelers there. That decision - made for family - marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for this craft and industry
I’ve spent a career working with my hands, building a business one customer at a time. I bring that same mindset - practical, steady, and focused on the long-term - to everything I do 1
BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Next Generation Advisory Board, elected Vice Chairman, 2021 - current
2025 Summer Show in Schaumburg - Planned RJO Next Gen Excursion & Kids Camp City Liaison
RJO’s Next Gen Experience (2021 & 2023)
RJO’s Succession Experience (2022)
Management Development Program (Fall 2025)
GIA Diamond Graduate, pursuing Graduate Gemologist
IJO active member since 2010, attending bi-annual trade shows & educational opportunities
Member of a peer group (IJO T.E.A.M.) with seven independent retailers throughout IL/WI/MI, meeting quarterly at each other’s stores
Antwerp Diamond Buying Trips (7 trips)
RJO Foundation Scholarship recipient
Four years of corporate buying experience for a regional department store
Work experience in other retail venues (independent jewelry retailer, corporate mall jewelry chain, big box retailer management internship)
Graduate of Kelley School of Business at Indiana University
Co-chair of Annual Golf Outing benefiting Pancreatic Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins University
I am truly grateful for all RJO has provided me, and I am excited for the opportunity to give back. Thank you for your consideration!
BUSINESS
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the age of 20, and my master’s degree in Business Management from Wake Forest University at 21 As a firstgeneration college student, I take great pride in my academic journey and the discipline it reflects
I am the owner of Oz’s Jewelers, where I am heavily involved with all aspects of the business from operations and staffing to inventory, vendor relations, and long-term strategy I’ve worked in the store since I was 17, growing from part-time help to full-time manager to owner
In addition, I own a creative and marketing consulting agency that works exclusively with businesses in the jewelry industry to elevate their branding, social media presence, and advertising strategy. This work has given me a national and international perspective on what’s working and what’s not for independent retailers in today’s market.
I am a Registered Gemologist Appraiser through the International School of Gemology. I am also certified as a Cultured Pearl Specialist through the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) and have completed online coursework with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to expand my gemological knowledge and expertise
I am honored to have received the Robert Foreman Memorial Award from the 24kt Club SEUS, the RJO Foundation Scholarship, and the NCJA Scholarships I feel these recognitions reflect my dedication to the industry and my commitment to professional development
I currently serve as Vice-President of the North Carolina Jewelers Association, where I work to support member education and advocate for small businesses throughout the state.
Nationally, I serve on the Board of Advisors for the Atlanta Jewelry Show (SJTA), where I’m proud to be the youngest and first board member to represent a retailer. This position has given me a broader industry perspective and a strong sense of how collaboration between vendors and retailers can strengthen the entire jewelry community.
I also lead the Young Jewelers Helping Jewelers Facebook group, which provides connection, mentorship, and resources to rising professionals in the industry I believe in bridging generations and supporting innovation while staying grounded in the values that make our industry special
“I would like to run for the RJO Board of Directors first and foremost, to elevate our industry and members of RJO ”
I entered our family business when I was twelve. Now 53 years later I am grooming by daughter to be the fourth generation. I hold a RJ title from American Gem Society plus other GIA diplomas. I love this business and I want to see RJO flourish for years to come. I was also President of the Tri-State Jewelers Association and President of our AGS guild for ten years.
I would be very interested in seeing more vendors interested in forming a more inclusive community for the benefit of RJO. I believe with stronger relationships RJO can reach new heights in membership by offering a more hands on approach in understanding where our products come from. I travel to Southern Africa every year seeing Diamond mines, gold and Platinum mines Trips like this can do as much or more than Antwerp and be able to speak first hand to our guests
BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
I am past president twice of my Rotary Club of thirty years. I work closely with our club and the Rotary Club in Hoedspruit, South Africa on building Pre-schools in under privileged communities. Another passion of mine is helping Schnauzer Rescue South Africa. They rehome Schnauzers from across the country from puppy mills and people turning dogs in. I am a past president of our AGS Guild and past president of TriState Jewelers Association. We also work with the 100 Club of Anne Arundel County serving families of fallen fire, EMS and police.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOE'S INTRO VIDEO