In 1972, just after the birth of their first son, David, Margaret Cuomo left her teaching position and opened their first antique shop — with a playpen beside her desk so she could work with him at her side.

Phil continued to work at Westinghouse (now Northup Grummond) but helped on weekends and many evenings. In 1978, their second son Michael was born, and also stayed at the shop with his Mom. As they got older the boys helped out on weekends at the shop alongside their parents.

In 1989 Phil left Westinghouse to work in the antiques business full time. He also does designer show houses, interior design, and furniture placement.

More than 40 years later, Cuomo's Antiques remains a mainstay among Baltimore antique shops. Margaret and Phil Cuomo still enjoy the antiques business and the many wonderful people they have met, many of whom are still customers today.