David Adelman

Dave Adelman grew up in New Haven, Connecticut and graduated in 1966 from Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island with a BS in Business Administration, and then spent 3 years in the US Army with a tour in Korea. He moved to Atlanta in February, 1970 and then began working for a women’s sportswear manufacturer. Dave purchased franchises in Georgia and Alabama for an OSHA Compliance company and sold them in 1978. In 1978, Dave joined Jerry’s Pawn Shop (owned by Sheila’s father, Jerry Mandel). Dave met Sheila in 1974 and they married in 1975, and have a daughter, Denise Adelman. In 1985 Sheila and Dave purchased the family business. Dave became very involved in the Pawn Industry and he was instrumental in creating the Georgia Pawn Association. In 1989 he was asked to join the Board of Directors of the National Pawn Association. Sheila and Dave opened their second store in 1995 in Buckhead. Dave served as President of the Georgia Pawnbrokers Association as well as President of the National Pawnbrokers Association. He received the NPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, they sold the business and retired. In 2016, Dave attended his first JELF Event and decided to become active in JELF.