By Rachel Zabinski
Martin Gatins, the vice president of Cartier North America wholesale, spoke to a full crowd at the University about sustaining Cartier’s global leadership in luxury, as part of the Executive Speakers Series sponsored by the M.B.A. Association and M.B.A. Alumni.
“The main purpose is to help network our alumni and graduate students. Having an executive from a high profile business is good for Hofstra as well,” said Luke Ng, marketing professor and director of recruitment for Graduate Business Programs. “I really think our students will benefit from our Executive Speaker Series.”
Cartier brought gifts for all in attendance- a Cartier genuine leather business card holder worth $200 and a raffle for a Cartier watch worth $10,000.
“There is a story behind every piece created by Cartier,” Gatins said. Gatins spoke with students after his speech and promised some foreign students from France summer internships.
“I think it’s awesome that Hofstra can get such a big name company as Cartier to come and speak to our student body,” Kystal Catanzano, a senior broadcast journalism major, said.
Cartier began in 1847 and has maintained leadership in the luxury business for 150 years.
“Every company wants be considered a brand name, but it is difficult to call yourself one until your company has survived the test of time the way Cartier has,” Gatins said. “One of the big tests is whether or not the company can survive the creators death.”
Cartier has expanded its production to eyewear, jewelry, leather goods, pens, watches and more. There are boutiques all around the world, the most well known in New York, Paris and London.
Gatins shared what he believes to be Cartier’s secrets to maintaining their brand name luxurious status. He said companies have to be unique, make people dream, be creative, create quality, be selective, preserve heritage and gather great talent.
“Make people dream. People dream about someday owning jewelry from our boutiques, Gatin’s said. “Create a quality and use the noblest materials. All of the diamonds Cartier uses are GIA certified. We are constantly evolving upward. Be selective and never over produce.”
Cartier slowly releases new products over a three to five year period so products will always be in high demand. “With years of experience of being a luxury brand you have room to make mistakes. If a product or line doesn’t succeed, financial soundness and a strong heritage will keep the whole company from failing,” Gatins said.
“I learned a lot about how businesses stay a float for so many years. Cartier has remained brand name for so long, I think its great that they share their information with future business leaders,” said Paul Long.