(Boston, MA) Massachusetts native and local business owner Bob Rottenberg was honored last week with a lifetime achievement award for excellence in the jewelry industry. Bob Rottenberg, CEO of LongÂ’s Jewelers, was inducted into National Jeweler’s 22nd Annual Retailer Hall of Fame Friday night. The ceremony took place at a gala dinner at Gotham Hall in Manhattan, held in conjunction with the Jewelry Information Center’s 8th Annual Gem Awards.
Rottenberg, whose father and maternal grandfather were both in the business, got his start in the 1960s with a single store called Ross Jewelers in Lynn, Mass. He later bought Long’s Jewelers and eventually decided to bring all the stores he owned under the Long’s Jewelers name which dates back to 1878.
Today, Rottenberg continues an active role in the operation of Long’s Jewelers, which has five locations in Massachusetts. LongÂ’s Jewelers remains a Boston favorite as they have been voted Best Jeweler by several area publications – Boston Magazine, Improper Bostonian, and Northshore Magazine all in 2009.
Rottenberg credits not only the customers but also the dedication of the management team and employees at LongÂ’s for the companyÂ’s success.
“The people in the stores have been with us a very long time and are very capable,” Rottenberg says. “That’s what drives the success of any company, the people in the trenches.”
Bob RottenbergÂ’s two sons Judd and Craig Rottenberg play an integral part in the companyÂ’s success as well. Judd Rottenberg, a Graduate Gemologist with vast product knowledge, is a principal and manager of the Burlington, MA location. Craig Rottenberg, who holds a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, is the President of LongÂ’s Jewelers and maintains financial and marketing aspects of the business. BobÂ’s wife Dianne has also played a significant role in the success of LongÂ’s Jewelers.
RottenbergÂ’s success has also stemmed from his product knowledge and strong relationships he has build with his customers over the years. He has maintained a balance of classic jewelry staples as well as fashion forward pieces in his stores by forecasting trends and taking note of what his customers are seeking. In addition, Rottenberg has given back to his community by sponsoring various organizations such as The Boston Marathon and The Jimmy Fund Walk.
“I enjoy the interaction with customers I’ve had for over 40 years–and now their kids, another generation,” Rottenberg says.
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ABOUT LONGÂ’S JEWELERS
Established in 1878, LongÂ’s Jewelers currently operates five stores in MA: Boston, Burlington, Braintree, Natick, and Peabody. LongÂ’s carries the finest collection of jewelry and watches from world-renowned manufacturers that include Rolex, David Yurman, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin, and Breitling. As New EnglandÂ’s Diamond Source, Long’s also specializes in diamonds and engagement rings. The LongÂ’s diamond, wedding ring, and bridal jewelry selection includes signature pieces as well as items from top designers Ritani, Memoire, and Scott Kay just to name a few. Each store also offers a complete giftware gallery of crystal, porcelain sculptures, and gifts for baby and the home. LongÂ’s also focuses on corporate gifts to suit every business need. LongÂ’s is a proud member of the American Gem Society, the official award supplier of the Boston Marathon, and an avid supporter of many charities. For more information, log on to www.longsjewelers.com.