BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Runoff Election Candidate Introductions
Election Rules:
Each dues-paying RJO member store is entitled to cast one vote in the election
You may only vote for ONE candidate. If you select more than one candidate, you ballot will be voided.
Voting will close at 11:59pm on June 10, 2025.
How to Vote:
Log into RJOmembers.com and click on the RJO Board of Directors Runoff Election Button or click the link supplied in your election notification email.
Select your store from the drop down menu.
Select one candidate you wish to vote for by clicking the "Vote" button next to their names Ensure you only choose one candidate.
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 wanted to share my appreciation for the significant role RJO has played in Cline Jewelers' growth. We've transitioned from a smaller volume store to a larger one within the group, and I am incredibly proud of this progress and the leadership that has guided us. At this point in my professional and personal journey, I feel it is the right time for me to dedicate my time and share my knowledge and experiences with the broader RJO community I am deeply committed to understanding our industry thoroughly, and I believe serving as a board member would provide invaluable insights that would not only benefit the group but also contribute to the continued success of Cline Jewelers.”
Following my graduation with a business degree specializing in marketing, I joined my father at Cline Jewelers in 1999. This wasn't a path we had explicitly discussed, but it marked the beginning of my journey with the business. My role as store manager focused on developing and expanding our retail presence. The early years brought their share of challenges, yet through consistent networking and active participation within the RJO community, we achieved steady growth. In 2010, after purchasing the business from my father, I relocated the store to a more visible retail location This move allowed us to gradually phase out trade work and dedicate our efforts to serving our own retail clients Since then, we have maintained a pattern of year-over-year growth Most recently, in November 2023, we moved again to a prime corner location, significantly expanding our square footage by over threefold Our business continues to thrive, and we are constantly seeking opportunities to improve and adapt to the evolving market
First, providing more resources and tools focused on store development would be invaluable.
Secondly, continue to explore additional ways to encourage and increase store attendance at buying shows.
Finally, the implementation of mentorship programs for stores could offer valuable guidance and support
BUSINESS EXPERTISE / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Inventory Management, Manufacturing, and Marketing.
Past board member Edmonds Center for the Arts
President Downtown Edmonds Merchant Association
I am dedicated to acting in the best interests of our membership I'm a cheerleader for RJO and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities for our organization's continued growth and success
CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOE'S INTRO VIDEO