Mark Clodius

I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin and started jewelry making in junior high and made it my profession during my 20´s. I attended the University of Wisconsin (5yrs.) Relocated to Rockford in 1984, I became the first jeweler for K´s merchandise when they opened. I co-founded Zavius Jewelers in 1990 and met, fell crazy in love with and married Monika in 1992. Upon leaving Zavius in 1999, Monika and I opened Clodius & Co. Jewelers in the fall of 2000. I enjoy wine, reading, and music among other things. I enjoyed sports car racing as a bachelor and placed second overall in a year long club series. We have two children, two dogs, one ferret and enjoy our busy lives.

Among my professional accomplishments are a life long study and love for minerals, gems, metallurgy, history of Jewelry (among others). In 2006 I won an International Diamond Grading Contest (it took two sudden death grade offs to achieve), hosted by Polygon International, a prominent jewelrry trade organization. I have had original jewelry designs published, and have won ribbons in (most) of the juried art fairs I have participated in.

Monika Clodius

I was born and raised in Germany. In 1986 my family moved to the United States. Since an early age, I can remember going into jewelry stores and checking out the treasures earth has to offer. On one of those adventures I met Mark.

Sometime after starting Clodius & Co. in 1999, and after our two children were full time students, I decided to start the long process of obtaining my Gemological Degree from the GIA. I have received my Graduate Diamond Diploma from GIA and am a "stones throw" away from achieving my goal of becoming a Graduate Gemologist. Sharing the responsibilities of buying and marketing, I oversee the Inventory and our Charitable Donation Departments.

Working with the love of my life, Mark, my parents and our great staff; sharing my office with our pups gives me great pleasure. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, music, sports and our family. At some point I hope to ballroom dance again.

Valentine

Valentine was the senior member of our staff. She was an important part of the Clodius & Co Family from the beginning. She passed away recently, but will always occupy a warm place in our hearts.

Bello

The new apprentice, I just arrived from Iowa. My favorite things to do are digging holes, chasing leaves and destroying squeaky toys. I hope to mature into Mello Bello so I can help Valentine with greeting customers. Because the best time ever at the store will be getting all those extra love pats.

Rose-Marie Rogers

I was born and raised in Germany, where I met Anthony. I've been married to Anthony for 41 years and raised two lovely daughters. After completing my bachelor degree in goldsmithing at a local German college, which is located in an area in Germany, which is known for its color stone cutting since medieval times. I began my career in jewelry in 1964 working at the bench fabricating and custom designing jewelry. In 1972, I changed paths and went into sales and management. I've been working with Mark and Monika since the beginning of Clodius & Co. in 2000. In 2006 I became an American Citizen. Displaying jewelry is one of my passions and being Merchandise / Display Manager gives me plenty of opportunity to do so.

Jeff Anger

I consider myself a lifelong Rockford resident even though I grew up in Cherry Valley. Previous to my employment at Clodius & Co., I worked at our family owned store "Angers Jewelry" for over 30 years. I've been married for almost a quarter of a century (wow that's a long time)! I have two boys, Nick and Ryan. Watching sports, softball and skiing are just a few of my hobbies.

Harley Doss

Born in February of 1945 and still feel like I'm learning every day of my life. I have always enjoyed colored gems and their diversity. In the mid 1970's an opportunity presented itself to enter the world of retail jewelry at Bailey, Banks & Biddle, I have been working in jewelry ever since. At Clodius & Co. there is a great diversity of knowledge that helps us advance our education of gems and the jewelry business. I've also enjoyed being married for the last 10 years and learn something new there every day as well.

Karen Ambrosia

Originally from Rockford before relocating, I have been in jewelry retail sales for over 10 years. While living in California, I followed the growth of Clodius & Co. in trade magazines. The integrity, the community involvement and the cool place to shop, was what I wanted to be a part of when I returned to Rockford in late summer in 2008. I feel privileged to be a part of this family and look forward to meeting all of the Clodius & Co. friends.

Anthony ”Tony” Rogers

Born in Hammond, Indiana and raised in Lansing, Illinois, I went on to graduate with honors in the Computer Technology Program at Ft. Monmouth, Monmouth College, New Jersey. After serving in the Adjutant Generals Branch of the U.S. Army, I was employed by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing as manager for the NATO market in Europe. I left 3M to become a self-employed Independent Consultant, to firms doing business with US Forces in Europe. Living abroad for twenty one years and visiting twenty two countries, it was time to return to the US and settle in Rockford with his wife Rose-Marie and two daughters, Monika and Michelle. I take care of the Bookkeeping department at Clodius & Co. and enjoy working with my wife, daughter and son-in-law, as well all other newly adopted members of the Clodius gang.

Cindy Loebach

I was born in Rockford and lived here all my life while raising my five children ranging in ages from 33 to 41 years. My husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. I began my career in jewelry working for K's Merchandise. There I spent 17 years prior to store closure. When I interviewed with Mark & Monika I realized the family atmosphere of the store was where I wanted to work. Inventory control is my primary role with the Clodius & Co. family.

Cari Lenz

I'm fairly new to the jewelry business compared to some of my colleagues. My previous experience in jewelry was at K's Merchandise for a little over a year before the business permanently closed. I was fortunate to be able to join the family of Clodius & Co Jewelers and have worked here for over a year. On a daily basis I'm expanding my knowledge about the industry working with the long time experts in the store. I'm married and have two sons ages 17 and 14. The warm family atmosphere is what makes coming to work lots of fun. That same family atmosphere is communicated to our customer that keeps them coming back. Working at Clodius & Co. is more than just a job, it is a commitment. We all believe in our work and are committed to making sure our customers are completely satisfied.

Jim Powers

I began working as a bench jeweler in 1991, specializing in gold and platinum fabrication, stone setting of diamonds and colored gemstones, wax carving and assembly of jewelry. My career with Clodius & Co began in the original store downtown in 2001 and I have enjoyed watching the company grow and grow. The great team at the store is comprised of long time professional jewelry industry experts and makes working here a pleasure. I grew up in Rockton and was the youngest of 8 children. I am now enjoying my own marriage of 9 years.

Jennifer M. Shaline

Milwaukee born, yet calls the Rockford area home. I've been married for 16 years and have a nine year old daughter. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in metal work and jewelry. I have had photographs of some of my original pieces published in major publications. Currently a member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and am excited to be a part of the great team at Clodius & Co. designing and working with wax modeling.

Daniel R. Buckman

Native to Rockford, IL, I've been working in the jewelry field since 1999. I'm happily married to my wife of 2 years; we have an 11year old daughter. Began learning jewelry making at a local retail store, I moved on to working on my own. I have even worked making swords and knives. Now, an experienced craftsman, I'm happy to be at Clodius & Co. working with some of the most skilled jewelers in town.

Tim Rampenthal

As a Rockford native, I began my involvement in the jewelry industry in 1998. I specialize in three-dimensional computer aided designing at Clodius & Co. as well as being strong in bench skills like stone setting, wax carving and engraving. I even engraved the gun Angelina Jolie used in the Universal Studios movie "Wanted". I also, enjoy designing custom jewelry work for customers who loves a special design. My hobby is training my dog in both obedience and field training.

Justin Hirschfield

My family and I are relatively new to the Rockford area, but we are proud to call Rockford our home. I am originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and my wife is originally from Bryan, Texas. I have been a Retail Sales Professional for over 20 years and have worked in six different states. I attended college part-time while I worked full time until I finally graduated in 2002.

Like being new to the area, I am also new to the jewelry industry. When I decided to make the move, I knew Clodius & Co. was the only choice for me. I am learning every day and currently attending classes to become an Accredited Jewelry Professional. My plan is to continue my education and work hard to continue the standard of service for which Clodius & Co. is known. I am excited to be part of the team and part of the community.

Brian Tessman

Having grown up near Madison, Wisconsin, I have lived my entire life in the Midwest, specifically southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

A 1987 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I have spent almost all of my working life in the jewelry field. Beginning in 1988 with The Diamond Center in Janesville, I have spent a total of 23 years in the field accumulating a great deal of knowledge and experience. I have been with Clodius & Co. as store Manager since June 2010. I love working with our staff, clients and the Rockford market, and look forward to many more years of positive growth for our store and the city.

Lisa Koshuta

Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, I moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1987, where I currently reside. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 19 years and have two adorable boys and a loving dog named Cooper. I dabble in interior decorating as a side project.

I have been in the jewelry business since 1987 and have loved every minute of it.

It is my passion to help customers find the right piece of jewelry they will be proud to wear. Hope to see you soon.

Debbie DuFoe

As Bookkeeper, I am one of the newest members of the Clodius & Co. family. The family atmosphere here makes it a great place to work every day. I have worked in the accounting/bookkeeping field all of my life. You might say I love numbers. A Rockford resident for over 30 years, I am originally from Wisconsin.

I have been married for 22 years and have two boys ages 18 and 20. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, decorating and the great outdoors.

Cathy Lapi

I have worked at Clodius & Co. part-time for three years and just recently joined the team full time. When I started here, I knew nothing about jewelry. I have learned so much over the past few years and absolutely love working here. I learn new things every day from my more experienced teammates.

In past years, I have worked as a veterinary technician, so this was a big change for me. I love animals and still work one day a week at a veterinary hospital. I have four dogs and two cats. I used to show horses; now I show my two Dobermans in agility and obedience.

Rodger Phillips

Originally from northern Indiana, I have lived in the Rockford area for most of my life. I served in the U.S. Army Infantry during Vietnam.

I started in the jewelry industry over 35 years ago, working at a menagerie of stores, including my own store in Belvidere. I have worn many, if not all, of the jewelry hats during my career in the business.

These days, I enjoy reading, tinkering around the yard and the outdoors. I am blessed to spend my days with my loving wife, Jan.

I believe I am one of the newest members of the Clodius family, my position being the liaison between the shop and the floor. It is a pleasure getting to know everyone here. Clodius & Co. is a refreshing change from all of the other places I’ve worked through the years. I consider myself very fortunate to work here.

Janet Henning

I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but my family moved back to Illinois in the early 1970s. After college, I went to sunny California, where I obtained my graduate Gemologist degree. I am also a Registered Jeweler with the American Gem Society.

Ever since I heard that “Don’t sweat it, Dude” commercial, I thought this was the place for me. The whole Clodius & Co. team is much more like a family. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of this fantastic store.

I am married to my best friend, and we have three extraordinary children. If I am not participating in AKC agility trials with my dog, Eli, I enjoy cooking and baking.

I have been working at Clodius & Co. for over a year now. I love meeting new people and helping them on the jewelry journey!