Bob Woolsey is the chief executive officer of Jones Bros. Jewelers, overseeing the store’s day-to-day activities. He is responsible for promoting and developing future growth for the business, and has been very successful in his 14 years with the company. A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Woolsey is a certified gemologist and involved in the purchase and sale of all merchandise at Jones Bros.
In spite of the recent recession, Woolsey’s fresh perspectives on business and marketing have allowed him to increase sales significantly from year to year, including a 26-percent growth in revenue just last year. His 14 years of experience in the jewelry business have helped to create a relaxed atmosphere in which customers feel comfortable making their own decisions. His ideas are often cutting-edge, and he has the courage and vision to express them, even when they may not be of the majority opinion.
In 2005, Woolsey developed the Jones Bros. Plaza at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie. In addition to providing a new home for the business, the building offered 10,000 square feet of retail space, which Woolsey leased to several tenants. His leadership and success was recently recognized by Instore magazine when they named Jones Bros. Jewelers a “Fast Riser.”
Philanthropy is a way of life for Woolsey, and not only is he financially generous, but he gives of his time and talents as well. He is active in leadership roles throughout the community, having served on the Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board since 2001 and co-chaired the St. Thomas Auction with his wife earlier this year. Woolsey graduated from the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School in 1997 and has been a Chamber board member since 2008. He chaired the PACC 2010 Membership Drive, securing 31 new members—the most of any individual, and was the top team captain, with 68 new members, and top fundraiser, with more than $17,000.
Woolsey learned about leadership and volunteerism from his parents at a young age. That foundation and the skills he learned early on have shaped the businessman, father, husband, son, brother, friend and leader that he is today. iBi
