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Mark Hanna is the Chief Marketing Officer for the Richline Group, a Berkshire Hathaway company.
Corporate Social Responsibility is a passion of Mark’s both in his keynote speeches and award-winning articles.
Recently the Richline Group joined with IBM to develop what has been called, TrustChain. In essence, it’s blockchain technology to track the origin of jewelry and ensure it’s ethically sourced.
Clickable Show Notes
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Question #1 – Mark, before we get started, could you share the evolution of the Richline Group into what it has become and the significant role it plays in the jewelry industry today? Timestamp: [3:41]
Question #2 – To set the tone for the rest of our discussion, can you take a moment and talk about the impact jewelry metal and gem mining has on our planet and the potential impact financially on jewelry sales in the future if we ignore this issue? Timestamp: [5:56]
Question #3 – You’ve written an excellent piece titled, “A CMO’s Responsibility” that I think everyone doing business in the jewelry space should read. You wrote, and I quote, “that your job as the Chief Marketing Officer, the keeper of corporate reputation, is to pursue a “Return on Responsibility” model that both hold our firm to a clear “glass house” discipline and communicates our trustworthy journey to true corporate responsibility” end of quote. What is the “Return of Responsibility” and how would you suggest jewelry brands measure the ROI of Corporate Social Responsibility? Timestamp: [9:15]
Question #4 – Recently the Richline Group joined with IBM to develop what has been called, TrustChain. In essence, it’s blockchain technology to track the origin of jewelry and ensure it’s ethically sourced. Can you share insights into how TrustChain can into existence and the significance it potentially has for the jewelry trade? Timestamp: [15:13]
Question #5 – When researching for this interview, we came across something that I’m sure not many people in the trade would know about the Richline Group. Not only are you actively involved in responsible metal and gem sourcing for the jewelry industry, but you’re leading the charge for protection of endangered wildlife, biodiversity conservation, and Federal Trade Commission industry guidelines on the definition of “Made in the USA” to name a few. In a corporate world where lip service is barely paid to these matters, the Richline Group is stepping up to the plate and making a real difference. The question is why expand the list of corporate involvement to include all of these other areas, and what is the “Richline Responsible” initiative? Timestamp: [21:25]
Question #6 – Mark, you’re passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility. Can you share a recap of the Richline Group’s CSR initiatives and accomplishments over the past few years? Timestamp: [27:58]
Question #7 – In many ways, the fine jewelry industry is losing ground to others in the luxury market. Do you see that trend continuing and what steps should the jewelry industry be taking right now to reverse that course? Timestamp: [33:14]
Question #8 – We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but is there one question that I should have asked you, but didn’t? Timestamp: [36:32]
What You Should Know About Mark Hanna
Chief Marketing Officer – Richline Group – Richline Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. since 2007, is the USA’s foremost Fine Jewelry Manufacturer and Marketer. Richline Group’s mission, One Vision, One Team, One Goal, denotes the establishment of integrated corporate branding, manufacturing, and distribution strategy. The Richline Group is comprised of four strategic business units: LeachGarner Inc., Richline Brands, Rio Grande, and Inverness Corporation.
The major U.S. collections comprising Richline Brands’ portfolio are Andin, Aurafin, Bel-Oro, Michael Anthony, Sajen, Sardelli, and Tru-Kay. In addition, Richline manages and markets numerous private labels and licensed programs with its key retail partners. Their Honora brand is well recognized by consumers and the jewelry trade worldwide. Richline’s international initiative supplies these products and services to retailers outside of North America.
Contact Information
- LindedIn: Mark Hanna
- Website: Richline Group
- Email: Mark.Hanna@RichlineGroup.com
Our “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show Episodes
The host of “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show – Jewelry Business Strategist – President of Four Grainer LLC. Author of the business books “A Reason To Chant,” and “A Reason to Chant – Jewelry Trade Edition.” Rod lives in Atlanta with his wife and two almost-human cats.