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Reg M. Schopp - Grandson of the Founder
As a child growing up in the jewelry business, jewelry was never an option.
Reg's parents wanted more. The "tests" implied accounting should be his path
in life. After college, majoring in the social sciences, minoring in math,
music, business and computer programing, Reg was unqualified for any real
occupation, jewelry was his only option. Engraving and basic Service skills,
watch bands, gift wrapping, things he learned as a boy, enough to get started.
When Reg realized how much he disliked selling the same old merchandise everyone
handled, he got serious, learning Hand Engraving, Casting, Jewelry deSign and
Fabrication. If you have an idea, Reg loves to sketch.
Click Here
Ironically loving his craft wasn't enough. Convention markets, golf, military,
nautical jewelry as well as the traditional wedding and engagement rings all
worked to a degree but the struggle continued. Then the internet came along and
Reg's love for programming, from his college years, finally made the difference.
Now writing HTML is just another way for him to show off the wonderful product
deSignet creates. A jeweler/programmer, a fit made in internet jewelry heaven.
Now with a great staff Reg thrives on helping customers create truly special
pieces of jewelry. From sterling belt buckles to complex platinum mountings with
incredible gemstones, he has no preference. In his words, "it isn't about the
money". Watch out . . . .his goal is to become your hometown jeweler.
40 Years Jewelry Experience
deSignet's History
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Roman J. Jurga - Shoppe Foreman / Goldsmith
From the time Roman came to work here in 1989, he has played a key role in the
development of our business. Bringing bench skills along with an incredible work
ethic, he is the guy that gets the job done. His jewelry skills include casting,
mold and model making, and fabrication. He is a team player first, always on time,
ready to do any job. No one could ask for a better partner and friend. 26
Years Jewelry Experience
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Robert W. Kopf - Graphic deSigner
Bob came to deSignet nine years ago as a friend with a computer
problem. Our paths had crossed in the past on the tennis court and we
have families that have grown up in parallel here on Grand Island.
Ironically he married a girl I went to Junior High with, small world.
It was obvious that he had mastered Powerpoint and Corel and he was an
award winning photographer. When we explored the concept of his employment,
he was considering a life change. He had been the regional sales manager
for Time Warner and let's say he was "Time Warnered Out". Needless to say
his skills fit perfectly into our graphic etching process and he joined the
team. He has been an integral part of the Celtic explosion that has taken
over www.raru.com. If you have seen any of our magazine advertising, he is
the man. Don't you love the castle in our logo, his idea! He has single-handedly
created most of the unique Celtic and floral patterned designs. Currently Bob
has taken on the jeweler's bench and guess what, he is a natural. He enjoys
a challenge and custom graphics are his forte', so don't hesitate to give us
a chance to sketch your ideas. 14 Years Jewelry Experience
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Harry Carter - Sales Representative / deSigner
Harry's gentle and compassionate side brings a special place for customers
who need a little extra. His artistic skills add that special touch.
As a teacher and social worker his kind ear often lends to other coworkers.
It is like an in house counselor. He was a customer of twenty years always
taxing our deSign skills with creative ideas. It is a pleasure having
Harry in the deSignet family, pun intended. 7 Years Jewelry
Experience
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Chris Johnson
Chris, our stone setter, joined the team 10 years ago and
has risen to every challenge. He is focused and enjoys working
in a family environment
. His skills include general bench skills
and stone setting, channels, prongs, bezels and bead work, often
referred to as pave' or Bright Cut. He also fabricates many of our custom rings. He studied hand engraving at Bowman's
Jewelry Institute in Pennsylvania and brings all of that detail
oriented deSign to his bench. We have great discussions about how
to approach a particular job, and generally we find common ground,
and that means the best possible product for our customers. He is
a musician like many of us and sometimes we even listen to one of
his CD's of original music in the shoppe. Chris brings a positive
attitude to work everyday and it has become a part of the shoppe
environment
. 33 Years Jewelry Experience
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Larry J. Karcher
Larry, is a manufacturer's dream, experience of every angle,
casting, polishing, service, model making, and of course
production. Larry came on board as the web was just starting
to take off. His skills came to task, and many of our production
formats were by his deSign, layout of the new shop and casting
and polishing areas were invaluable. He has a great attitude and
never refuses a job, truly another team player.
32 Years Jewelry Experience
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Nathan Cook
Our own chemical engineer, Nathan was a friend looking for a
change from a more stressful life. His impeccable organization
skills along with a knowledge of how the elements become compounds,
is expertise above and beyond. Nathan creates all of our molds and
maintains the mold database, currently with over 7000 unique
deSigns. He is the consummate naturalist with great photographic
skills as well. His photos of nature have become a magical part of
Grand Island's Online News Website
IsledeGrande.Com . Check out his photos on
Nature's Bounty Webpage 7 Years Jewelry Experience
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Marie Basile
Marie brings years of retail and wholesale experience to the team.
From her first jobs in retail to her last as a buyer and sales
representative for a diamond cutter she "knows her stuff"! She
even has bench skills. Marie's curly red hair fit perfectly into
the Celtic Marketplace, it seems only fitting, although she
claims to be Italian. 16 Years Jewelry Experience
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Derek Soos
Derek came to us from a collection job that was, let's say
stressful. Even his Finance degree hasn't kept him from the bench.
During the interview, it was clear that Derek liked working with his
hands. His woodworking skills came in handy and his learning curve
fast. He took to the jeweler's bench with ease. Today almost nine
years later, he plays a significant role with our fabricated wedding
bands. He has developed into a fine goldsmith always looking to
learn new skills. Derek is always there to fix this, install that.
He plays a secondary role as Mr. Fixit. deSignet maintains it's even
keel because of craftsman like Derek, always focusing on making the
job perfect. 9 Years Jewelry Experience
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Kim Kalman - Great Granddaughter of the Founder
Kim is responsible for domain registration, and search engine optimization
in addition to website updating and managing our eBay store. Although her
primary role is managing the 50+ domains of raru, she is ready help out with
our GIECOM clients. Like most of our staff she started with HTML basics and
understands how the code works. Feel free to give her a call or
Email her, she will be glad to help.
Working with Kim is a parent's dream! 14 Years Experience
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Roland Hayes- Military Specialist
I came in to contact with Reg and deSignet in 1995 when I was given
his name so that I could have a wedding ring set made. From this start,
a friendship has developed and grown. I have spent a few years in
uniform of the armed forces of the United States; I have been in both
airborne divisions (101st) (82nd) and have time in other units as well.
Some of the others are 1/509th 8th ID. Germany, 90th ID, 98th div.
(TNG) 19th SF Group, and have time with the US Air Force as a human
relations instructor. I also belong to the DAV. VFW, 101st abn div
association, 82nd div association, 187 RCT association, Infantrymen
association, all airborne association, and the Army Aviation association.
I am also a combat wounded and disabled vet.
Reg and I saw a need for custom hand made jewelry for the different
military units and individuals who would cherish their time in service
and wanted jewelry to show that pride. We have been going strong ever since.
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GIECOM.Net Inc. and IsledeGrande.Com Staff
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Teddy Linenfelser - IsledeGrande.Com Editor
Teddy came on board in October of 2000. She creates and maintains our
"Online News". She is the Town Historian and an islander to the core.
Grand Island is truly a passion for Teddy and it shows. Check out the wonderful
job she does with our Online News.
www.IsledeGrande.Com
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Jodi Robinson - Website Developer
Jodi started about six years ago as a novice and today
she creates and maintains many of our hosted sites. She enjoys
a challenge and learning new techniques. . . . and she likes
jewelry! Her best talent is that she is always ready to help
. . . and wears many hats.
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Josh Lange - Our "Tech Guy"
Josh maintains our four servers and always seems upbeat when
we approach him about our catastrophic computer problems, most
of which he knows, we created. Technically very sharp and always
ready to try new ideas, Josh plays a critical role in deSignet's
and IsledeGrande's web presence. He makes all of this possible!
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Chip Schopp - Grandson of the Founder -
Software Developer
Chip has been helping us with our database management systems
for several years. He has created many of the programs that make
our systems run smoothly. It is one of those things that are critical
to making things happen. Chip also runs his own software development
company
Pondview Software and plays a little bass trombone.
Chip lives in Bolton, Massachusetts.
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