Becoming an Art Brand

Julie started her career in licensing with Creative Brands Group where she represented and developed new business for art brands including Thomas Kinkade, Rachael Hale, and LIFE Magazine in addition to celebrity driven brands Heidi Klum, Cristina Ferrare, and Kitson.  In late 2008, Julie started Jewel Branding & Licensing where she currently represents IZAK, Rachael Hale, Robin Pickens, Jessie Steele and other leading art and design properties.  In her career, Julie has negotiated 150 licensing contracts in all areas of products including stationery, home décor, apparel, jewelry, tabletop and wall art.

Jeff Casner began his industry experience as a Sales Trainee for Jantzen Sportswear in 1976. After leaving Jantzen in 1986 Jeff spent the next 8 years working in Sales and Marketing with several domestic knitting mills, London Fog and ending that period as the VP of the Tennis Division of Le Coq Sportif. Jeff’s License experience began in 1993 with Trench Manufacturing managing the launch of the Gold’s Gym and Rollerblade licensed collections. From 1996 to present Jeff has been working with Licensors and Licensees working on the launch of licensing programs for XOXO, Andrew Marc, Claire Murray, Bisou Bisou, and Karen Neuburger.

In her current role, Susan provides direction for the company’s long-term product strategy, which includes product planning, allocation and assignment of design and editorial product-related duties, and management of the company’s internal creative staff.  In addition, she secures, develops and manages all existing and future external creative resources, which currently numbers more than 750 artists and licensing agents, across all greeting card and gift product categories. Prior to joining Leanin’ Tree in 1998, Susan spent 10 years in product development and art licensing at Barton-Cotton, Inc., in Baltimore, MD, developing greeting card and social expressions products for fundraising programs for national non-profit organizations.

From humble beginnings in 1995, David has built rachaelhale® to what is now a company that boasts over 150 licensees worldwide and has developed successful partnerships in Australia, UK & Europe, USA, Central & South America and Asia.  Dissero Brands, of which David and wife Tanya are the Owners and Directors, owns rachaelhale® as well the recently launched boys brand Wag Alley® and iCube® – the smart storage system.  These are brands which David has developed from the ground up by using his entrepreneurial flair, strong networking and negotiation skills combined with his passion for quality and creative business.