Marcia Gold on Gold International, culture and family

Marcia Gold was working as a dental hygienist when she realized she wasn’t happy with the position. When her children started school 23 years ago, she began her career at Gold International Machinery Corp. Founded by Victor Gold, her father-in-law, and David Gold, her husband, the 54-year-old business specializes in selling machinery for jewelry and precious metals, industrial machine tools and lasers. Gold wanted a job that would not only challenge her and allow her “to expand [her] horizons,” but also let her meet people from all over the world. She was looking for an opportunity to learn from other cultures and share hers with them. Gold found the chance to do just that by running the import/export department. 

She doesn’t manage other employees – she is the department. Gold is the one who deals with mishaps such as machinery damage during shipment. She says that her ideal day at work involves no crisis. Ensuring smooth operation is not always easy, as shipping all over the world is a constant learning experience. Each country has its own rules and regulations. “The world has changed so much because of homeland security issues, economics and foreign customer understanding,” she says.

She shares the credit for success with the sales and accounting staff, freight forwarders, airlines, ocean shipping lines and customs clearance for their dedication and focus on details. Gold admits that some operations, such as international sales to factories, are extremely stressful. While “coordinating the shipment to the U.S. and post-sale shipping to all the international customers who participated is a daunting task,” she feels a sense of accomplishment when business runs smoothly.

The part of her job that appeals to Gold the most is traveling to the places where the machines are manufactured. She considers this opportunity to be “one of the best perks.” In the past, exhibitions have taken her and her family to Italy, Germany, France, Spain, England and Switzerland. What’s even better is the ability to see these countries through the eyes of the local suppliers. She says, “We had made so many lasting friendships.” 

She has even opened up her home to some of her foreign friends during their visits to the United States. The family lives on a 155-acre farm in North Smithfield, and Gold loves the area. The setting allows her to watch her children and grandchildren appreciate nature. They ride horses and raise sheep, baby peacocks and rabbits. And she enjoys taking care of the gooseberry  plants a great-grandfather brought to America in the 1890s. 

On weekends Gold likes to unwind with dinners out, cooking, reading and theater. She says that her greatest personal achievement is her family, and treasures the fact that her sons Joshua and Daniel are multicultural and speak many languages. Besides collaborating in business and exploring new countries together, the family enjoys celebrating Jewish traditions.

Gold’s heritage is very important to her. She strives to emulate the family members she admires for their strength and perseverance during adversity. These individuals include Gold’s mother-in-law, who spent many years in a Jewish orphanage during the Depression. Also, Gold’s grandmother, who at 16 came to America by herself on a boat, has influenced her life deeply. 

Inspired by her relatives and schooled by experience, Gold has learned what it takes to succeed. She believes in the importance of being a team player, listening to input and staying open to learning and improving yourself. Gold adds that it also helps to be able to laugh at and learn from your mistakes. She practices the tenets of her philosophy, saying that she discovers something new every day. 

IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.