Ron Givens, Sr.

Ron Givens is a lifelong resident of Peoria, Illinois. His education began at Washington and Franklin grade schools before moving on to Peoria Central High School. Graduating in the year 1967, he has remained involved as a Peoria Central High School Alumni Association Officer. After high school graduation, Ron worked at a few Peoria businesses and graduated from Illinois Central College in 1971 with a General Education Degree. He is recognized as a life-long learner by ICC due to his continued commitment to learning experiences from the late 60s all the way into the 2000s. In fact, Ron was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. Later, Ron continued his education by obtaining a Business Management certification through Bradley University, and acquiring a Certificate in Construction Management with The Turner School of Construction Management at The University of Illinois, Chicago.

In addition to his academic education, Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1969. With numerous experiences during his nearly 30 years as a Marine, one of the most prominent was being selected to attend the United States Marine Corps School of Warfighting and Management in Quantico, Virginia. Ron retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in October 1998.

In 1975 Ron entered and completed the Police Training Academy at the University of Illinois in Champaign. That same year, he joined the Peoria City Police Department and served until 1978. In 1980, Ron became a Financial Investment, Planning and Insurance agent and saw great success, but decided to rejoin the Peoria Police Department in 1982. While working as a police officer, Ron still had a heavy interest in financial advising and continued to carry a book of business while maintaining his career in law enforcement through 1998. After 25 years, he retired as a Detective having received a Peoria Police Critical Incident Valor Award and two Life Saving Awards during his time with the Department.

In October of 1998, Ron purchased JM Industrial Supply, an international, third party intergrader that sells industrial products and supplies in the United States and all over the world. In 2011, Ron and his friend Richard Scovil founded GIVSCO Construction where he currently enjoys working alongside his son, Ronnie. GIVSCO is a veteran and minority-owned construction business that values integrity and accountability while specializing in painting, carpentry, and demolition.

Ron is married to Carrie and has two beautiful grandchildren, Malia and Cameron from his son Ronnie Jr. and wife, Oneida. He enjoys spending time with his beloved black miniature schnauzer, Bishop Alexander, who is always by his side while, fishing, racing and building race cars. His need for speed earned him a place in the Peoria Speedway Oldtimers Hall of Fame in 2019. He currently serves as a board member for the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, South-West Peoria Kiwanis, Kiwanis International, Heart of Illinois United Way Board of Directors, Peoria Riverfront Advisory board, CEO Council of Peoria Illinois, and the Illinois Central College Educational Foundation.