Success Stories
John Henne
One tremendous example of how the Leaders Collaborative supports and encourages Leaders to think differently about their businesses can be found at Henne Jewelers. John Henne, President of Henne Jewelers, participated in the Leaders Collaborative pilot cohort in 2007 and his sister and partner Meg Henne Gibson participated in the second cohort in 2008. As many in the Pittsburgh area know, Henne Jewelers in Shadyside is a fourth generation family owned business. A family of strong faith, the Henne’s have always been deeply committed to the region in a variety of ways, supporting a myriad of organizations through community and board service as well as donations and sponsorships.
A Real Issue
When John entered the Leaders Collaborative, he came to that very first opening retreat with a burden that had been growing in him for some time. He had recently heard from several friends that for a variety of reasons, their marriages were either ending or in serious trouble. Most of these couples had small children who would be impacted forever and John was beginning to conceive of a way that Henne Jewelers could make a real difference.
An Idea Takes Shape
Each Leaders Collaborative participant is required to develop and present a "Breakthrough Goal" – a goal that will accelerate their leadership to a new level and that will have personal, organizational and cultural impact in the arena of their influence. John’s idea was already forming when he came in to the program and through the sixth month process it was shaped and solidified. By the time he presented it to the cohort in June, it was close to launch.
An important Moment, A way to Serve
His idea was this—a jeweler engages with couples at one of their most joy filled and emotional moments- the moment when they pick out their engagement and wedding rings. Often times they have given little thought to the actual marriage, so wrapped up are they in the "wedding planning." Henne Jewelers, whose tag line is "Jewelers for Life" rolled out an initiative called "To Have and To Hold" as a way to support and strengthen marriages-those just starting out as well as those who are well into their journey.
To Have and to Hold
Henne Jewelers just loves love…and marriage. Which is why, whether you are newly engaged or have been married for decades, we want to salute you with a special gift. The next time you visit our store, be sure to ask your Sales Associate for your "To Have and To Hold" gift packet. Inside you'll find some special offers from Henne Jewelers, as well as lists of "All Things Romantic" -- plus some revealing quizzes to help you find out even more about the loved one in your life.
(from www.hennejewelers.com)
In and Through
While this may seem like just a great idea with a business benefit, it is addressing head on something that we know is breaking the heart of God, the breakdown of marriage in our society. John Henne and his sister Meg, are bringing their faith into action through their business for Kingdom Impact in our community. If just one marriage is saved, one family kept in tact because of the love and support shown to a couple by the Henne team, then this initiative will have been worth the effort.
