Dick Bitzan has been a key player in the family jewelry store since 1973. Over the years he has helped grow the business, weather transitions, and most recently navigate the move from inside St. Cloud's Crossroads Shopping mall, to a stand-alone store. Because of his leadership and success, Bitzan was selected as the 2010 Business Central Mark of Excellence-Family Owned Business of the Year. The award is presented annually by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and Gilleland Chevrolet Cadillac.

Bitzan formally joined the business in 1973. Though he never intended to work in the family business, his father's persistent encouragement led him to join the family jewelry store, where he worked full time while finishing college. In 1985 he bought into the company, completing the succession plan in 1994. With 16 full-time and two part-time employees, the company enjoyed steady growth until 2004.

In 2005 jewelry sales industry-wide began to decline. For DJ Bitzan, sales were flat. In 2008 the bottom fell out of the market. "The availability of credit - or lack of credit - was devastating," Bitzan said. "Sixty percent of jewelry sales are bridal, but bridal couples couldn't get financing." Industry-wide sales dropped by 19 percent. Bitzan managed to hold his drop to 13 percent. He focused on training staff, enhancing his web site, and decreasing operating expenses. "But we did not cut staff at all during this period," he said. The results of his efforts began to show in 2009 when industry sales remained down four to five percent, but sales for DJ Bitzan were up about five percent. Currently Bitzan has 20 full-time and two part-time employees. "Our average employee has been here 10 years," he said.

Bitzan and his wife, Mimi, are known in Central Minnesota for their philanthropy. In 2009 they made personal gifts to over 125 not-for-profit organizations. They also serve on a variety of community boards and committees. "We want to be a vibrant part of our community," Bitzan said, "and that means being a benefactor through philanthropy and leadership."

Dick Bitzan was honored at the 23rd Annual St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Luncheon in May.