Gerald Henn knew from an early age what his calling was. He was born to be an entrepreneur.
Henn, a fifth-generation entrepreneur, was just a boy when he founded his first business venture after his father built him an amusement game for the carnival circuit. In the years since, Henn has founded numerous ventures, including his latest, Warren-based HENN, a direct sales crafts company.
Henn wanted to get in to the craft industry to take advantage of his passion and love for handcrafting techniques, including basketry, pottery making, ironworking and candlemaking. He launched HENN in 1982, providing people with a chance to have it all — a profitable career and time for a family.
Today, HENN boasts more than 2,400 sales consultants, a far cry from the beginning when there were just four employees. Consultants receive a 25 percent commission on their sales, a high percentage for the sales industry.
And, HENN continues to innovate on both the production side and distribution side of the business, acquiring the tools necessary to manufacture antique reproductions to exacting specifications. All of this has led to continuous sales growth at the company, due in part to Henn’s progressive thinking and diversification tactics.
Henn says his company simply evolves with the times, adjusting to market trends and consumer desires, all the while continuing its national growth. HENN’s product line has grown to more than 500 items, and the company is making a transition from traditional country décor to items that fit in all décor types. How to reach: HENN, (330) 824-2575 or www.hennworkshops.com
