Thomas A. (Tom)
Ross, is the President and CEO of The Ross Jewelry Company, located in
the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia.
Tom has more
than 50 years of experience in the jewelry industry. While some might expect a jeweler’s
background to be dull or even mundane, not so in Tom’s case. Prior to his jewelry career, Tom served as an
officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces, an elite unit also known as the
"Green Berets" . . . not something you typically find on a jeweler’s
resume.
Tested as a
young lieutenant with Detachment A-502 of the 5th Special Forces
Group in South Vietnam, Tom planned and led a rescue mission deep within enemy
territory that freed 165 mountain villagers.
Inspired by American men and women he encountered during his assignment
with Special Forces, Tom documented their courageous deeds in his book Privileges of War.
Ultimately
earning the rank of Major, Tom left military service to pursue a career with
his family in the jewelry industry.
Having earned two separate Bachelor's degrees and a Master's degree, he
also developed important jewelry related skills, earning diplomas from both the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS).
While
not as dangerous as his military career, Tom’s jewelry career has been exciting
in other ways. He has served as an executive with two world renowned
international jewelry companies, Tiffany & Company and H. Stern Jewelers,
based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has hosted
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” with world famous actress Audrey Hepburn and appeared
on CNN, CNBC, NBC, and ABC television as well as various "talk" radio
stations. While these opportunities were all very exciting, Tom says his
greatest honor was serving with the men and woman he met during his military
service. He has discussed these men and women and his book with radio talk show
hosts across the country.
Extremely dedicated to family, friends, community and
country. Tom has brought a unique perspective to his account of service during
the Vietnam War.