By Philip Clements, Marietta Daily Journal (MDJ)
CUMBERLAND — Mark Jacobson and his wife, Rhonda, owners of Cumberland Diamond Exchange, thanked God, their staff and their customers when they were recognized by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce last month, less than a week after their 30th wedding anniversary.
“I’m overwhelmed. My heart is still pounding,” Rhonda Jacobson said. “I feel full of humility and gratitude. ... I would have been happy if someone else had won, but I was real hopeful that we would.”
More than 400 people attended the chamber breakfast at the Cobb Galleria Centre to recognize Cumberland Diamond Exchange as the 2015 Small Business of the Year.
“This year’s winner believes it’s their responsibility to create a better community through partnerships with nonprofits,” said John Loud, whose business, LOUD Security Systems, was the 2014 Small Business of the Year. Loud presented the couple with this year’s award.
“I have no doubt that you’ve seen the owners sharing their talents at SafePath, the YWCA, American Cancer Society and the WellStar Foundation — and that short list just scratches the surface on their level of involvement,” Loud said.
Established in 1982 by brothers Wayne and Mark Jacobson, Cumberland Diamond Exchange is now owned and operated by Mark and Rhonda.
Mark Jacobson settled in the Atlanta area in 1976, starting an advertising agency whose clients included a local jewelry store. He soon became the head of the store’s inhouse marketing, and eventually rose to become its sales manager.
After parting ways with the jewelry store, he developed a concept for a fine jewelry business of his own, and in 1982, he and his brother opened the doors to Cumberland Diamond Exchange.
The business has occupied the corner of Spring Road and Cumberland Boulevard in Smyrna since it first opened, and a major renovation was completed last year. It started at 1,200 square feet; now, it has grown to about 4,800.
Mark Jacobson said the business is also responsible for connecting him to his wife.
“She came in to buy a watch for her boyfriend (at the time),” Mark Jacobson said. “We became friends ... started dating in January ’84 and never stopped dating.”
