Hall of Fame Induction Year
2007
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Inductee Biography
The founder of a multimillion dollar jewelry business, James Dunn is the owner and president of J. R. Dunn Jewelers. He began his career in 1967 in Massachusetts when he converted a house into a small jewelry store called The House of Gems—a business started with just $10,000 in savings. Dunn and his wife relocated to Florida in 1977 with intentions of semi-retirement. They opened a jewelry boutique business serving a select clientele by appointment only. However, the business grew, and the need to accommodate clients led to the purchase of a 6,000-square-foot building on Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point. Today, J. R. Dunn Jewelers is a premier retailer of fine jewelry, featuring the world's most renowned Swiss watches and designer jewelry. The business continues to grow with more than 10,000 square feet of showroom space, including a retail showroom on Las Olas Boulevard, catalogs, and online operations. Dunn has been the recipient of many awards, including the Emerald Society of Fort Lauderdale's Irishman of the Year, and the Sun Sentinel's Excalibur Award. An active civic leader, Dunn has contributed time and money to numerous causes. He serves on boards including those of the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County and the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way. He and his family are committed to giving back to the community. Over the past nine years, the Dunn family has held the Annual Dunn's Run, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club. The Dunns have been married for 38 years and have one son.
Digital Collection
Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame
Disciplines
Business
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