John Atencio emphasizes, “Our company has a tradition of community philanthropy and responsibility. We are pleased to support, and are honored to be of service to organizations that enrich the lives of all who live and work in the communities we serve, and beyond.”
Owner, CEO, team leader and designer John Atencio has been creating and marketing his jewelry since 1978. “I was an art major at Colorado State University, but then I changed to a business major. At that point I felt something was lacking from my emotional life. Then I happened onto jewelry and fell in love with it. After school I made a career of designing jewelry.”
John Atencio jewelry is bold, modern and unique. “I create a clean design, it’s very distinctive, and my pieces are very identifiable. I was mostly self-taught, and this is what came out of it.”
John Atencio, Ltd, contributes to philanthropy in all their markets, the Denver, San Francisco and Scottsdale/ Phoenix areas. “In Arizona we have helped the American Heart Association, Children’s Hospital, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and the American Cancer society, among others. I donate my products and time, with my jewelry designs usually part of a charity auction.”
John maintains that “My interests outside of my profession are first and foremost my family. I have two sons, with the 24-year-old into filmmaking and directing. He’s presently doing a film in Louisiana. My 18-year-old son is a student at Metro State. They are both great guys, no complaints!”
A cycling enthusiast, John rides his touring bicycle a minimum of 100-150 miles a week. “I put in 2600 miles per year including challenging rides through mountain passes. I also love all sports and being in the outdoors.”
Although loyal to his native Colorado, John Atencio admires Phoenix. “Besides my mom living there, I love the contemporary, casual lifestyle of the area. There are also lots of unique restaurants! We have wonderful relationships with people in Phoenix; we feel like the Scottsdale market is “our” kind of people. We have many aficionados of my jewelry there, and I feel a huge connection with them.”
He remarks that “The customers in different markets become part of our company and culture, and it ends up working beautifully together. When I’m in Phoenix I keep eyes and ears on the ground to keep up with trends.” Atencio was recently in Belgium and then in London, where he caught the prologue of the Tour de France. “I have a passion for other cultures, it’s an enlightenment process! Somehow I know that I’ll transform my experience at the Tour into my jewelry. Eventually it will show itself creatively in some of my designs.” John also expresses himself through drawing, painting, and photography and “actually anything creative.”
But John concludes, “I’m grateful to be part of a great organization, and am able to work with the talented people on our team at J.A. We all work together so well! I’m blessed to be surrounded by creative people.”
What are your volunteer activities? My company supports the American Heart Association, Children’s Hospital, Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, and the American Cancer Society, among others. I donate my products and time, with my jewelry pieces usually part of a charity auction.
Other company charities include the Mental Health Association, the National Pain Foundation, PBS, Children’s Hospitals, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver Art Museum, Fresh Start, Colorado State University, and Regis Schools. John also maintains partnerships in Naples, Florida; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois.
Favorite Restaurant? Food? A great grilled hamburger.
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Al Pacino
What gives a woman/man style? Confidence and good taste.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? I take care of all my toys.
What words describe you best? Eccentric, intense.
What words would you like others to use to describe you? That I am a nice guy.
What was your first job? Flipping burgers
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Meaness
What is your greatest indulgence? The time to take care of myself
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Love, there is no greater gift .
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My two sons.
What is your most treasured possession? My heart.
What is the quality you most like in people? Creativity.
What is the best advice you have ever received? ”Deserve your dream”.