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Jewelry Maker Finds Success Through Simplicity and Value
August 5, 2008
From the Heart—or FTH Wholesale, as many in the business know them—is as aptly named as they come. Launched eight years ago in America’s heartland, the Oklahoma-based company has become one of the sports licensed industry’s most reliable manufacturers of themed jewelry and accessories. As CEO Gary Cawood explains, From the Heart’s success is a direct result of its commitment to core values.
“From the beginning, we wanted all of our items to have meaning,” he says. “Every category we offer does extremely well, especially our sunglasses, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. We got into the licensed business in response to requests from our customers.”
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From the Heart started close to home with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Today, the company has some 50 colleges in the fold, plus product for every high school in the U.S. “Our goal is to sign deals with the top two hundred colleges,” adds Cawood.
Listening to customer feedback isn’t the only way that From the Heart supports its retail partners. The company was founded on providing top quality at great price points. Everything in From the Heart’s collection retails at less than $10, and the company offers valuable merchandising support. “We’re probably strongest in the gift market,” says Cawood. “Retailers and buyers see our line as a no-brainer. Our re-order rate is phenomenal.”
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Phenomenal is also a good way to describe From the Heart’s work force. About half of the company’s employees are mothers who work four or five hours a day and then return home in time to greet their kids after school. According to Cawood, this unique personnel programs creates an incredibly productive and happy work environment.
Of course, would you expect anything else but a heartfelt commitment to family from a company called From the Heart?
