George Rodriguez at Hoover and Strong On Momentum For Recycled Metals.
George Rodriguez is the National Sales Manager for Hoover and Strong, the manufacturer of Harmony Metals, which are 100% recycled.
It was two years ago when I first I spoke with George about my company’s interest in recycled precious metals. At that point, the demand was weak. But the momentum has really changed, particularly over the last year.
More than most people, he can see how the jewelry sector is trending toward ecologically responsible precious metals. I asked him these questions via email.
Special thanks to George for taking time to get back to me.
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INTERVIEW
MC: Is this interest in recycled precious metal products catching really on?
GR: Yes, there has been a ground swell of interest for all things green. For us in the jewelry industry that deals with metals and gems it’s important that jewelers take note. Harmony Metals was introduced to manufactures at the recent MJSA show in New York and was proof of the great interest in Harmony recycled metals and ethical gems.
All levels of jewelers were interested in our program from designers and small manufacturers to top retail chains. Although traffic was down at the MJSA, Hoover and Strong faired well with its new brand. So yes the green movement is happening.
MC: Can you give me some specific examples of how this movement for recycled gold, recycled silver and recycled platinum is gaining momentum ? What is the difference now, versus, six months ago or a year ago?
GR: I believe the movement began a couple years ago with the No Dirty Gold Campaign, last year with the Madison Dialog and a few independents stating the importance of saving the planet. The jewelry industry has taken precious metals and gemstones out of the earth for a long time with little regard to the planet, its pollutions to water and ground, the people in unsafe mining conditions, taking away precious resources with no benefits to the communities and future.
However, the green movement is coming in from all sides. Leaders such as Al Gore who won the Noble Prize for his contribution on global warning, the many advances on technologies for fuels, and building materials to hundreds of ideas to re-cycle. The green movement is in the news weekly. So yes, the green movement is happening.
MC: Are those switching over to recycled precious metal mainly small manufacturers, large or a mixture of both? What’s the trend?
GR: The early adopters’ are always the independents and small manufactures, as they are more agile and can quickly change with trends. It takes large retailers much more effort and expense. This is a good opportunity for independants to promote how they differ, before the chains adapt. I can’t judge the dollar amounts to the Harmony Metals movement but I can say companies and consumer activists are coming together to protecting the environment. They want to switch to re-cycle metals and be a part of this important issue. We are witnessing the birth of a greater need than just to make money, we are looking to solve serious problems with mining of precious metals and to bring solutions to an industry that needs all the help it can muster.
MC: Can you give me any idea of how much has the Harmony Brand increased your over all sales?
GR: The beauty of our actions is that we don’t need new metals to produce products. Since we have up graded our refining division to be state of the art and improving our internal operations, Hoover and Strong is able to champion less destructive resources. We have been able to re-cycle gold, silver, platinum and palladium successfully without having to order any metals directly from the mines. We also partner to other vendors for a small part of our line to insure they too are following the proper guidelines and keep Harmony Metals to its highest standards.
MC: Has your initiative created any friction among those who are not going for more ecologically responsible processing?
GR: Some companies have not seen the green movement as a new venture or have taken any steps towards saving the planet. It’s only a matter of time before they realize we are all responsible to do our part.
MC: If I am a jeweler not using recycled metals and I want to switch to you, how much more will I have to pay?
GR: If a jeweler decides to use Harmony Metals it will cost them nothing extra to do so and that for all of our 30,000 products made from recycled gold, platinum, palladium and silver.
MC: Any thing else you’d like to add?
GR: For 96 years Hoover and Strong has operated by its core values of integrity, helpfulness, innovativeness, responsibility, quality and family. Our Harmony Brand is just an extension of these values and our responsibility for our Earth’s precious commodities.
