An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System? which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.
Executive's name: William E. (Bill) Boyajian
Title: President
Company name: Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Address: 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 603-4000
Web site: www.gia.edu
Founded: 1931 (in Los Angeles)
Prior experience: 30 year career working at GIA upon graduation from university and from GIA as a Graduate Gemologist, Positions of progression at the Institute: Staff Gemologist, Instructor, Manager in Education, Manager of New Project Development, Director of Marketing, and President.
Source of starting capital: N/A
2003 revenues: $103 million
2004 revenues: $120 million
Average hours worked weekly: 50 to 60
Number of teammates: Seven direct reports, all at the executive level; I report to a corporate Board of Governors.
Residence: Carlsbad.
Family: Wife Joyce, Daughter Rebecca (22), Son David (19).
Hobbies: Golf, bridge, writing, and gardening.
What got you into this business? A love of gems and an interest in a career in the jewelry industry.
What makes your business a standout? GIA is unique as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, and a world leader in gemological education and research, laboratory grading and identification, and instrument development.
Drawbacks to your line of business: None.
Why is your company headquartered in Carlsbad? Great community, great climate, great working and learning environment.
How do you plan to grow? International expansion of schools, laboratory service expansion, nonprofit service diversification.
Toughest career decision: Making the move to Carlsbad from L.A. and running the risk of losing key people and disrupting our service and overall mission (not to mention the financial risk).
Ongoing challenges: Staying one step ahead of new synthetic gems and new forms of gemstone treatment; prioritizing the services we provide in light of the many needs in our public service mission; growing at a pace to keep up with demand; and adapting to international business with our expansion overseas.
Best way to stay competitive: Focus on what we do best, while being committed to diversifying and broadening our outreach; staying adaptive to change; worrying less about others and keeping a close eye on what we do
In five years, where would you like your business to be? Double the size of today, with greater service to the trade and public and also greater international reach
What does your company contribute to the Carlsbad community? Jobs, community spirit, support programs, assistance to local schools, and Chamber of Commerce leadership.
What are your guiding principles? Our seven core values:
Independence and integrity
People are our priority
Service-minded leadership
Mission-driven orientation
Dynamic leadership in our field
A global perspective
Helping others achieve
What's one thing other people do not know about you? I am as committed to my family and my church as I am to GIA.
What would you change if you could do it all over again? Not much, but I would try to attain an advanced degree, such as an MBA.
Choice for a second career: There never was one, but I would have loved to be an athletic coach or a sports broadcaster.
Favorite movie: Toss-up between "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Dirty Dozen."
Favorite quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Henry David Thoreau
Advice for new entrepreneurs: Follow your passion, work hard and smart, and be realistic while still thinking BIG.
Executive's name: William E. (Bill) Boyajian
Title: President
Company name: Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Address: 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 603-4000
Web site: www.gia.edu
Founded: 1931 (in Los Angeles)
Prior experience: 30 year career working at GIA upon graduation from university and from GIA as a Graduate Gemologist, Positions of progression at the Institute: Staff Gemologist, Instructor, Manager in Education, Manager of New Project Development, Director of Marketing, and President.
Source of starting capital: N/A
2003 revenues: $103 million
2004 revenues: $120 million
Average hours worked weekly: 50 to 60
Number of teammates: Seven direct reports, all at the executive level; I report to a corporate Board of Governors.
Residence: Carlsbad.
Family: Wife Joyce, Daughter Rebecca (22), Son David (19).
Hobbies: Golf, bridge, writing, and gardening.
What got you into this business? A love of gems and an interest in a career in the jewelry industry.
What makes your business a standout? GIA is unique as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, and a world leader in gemological education and research, laboratory grading and identification, and instrument development.
Drawbacks to your line of business: None.
Why is your company headquartered in Carlsbad? Great community, great climate, great working and learning environment.
How do you plan to grow? International expansion of schools, laboratory service expansion, nonprofit service diversification.
Toughest career decision: Making the move to Carlsbad from L.A. and running the risk of losing key people and disrupting our service and overall mission (not to mention the financial risk).
Ongoing challenges: Staying one step ahead of new synthetic gems and new forms of gemstone treatment; prioritizing the services we provide in light of the many needs in our public service mission; growing at a pace to keep up with demand; and adapting to international business with our expansion overseas.
Best way to stay competitive: Focus on what we do best, while being committed to diversifying and broadening our outreach; staying adaptive to change; worrying less about others and keeping a close eye on what we do
In five years, where would you like your business to be? Double the size of today, with greater service to the trade and public and also greater international reach
What does your company contribute to the Carlsbad community? Jobs, community spirit, support programs, assistance to local schools, and Chamber of Commerce leadership.
What are your guiding principles? Our seven core values:
Independence and integrity
People are our priority
Service-minded leadership
Mission-driven orientation
Dynamic leadership in our field
A global perspective
Helping others achieve
What's one thing other people do not know about you? I am as committed to my family and my church as I am to GIA.
What would you change if you could do it all over again? Not much, but I would try to attain an advanced degree, such as an MBA.
Choice for a second career: There never was one, but I would have loved to be an athletic coach or a sports broadcaster.
Favorite movie: Toss-up between "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Dirty Dozen."
Favorite quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Henry David Thoreau
Advice for new entrepreneurs: Follow your passion, work hard and smart, and be realistic while still thinking BIG.