Mark Clodius Job Title: Owner Company Name: Sessions speaking at   MO-17 Secrets of America's Coolest Stores - Clodius and Co 2003 Cool Store 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 jewelry 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.