Ron and Ellen Sayers 2007 Winners Small Business Persons of the Year

The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) named Ron and Ellen Sayers of Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists 2007 Small Business Persons of the Year.

Ron and Ellen Sayers are the best, or so say their peers.

The couple, the latest of four generations of Sayers to operate Smyrna’s Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists, won the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Small Businessperson of the Year award Thursday at a dinner at the Wild Quail Golf and Country Club.

Ellen teared up and Ron leaned over to shake his competitors’ outstretched hands during a standing ovation immediately following the announcement of their win.

“Now we’re going to Disneyworld,” Ron said, smiling, as Ellen wiped away tears and laughed along with the crowd.

The couple credits the win to teamwork and a passion for the business.

“You don’t get there by yourself,” Ellen said.

“For us to be the best at what we do, it’s an obsession,” Ron said.

He pointed out that a successful small businessperson has to be driven by more than the promise of vacations and large paychecks. It’s hard work, and dedication is necessary.

Continuing education, investing in the latest technology and staying abreast of the latest trends all contribute to Sayers’ success, Ron said.

Both Sayers have studied diamonds, diamond grading and gem identification at the Gemological Institute of America in New York, are members of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America and were invited to become Independent Jewelers Organization master jewelers in 2003.

This all plays into advice Ron’s father gave him: don’t dabble. Do one thing and do it the best.

Read more of the the Dover Post article about Ron and Ellen Sayer's award.