Disingers announce they are done with the jewelry business
After 30 years at the helm of Disinger Jewelers, Bob and Jacque Disinger have announced they are quitting the jewelry business.
The announcement they are quitting seems fitting for Bob’s sense of humor but in reality, the couple is ready to retire.
“It’s been 30 years. We successfully navigated our business through multiple wars, recessions and now a pandemic. It’s time to travel and see what the next chapter of our lives brings,” said Bo. “I was told I would know when it’s time to retire, and now I know it’s time!”
Originally founded by Bob’s grandfather in 1932, the couple expanded from there and opened a Disinger Jewelers in the Jasper Manor Shopping Center. This was followed by another location in Bedford’s Town Fair Shopping center.
In 1998, Disinger merged both stores into the 3,200 square foot jewelry destination on Newton Street. The space allowed for a larger selection of fine jewelry, custom design, onsite studios, and a repair shop for two goldsmiths. Repairs and one-of-a-kind treasures came to life as the public gazed through windows in the lounge and watched the talented artists at their trade.
In 2007 Disinger expanded and opened a second store in the restored French Lick Resort. This location proved to be a wonderful compliment to the Jasper store.
Over the years, Bob and Jacque have stood by the company’s mission statement to, “Inspire the loyalty of our customers by being the most trusted jeweler in our market; providing the highest level of personal service, quality and value through integrity and high ethical standards.”
Bob and Jacque attribute their success to the superb local talent they have been able to work with over the years. In addition to the full-time staff, brilliant young high school and college students have used their positions at Disinger as a launching pad for success.
“We are truly a family business,” Jacque explained. “We’ve watched the students grow up and become attorneys, doctors, nurses and raise families. We are so blessed that we even have three of our original associates still with us in the store today.”
Community involvement has always been a big part of their lives and a benefit of being in business in Dubois County.
“Being part of the community is one of the things I am most proud of,” said Bob.
In addition their service on local boards and committees, Disinger Jewelers has sponsored many organizations over the years and supported events like the Strassenfest and the queens’ pageant.
Jacque was an active member of Tri Kappa Sorority for 20 years. Bob served twice on the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. He served as the president for one term and has also served as an ambassador for the Chamber. The list of his volunteer work goes on. He has been chairman of the Strassenfest, chairman of the Jasper Junior Achievement, a youth soccer coach, scout leader, scout commissioner, vice chairman of Memorial Hospital and Health Care Board of Directors, vice chairman of Memorial Hospital’s Foundation, vice president of RJO Foundation, president of Lambda Chi Alpha’s Educational Foundation, and director of the Indiana Jewelers Association. And a member of many committees.
“At my very first Annual Chamber meeting 30 years ago, I was honored to sit with Bob and Josie Seibert,” Bob recalled. “As long-time business owners, Mr. Siebert told me if I was the least bit successful to give back to our community through time, talent, and treasure. I have worked ever since to live up to this standard.”
Bob and Jacque have always been committed to providing the best service and products for their customers. One of the first major decisions they made was to join the Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO). This allowed Disinger the purchasing power to compete with the chain stores. Plus, RJO offered educational and worldwide import opportunities.
In 2004, RJO named Disinger Jewelers the Ultimate Jeweler of the Year. This award was given for their contributions to the industry, RJO and the local community. In addition, in August Bob was awarded with the RJO Lifetime Achievement Award.
“We hope one of our long-term employees may buy the store, but we have to sell all our remaining inventory. So, everything must go,” Bob said. “We are having a total liquidation because we are quitting the business. Nothing will be held back. It’s a wall to wall liquidation, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Bob and Jacque Disinger have invited the community to the Disinger Jeweler’s retirement liquidation sale at their location in Jasper at 3770 N. Newton St.
Bob and Jacque have two children. Will is a Consultant with Cerner Corporation based in Kansas City, Missouri. Mollie is a Clinical Pharmacist with Community Hospital in Indianapolis.