The Interview with Daniel Gordon
By: Troy

Daniel Gordon, 37, is a fourth generation jeweler and President of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Now in his 15th year with the firm, Daniel has made many important changes for Samuel Gordon Jewelers: he’s virtually changed its’ entire business model and corporate culture, thereby insuring the continuation of the firms’ reputation as a leader in both the jewelry industry and the Oklahoma City market.

The Interview

1. What is the most memorable place you've ever visited?

I would have to say Zurich and Basel. I went to the largest watch fair and jewelry trade show in the world, and the cultural experience was fascinating to me. How fast food, trash bags, automobile EPA requirements, etc. are highly taxed and regulated in order to keep everything as clean and as healthy of an environment as possible. It was impressive to say the least to see a country focusing that much, on healthy living and the environment.

2.Where do you wish you could go some day?

So many places, it's hard to pick just one. My wife and I would love to experience Ireland. I still have not been to many places in Europe I would like to go see. The Orient and definitely a long term cruise somwhere exotic, are on the list as well. I have never in my life taken a cruise vacation.

3. What is the funniest  experience you've had while traveling?

My wife and I were vacationing in London and went on one of the double-decker tour buses. They give you a ticket to get on and off at various tour stops throughout the day. We decided to make one of our stops The Tower of London. As we were were walking in on a very windy day, our bus ticket flew out of my hand, far down below into an area where animals were kept. This was during the time when hoof and mouth disease was prevalent, so they would not let us to go down there to retrieve our ticket. Being the tech junkie that I've always been know to be, I had an idea. I pulled out my trusty video camera and proceeded to zoom in and film the tickets as best as I could, fluttering in the wind. We got a good enough shot, and the bus driver was so amused that he let us back on the bus. Needless to say, we didn't make any more stops that day.

4.What is the most spectacular view you've ever witnessed in person?

I'd have to say it was the sunset in Hawaii on the island of Maui during my honeymoon with my wife, Aimee. I just love sunsets. They are like a piece of artwork that is gorgeous momentarily and then, until next time... fades into the dark. 

5. Where is the best place to learn about life?

I would say somewhere away from the hustle and bustle. I've been to secluded areas in the mountains. Georgia was the last place. It just gives you time to reconnect with the world in such a digitally connected day and age. There also was no 3G internet recpetion when I recently went to Santa Fe. I recommend it for a much more low key, relaxing and regrouping type of getaway. 

6- What would you say to a non-Oklahoman if asked why Oklahoma City is such a great place?

This is the most exciting time to be living in Oklahoma, at least during my life in Oklahoma History. With so much economic development, NBA, the people are amazing, we have such a great selection of locally owned businesses that help keep the money circulating within the community. Not feeling crowded, with having so much land and affordable residential real estate. I love visiting the big cities and I have traveled quite a a bit in the US. But I am always so glad to get home where I can drive down the road and most of the time not be in a traffic jam non stop. There are countless others, there is arts and culture here, we have a lot of options and they are growing faster than ever. The one thing I couldn't tout is the weather. Unpredictable completely, but having said that, some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.

7. What was the scariest experience you've ever had while traveling?

Probably venturing out in Paris at night by myself. I was very young and didn't speak French, but I ended up finding a local bar and met some people from the US. We had a blast.  

8. What is you most exciting experience you've had?

A helicopter ride through the Hawaiian mountains. I asked the pilot if he could fly the chopper upside down and he had my wife convinced that he was willing and able to do so. Of course that never happened, but he did get us right up close to the foliage  and gorgeous waterfalls. That was very exciting!

9. Have you ever met any celebrities on vacation? If so, who?

I've met a few and seen a lot, but the most recent would have to be Mary Kate Olsen. Last year in Las Vegas, I jumped on the elevator and there she was. She had no entourage with her or anybody. It was just she and I on the elevator. It was wild even though it was a very short period of time. I asked her if I could get a pic, (which would have gone on Twitter, of course) but she politely said no. Then we arrived on her floor, and off she went.

10- What is the strangest you've eating?

Unfortunately, I have only started developing a taste and desire for gourmet food over the past several years and I've tired of pizza and burgers as a way of life. I'm the guy that would find the McDonalds or any other fast food chain while outside the US. I have been vigorously opening my palet to a whole knew world. Many thanks to countless friends on Twitter like Vivian Boroff @VivianBoroff on Twitter. Her blog is here http://islandgirlok.com/ and long time personal friend and Gourmet Chef Ryan Parrot. @chefrp on Twitter. I would have to say when I travel abroad next time, I will be discovering more than I had when I was younger and less open to try new things. 

Learn more about Dan Gordon here:

Personal blog http://DanGordon.me

Personal Twitter http://twitter.com/DanGordon

Personal Facebook http://facebook.com/DanGordon

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dangordonlink

http://gen-nextjewelers.com/ dan-gordon-is-seemingly- everywhere-this-month