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The collective six children of the previous owners have inherited the Kentucky business.
The Jewel-Craft Inc. facility in Erlanger, Kentucky. The company is now in its fourth generation of family ownership.
Erlanger, Ky.—After more than three decades at the helm, Jewel-Craft Inc. owners and brothers Gary and Benet Wesdorp are passing the torch to their children: Nick, Stefanie, Ross, Jerah, Walker and Karlan.
They will be the fourth generation of the Wesdorp family to hold ownership of the Kentucky-based company.
The next generation is taking over per an agreement that was finalized at the end of 2022, but made retroactive to January 2022, and recently made public.
Although they officially are retired now, Gary and Benet said they will continue to offer their support.
For Ross Wesdorp, Gary’s son, Jewel-Craft has been part of his life since he was born.
“Taking on the next step to continue what my father, uncle, grandparents and great-grandfather built is such an incredible honor,” Ross said. “We are very excited for the next steps and cannot put into words how much it means to us.”
Jewel-Craft is a full-service business, providing comprehensive jewelry services to retail stores and shops nationwide. All stages of design, manufacturing, repair, and restoration are performed on site at its Kentucky location.
It was originally founded in a garage attic in 1947 by Earl Wesdorp. In 1950, Earl’s son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Dot Wesdorp, came alongside him and solidified the foundation of the business.
Bob and Dot’s two sons, Gary and Benet, became an integral part of Jewel-Craft at an early age. The brothers received mentorship from their parents in their teen and young adult years, honing their skills and principles as craftsmen and leaders. In 1985, they received ownership of the company.
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They will be the fourth generation of the Wesdorp family to hold ownership of the Kentucky-based company.
The next generation is taking over per an agreement that was finalized at the end of 2022, but made retroactive to January 2022, and recently made public.
Although they officially are retired now, Gary and Benet said they will continue to offer their support.
For Ross Wesdorp, Gary’s son, Jewel-Craft has been part of his life since he was born.
“Taking on the next step to continue what my father, uncle, grandparents and great-grandfather built is such an incredible honor,” Ross said. “We are very excited for the next steps and cannot put into words how much it means to us.”
Jewel-Craft is a full-service business, providing comprehensive jewelry services to retail stores and shops nationwide. All stages of design, manufacturing, repair, and restoration are performed on site at its Kentucky location.
It was originally founded in a garage attic in 1947 by Earl Wesdorp. In 1950, Earl’s son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Dot Wesdorp, came alongside him and solidified the foundation of the business.
Bob and Dot’s two sons, Gary and Benet, became an integral part of Jewel-Craft at an early age. The brothers received mentorship from their parents in their teen and young adult years, honing their skills and principles as craftsmen and leaders. In 1985, they received ownership of the company.
The company flourished under Gary and Benet’s leadership.
In 1990, the company moved to its current home in Erlanger, Kentucky. Under the direction of Gary and Benet, the site has undergone major expansions.
Jewel-Craft eventually grew to employ 265 dedicated members lovingly referred to as the “Pit Crew.” The company has been named RJO “Vendor of the Year” four times.
“This is a tremendous time for the company and our family,” Gary said. “Jewel-Craft has grown in so many amazing ways and our family has grown along with it. Our success all comes down to a lot of hard work and dedication. We also owe so much to our remarkable Pit Crew and loyal customers.”
“Absolutely,” Benet added. “It’s incredible to see our children continuing the family legacy. Passing the company on to them, just as it was taken up by us, is an indescribable feeling.”
The fourth generation of the Wesdorp family is deeply grateful for everything that Gary and Benet built over the years, said the company, and are excited to lead Jewel-Craft into the future.
Going forward, Jewel-Craft said it will continue to distinguish itself as the industry’s leader in repair and manufacturing, doing this through their fantastic support and service, which it is always striving to improve.
To learn more about Jewel-Craft, visit the company’s website or email ross@jewel-craft.com.
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