Brand Building
Building a brand is like laying a mosaic. It takes many pieces to create the picture.

What motivates us

 

While current theory maintains that economic development requires expansion of specialized industrial goods and services, we are challenging this notion. There is a clear downside to products being standardized with little tolerance for variation. We think it is wrong for the process of design being far removed from that of production with an overwhelming focus on the marketability and efficiency of the product. Big data has a lot of economic power, but it also reduces our creativity to the largest common denominator.

In what is becoming known as the artisan economy, certain sectors are demonstrating craft-like qualities that have catalyzed their success. This is true for products as well as services and experiences. They touch many areas of our daily life: what we eat, how we live, the places where we work and the experiences we make.

As a specialist in maker brands, we bring attention to the importance of sustainable, well designed and crafted products. We believe that brands and products should surprise and delight.

Our Values

Sustainability

We focus on sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By managing sustainability, our companies improve processes, pursue growth, and add value to their corporation rather than focusing on reputation alone.
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Transparency

Transparency produces trust. It starts with people. Transparency is one of those subtle things that can make a dramatic impact on a business. It will impact the bottom line but that is not the sole objective. The point is that it helps everyone do business better – our brands, their people and their clients.

Design

Good design matters. It is an integral part of a brand and creates a lasting relationship with the user. We believe that design and manufacturing must be closely linked with design being the leading force.

Craft

Craft not only supports an idea, it can strip it back to reveal its simplicity and intelligence. It requires persistence and the products created by the brands stand out in today’s world of standardized and non-descript commodities.

What motivates us

 

While current theory maintains that economic development requires expansion of specialized industrial goods and services, we are challenging this notion. There is a clear downside to products being standardized with little tolerance for variation. We think it is wrong for the process of design being far removed from that of production with an overwhelming focus on the marketability and efficiency of the product. Big data has a lot of economic power, but it also reduces our creativity to the largest common denominator.

In what is becoming known as the artisan economy, certain sectors are demonstrating craft-like qualities that have catalyzed their success. This is true for products as well as services and experiences. They touch many areas of our daily life: what we eat, how we live, the places where we work and the experiences we make.

As a specialist in maker brands, we bring attention to the importance of sustainable, well designed and crafted products. We believe that brands and products should surprise and delight.

Our Values

Sustainability

We focus on sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By managing sustainability, our companies improve processes, pursue growth, and add value to their corporation rather than focusing on reputation alone.
U

Transparency

Transparency produces trust. It starts with people. Transparency is one of those subtle things that can make a dramatic impact on a business. It will impact the bottom line but that is not the sole objective. The point is that it helps everyone do business better – our brands, their people and their clients.

Design

Good design matters. It is an integral part of a brand and creates a lasting relationship with the user. We believe that design and manufacturing must be closely linked with design being the leading force.

Craft

Craft not only supports an idea, it can strip it back to reveal its simplicity and intelligence. It requires persistence and the products created by the brands stand out in today’s world of standardized and non-descript commodities.
Jan-Patrick Schmitz

Our Founder

Jan-Patrick Schmitz, founder of our firm, has dedicated his career to developing consumer brands with a focus on craftsmanship, superior quality, and design. With a distinguished career in the luxury sector, Jan-Patrick has influenced business strategies globally and advocated for sustainable practices, solidifying his role as a thought leader.

As CEO of JOHN HARDY, a renowned jewelry maker, Mr. Schmitz upholds its legacy of traditional craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability. He also serves as an independent director of TIMELESS WINE Co., which produces some of California’s finest wines sustainably, and on the board of POLYWOOD, known for its durable, recycled outdoor products.

Jan-Patrick has been instrumental in transforming MONTBLANC into a global luxury brand, diversifying its product lines and expanding its market presence. He also led the WÜSTHOF Group, known for its high-quality knives, and served as Chairman of the STEIFF Group, famous for its teddy bears. His earlier roles include Executive Chairman of LIFEFACTORY and senior positions at MONTEGRAPPA and SEEGER.

Jan-Patrick Schmitz has supported arts education through The 24-Hour Plays and Urban Arts Partnership and served on boards for Jewelers for Children and the Ethics Institute at Kent Place School. He has lectured at prestigious universities, including Harvard and NYU, on global consumer brand strategies. Mr. Schmitz holds a BA in International Business from IBS, Germany, and an MBA from Southern Illinois University, where he graduated summa cum laude.

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