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Jonathan Geller on Leading D. Geller & Son While Earning an MBA at Emory January 30, 2026 (0 comments)

Atlanta, GA--Jonathan Geller, a third-generation jeweler and U.S. Army veteran, is leading Atlanta-based D. Geller & Son Jewelers while enrolled in Emory University's Goizueta Business School Evening MBA program, according to an article published by Emory Business.

[Image via Jonathan Geller/LinkedIn]

Geller grew up working in the family business, polishing rings in elementary school and setting diamonds by middle school. Founded in 1939, D. Geller & Son has built long-standing recognition in the Atlanta market through craftsmanship and local advertising, the interview noted.

"There was never really a question that I'd end up in the business," Geller said, adding that he felt a responsibility to prepare himself to lead it.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of North Georgia, Geller joined the U.S. Army as an infantry officer and later reached the rank of captain. He said the experience shaped his leadership style, particularly the challenge of earning trust while managing experienced teams.

"You're placed in charge of about 40 people," Geller said of his first Army posting. "Chances are, it's nobody else's first day."

Geller returned to Atlanta in 2022 to formally step into leadership at D. Geller & Son. According to the interview, he has focused on maintaining the family identity of the business while adapting to changes in the retail environment.

"Family businesses have a face," he said. "When you grow, you can't just leave everything behind."

That approach influenced his decision to pursue an MBA. Geller said the Evening MBA format allows him to apply coursework directly to business decisions and review outcomes with professors and classmates.

"The Evening MBA format is a huge leg up as a working professional," he said.

Balancing business, coursework, and family life requires structure and planning, Geller said, adding that organization helps manage competing demands. He also cited the diverse professional backgrounds of his classmates as a key benefit of the program.

According to the post, Geller continues to apply lessons from the classroom to the family business in real time as he develops his leadership approach.

Read the feature here on Emory Business.