Interview with President of Kenro Industries Joel
Blumberg
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| Kenro Industries, based in Mineola, New York,
became the US distributor of OMAS pens in January 2007. We wanted to talk
with Joel Blumberg, President of Kenro, to find out more about
Kenro and the level of support they provide for OMAS. |
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CFP: What is your history
with the Kenro company? How did you get started with fountain
pens?
JB: I was involved
in the leather and imitation leather business, supplying
leather skins and rolls of synthetic leather to major
manufacturers of shoes, handbags and leather goods. In
this business I never got to sell a finished product and
I thought it would be interesting to see a product go
from its components to a finished product.
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When the opportunity to import Aurora pens
became available, I went to Italy to arrange to become the distributor
for the American market. This was in 1992. When I told my friends
that I was going to sell pens that were priced at $50 to $10,000
they thought I was crazy! To be honest, their reaction hasn't
changed much to this day. But I tell them that the reason we
use cheap pens is because we're so used to losing them or throwing
them away. People who buy higher priced pens often consider
the purchase as much an investment as those who purchase works
of art. Because there is no expectation for a quick, cheap replacement,
luxury pens buyers often keep the same pen for years and years.
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CFP: Why trust Kenro? On what
is Kenro's reputation built?
JB: First, customers can trust Kenro because
we will not sell Aurora or OMAS pens to super stores. We have
always believed that a pen should be an accessory, like a watch
or a pair of shoes. The pen completes the wardrobe and the user
should have the feeling that when writing with something beautiful,
and of fine quality, the pen is part of them. Maintaining this
image and standard can't be done in the big chain stores. We sell
only to quality vendors so that the customer is assured of excellent
customer service, support and repairs. Infact, our sales personnel
visit the retailers to conduct training sessions for both their
new and old employees.
Second, our reputation in the industry is service,
service, service. Regardless of the size of the order, as long
as it is received by 4:00pm Eastern, that order is shipped the
same day. Our customer service department is always available
by phone to answer any questions.
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Danean Dymond, Vice President, Pen Division
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CFP: Why did you choose to distribute Aurora
and OMAS pens?
JB: From fashion to shoes to pens,
we believe that the Italian designers are the most creative in the
world. Of course, Aurora and OMAS pens fall into this category of
creative design. Both brands enjoy a long and prestigious reputation
and each has their own image. Aurora has a very full line covering
many price categories, while OMAS has a higher beginning price point.
It is this combination of price structure and design that made us
decide to distribute these brands.
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CFP: How did Kenro connect with OMAS?
JB: We were contacted by OMAS in the summer
of 2006. Of course LVMH did their due diligence researching Kenro. We
were proud to hear that after their investigation they chose us. By
September 2006 the decision was made. In January 2007 Kenro began distributing
for OMAS in the United States.
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CFP: Lastly, some of our clients have been asking about engraved personalization
for their pens. Is this a service Kenro can provide?
JB: Kenro is very active in the corporate gift
market as well as retail, so we offer a full range of personalization
on all of the pens, where personalization is possible. We have this
done at the factory or if quick delivery is needed, we have it personalized
locally. It is a very important part of our sales.
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CFP: Thank you, Joel.
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