Nature

Nature

Nature Nature is the backdrop of our existence. As I traveled the world and had the opportunity to interact with people from very different walks of life, I looked at their surroundings and captured the beauty of the place. Outdoor photography is my favorite subject....
4th of July, 2013

4th of July, 2013

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is at once the nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson’s most enduring monument.  Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson...
Montblanc a Fountain of Global Growth

Montblanc a Fountain of Global Growth

June 14, 2013 (Bloomberg) — Jan-Patrick Schmitz, president & CEO at Montblanc North America, talks with Betty Liu about global luxury buying trends and the company’s growing growth rates in China and throughout Asia. He speaks on Bloomberg...
Believe in Zero

Believe in Zero

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for...
It’s a sign: We are confused

It’s a sign: We are confused

  As I was driving down a road in New York State, I passed this sign. Fascinated by its size and complexity, I had to pull over to capture its image. Looking through my viewfinder, I found beauty in the symmetry and color coordination of this monument.  The...
Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time

This week on the East Coast we’ve had to realize fully our subordination to the awesome power of nature. I hope you have come through the storm and I send my thoughts to my friends and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Much of the region...
Montblanc CEO Shares Pricing And Brand Marketing Insights

Montblanc CEO Shares Pricing And Brand Marketing Insights

Montblanc CEO Shares Pricing And Brand Marketing Insights Written by Lorna Pappas Friday, 19 October 2012 09:52 As showrooming and online price comparisons induce brands and retailers to lower prices, many products and services essentially have become commodities....
At The Mark Twain House, A Pen Befitting The Man

At The Mark Twain House, A Pen Befitting The Man

By Dan Haar On October 11, 2012  |  The Haar Report  |  Hartford Courant     What would Mark Twain say about a commemorative fountain pen made in his honor, that cost $2,520? That’s easy — he’d mock the company that made it, and promptly buy a handful for...
The Close – Interview with Jan-Patrick Schmitz

The Close – Interview with Jan-Patrick Schmitz

Montblanc North America’s CEO Jan-Patrick Schmitz joins Michael Hainworth to take a look at how the company is fairing in an uncertain luxury goods market. About: The Close Michael Hainsworth guides you through the vital last half-hour of trading, where anything...
Forbes: A Conversation with Jan-Patrick Schmitz

Forbes: A Conversation with Jan-Patrick Schmitz

Former Montblanc CEO Jan-Patrick Schmitz on ways the purveyor of luxury writing instruments has expanded its product line while staying true to core brand essence. . Montblanc has been a consistently present beacon in the luxury brand market for nearly a century....
Bloomberg TV: MoneyMoves with Deirdre Bolton

Bloomberg TV: MoneyMoves with Deirdre Bolton

See the Pablo Picasso Pen That Retails for $33,000   Sept. 21 (Bloomberg) — Montblanc North America CEO Jan-Patrick Schmitz talks about the demand for luxury products. He speaks with Deirdre Bolton on Bloomberg Television’s “Money Moves.”...
Montblanc banks on selling splendor

Montblanc banks on selling splendor

  By RICHARD MULLINS | The Tampa Tribune Published: September 16, 2012 Updated: September 16, 2012 – 5:48 PM       TAMPA —   Walk into the newly expanded Montblanc store in Tampa, past the glimmering display cases, past the...
The Art of Watchmaking

The Art of Watchmaking

Watchmaking is an art. There have been many attempts to define the elusive concept of Fine Watchmaking.  The “Fine Watchmaking“ denomination embraces a centuries-old, living history, a rich and specific culture, a professional ethic, the enduring expertise of the...
Arts Education: From the Boardwalk to Broad Stage

Arts Education: From the Boardwalk to Broad Stage

  A Lifeline for Arts Education    Yes, there is the Santa Monica Pier. It is certainly a lively place and some even call it fun.  Others flee from the frenzy boardwalk to wander along the beach with its famous lifeguard posts. That is what I did a few weeks...
Canon 1Dx – finally here

Canon 1Dx – finally here

  WAITING FOR GODOT  Today, the friendly man from UPS (not a marketing slogan – he is actually a really nice chap) rang our door bell and handed over the much awaited package from B&H. Finally! Several years ago I bought the Canon 1D Mark...
Best Friends Forever

Best Friends Forever

A sunny afternoon somewhere at the Chesapeake Bay. The smell of freshly brewed coffee is filling the air and I retreat with a cup and book to my favorite Adirondack chair overlooking the water. Irrespectively how silently I try to leave the house, it only takes...
Spread your Wings

Spread your Wings

Spread your Wings   Life teaches us that being prepared is a prerequisite for utilizing the unexpected opportunity. The same wisdom holds true in the world of photography. Spending a few warm summer days at the Chesapeake Bay, I always keep several camera body / lens...
CMO Interview: Brand Management

CMO Interview: Brand Management

The CMO.com Interview: Montblanc North America’s Jan-Patrick Schmitz PUBLICATION: CMO.com Exclusive DATE: June 13, 2012   LINK:  Original Article AUTHOR: Tim Moran, Editor In Chief, CMO.com   Tim Moran, editor in chief of CMO.com, recently sat down with...