Family businesses aren't a sure thing. Some last for many decades, while others disintegrate when the second or third generation members take the helm. One family business that's gaining strength as the years go by is the diamond business of the Samuelson family of Baltimore, Maryland. Milton Samuelson started the business in 1922 in downtown Baltimore on Pennsylvania Avenue. Eventually, his only son, Steve joined the business and, together, they moved the store to the corner of Baltimore and Paca Streets in 1972. In June of 2009, Steve's son, Ron, and Ron's brother-in-law, David, took the next step in Samuelson's Diamonds' evolution, opening a brand new showroom across the street at 419 W Baltimore Street.

"Growing up in Baltimore, I was exposed early to the business. I have a sister, but I was the one interested in the jewelry business," shares Ron. He recounts that when he was in 7th grade, he already knew how to open the store vault. In high school, he helped out in the store, and listened in when his dad talked with suppliers.

Ron set off for college in Atlanta, and while at Emory University, studied diamonds alongside some of the largest dealers in the south, interning at one of the most esteemed jewelry stores in Buckhead. He returned to Baltimore in 1994 and became Samuelson's Diamonds top salesman within six months. With the emergence of the internet at that time, Ron immediately saw the opportunity to reach new customers. He built a website, started marketing online and eventually became a well-known local digital media icon.

Ron was recently named one of Baltimore's Top 40 Under 40 by Baltimore Magazine and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, National Jeweler, The Baltimore Business Journal and other local and national publications. Ron recently spoke at E-tail 2009, reflecting on his latest project, a Facebook Diamond Fans Page with almost 300,000 fans. Ron is on the board of the e-marketing committee of The Associated and spearheads Feinfest, an annual music festival in Baltimore to raise money for the Dr. Michael Feinglass Foundation, in the pursuit of cancer research. Ron's band Heller Highwater has headlined the festival along with local acts Feinwood, The Bridge and others. His passion for music can be felt in the store as well, with a litany of great tunes playing to make your shopping experience that much better. To learn more about Ron, check out RambleOnRon.com.