IndependentsMar 23, 2022
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To Celebrate 100 Years, This Retailer Is Giving Away $10K
Samuelson’s Diamonds & Estate Buyers has created a $10,000 grant that will go to another family-owned business in the Baltimore area.
Baltimore—Samuelson’s Diamonds & Estate Buyers is celebrating its centennial this year, and it wants to mark the milestone by helping another local family-owned business.
The third-generation jeweler announced Wednesday it has established a $10,000 grant that will go to a brick-and-mortar business in the Baltimore area.
The winner will be selected in May and invited as a VIP to the retailer’s 100th anniversary party, where Samuelson’s will reveal their identity to the public.
“We were looking for a way to celebrate our 100-year milestone in a unique and meaningful way,” CEO Ron Samuelson said.
“Giving to charity is something we have always done but making a meaningful contribution to a local family business that shares our values and entrepreneurial spirit is a more actionable way to pay it forward and celebrate this rare milestone.”
To enter, applicants must submit a short video about their family business and meet the following requirements: in business at least 10 years; have a Maryland business license and a physical location based in the City of Baltimore or Baltimore County; and have at least two family members working in the business.
The deadline for entry is May 2. For more information, visit the Samuelson’s website.
The third-generation jeweler announced Wednesday it has established a $10,000 grant that will go to a brick-and-mortar business in the Baltimore area.
The winner will be selected in May and invited as a VIP to the retailer’s 100th anniversary party, where Samuelson’s will reveal their identity to the public.
“We were looking for a way to celebrate our 100-year milestone in a unique and meaningful way,” CEO Ron Samuelson said.
“Giving to charity is something we have always done but making a meaningful contribution to a local family business that shares our values and entrepreneurial spirit is a more actionable way to pay it forward and celebrate this rare milestone.”
To enter, applicants must submit a short video about their family business and meet the following requirements: in business at least 10 years; have a Maryland business license and a physical location based in the City of Baltimore or Baltimore County; and have at least two family members working in the business.
The deadline for entry is May 2. For more information, visit the Samuelson’s website.
Milton Samuelson in front of the original Samuelson’s store, located on Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Avenue. He opened the store in 1922.
The second and third generation members of the business, Steve Samuelson (left) and his son Ron, in front of the Baltimore Street store.
Milton Samuelson opened the first Samuelson’s store on Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore in 1922.
His son, Steve Samuelson, joined the business in 1962.
In 1972, the retailer moved downtown to Baltimore Street, where it operated as a traditional pawn shop, buying and selling guitars, antiques and collectibles, and jewelry.
Today, the jeweler has two locations in Maryland and one in Virginia, and an appointment-centric business model focused on buying and selling fine jewelry.
The company said it reached 100 years by adhering to three core values—trust, integrity, and transparency—and by abiding by one key rule.
“My grandfather, Milton Samuelson, always said, ‘You gotta change with the times.’ Change is constant and you need to adapt to the current business climate without changing your core values,” Ron said.
“One rule that has kept the family together is to never engage in family politics, and we have not broken that rule. We all have tremendous respect for one another and value the views and expertise we each bring to the table.”
Steve, now 80, still comes into the office regularly and serves as president of the company while Ron’s son Ethan Samuelson, who is in college, works for the family business in the summer. He has helped Samuelson’s build its online presence.
The retailer has an e-commerce site, does virtual appointments, and sells its jewelry on Etsy and 1stDibs.
“I am so proud of our team and how we continue to grow despite the many challenges that we have faced over our 100-year history. To get to this milestone and still have a strong business and family bond is what keeps me going every day,” Steve said.
“We look forward to the future and celebrating 100 more years in business.”
The retailer has an e-commerce site, does virtual appointments, and sells its jewelry on Etsy and 1stDibs.
“I am so proud of our team and how we continue to grow despite the many challenges that we have faced over our 100-year history. To get to this milestone and still have a strong business and family bond is what keeps me going every day,” Steve said.
“We look forward to the future and celebrating 100 more years in business.”
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