Chad shows a high regard and respect for others - especially for his dedicated staff in the Denver store; and the employees seem to adore him, and say they are happy to have him as a boss. Not something you always hear these days.
Mr. McKeehan has that winning attitude; and as a professional, husband and father, he embraces his well-balanced life. For sure, Tiffany's has it's own gem of a guy in Chad McKeehan.
Chad, what was the deciding factor for you and your family when you accepted the job in Denver with Tiffany & CO? I worked for Tiffany & CO in NY and also in the Florida region and was approached about the opening here in Denver. What made my family and I decide to relocate was the beautiful city after we visited it and the promise of more sunny days than Miami. We have been very happy with our decision; Denver is a great city, and it’s only getting better.
What do you read often to stay informed? I log onto CNN.com to keep informed on business, the economy and general news and read the Denver Business Journal to stay current with local business. I also read WWD and W to keep up with retail and the latest trends in the industry.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? Even though I have had the fortunate opportunity to meet many powerful and great men and women in my life, I would have to say my father-in-law. He passed away very unexpectedly two years ago, but he made a huge impact on my life. He was born in Bermuda and even though he lived in the US for over forty years, remained a Bermuda citizen his whole life; and we go their as a family every year. I’m not sure if it was because he was from the islands, but he always had a great outlook on life and people. He always made you smile and laugh when you were around him and left a lasting impression on those that met him only once. He was a very special and interesting person.
What kind of activities would you be doing – if you had a lot of spare time? I would be spending time with my family on a beach somewhere.
What’s the best part of your job? Without a doubt meeting new people; I feel lucky to meet so many interesting people who come from so many different places in the world.
Recently, I saw the movie “Blood Diamond” about the diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance the conflicts, what is Tiffany & CO’s policy about the integrity of their gemstone sources? Tiffany & Co. has taken, and will continue to take, vigorous steps to avoid the purchase of conflict diamonds. We abhor the role that conflict diamonds have historically played in financing armed conflict in certain African countries; at the same time we are mindful of the significant good that has come and will come to African nations that have harnessed the economic development potential of diamond mining and processing.
Tiffany’s performance under the new system was singled out for praise in March 2004 by Global Witness, the non-governmental organization most responsible for identifying the conflict diamond issue in the late 1990s.
We applaud the work of governments, the diamond industry and those non-governmental organizations such as Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada whose efforts have led to the creation of the Kimberley Process. However, the system is not yet perfect -- some diamonds continue to be smuggled -- and much work remains to be done.
What is the focus of the Tiffany & CO Foundation? The main focus or mission of the foundation is to support organizations dedicated to the conservation of natural resources in the area of responsible mining, coral reef conservation and land protection.
If you had to go up before an audience and sing, what song would you choose to do? “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley; if you listen to the words you will understand my answer. It is such a positive song and makes you feel good. It also makes me feel like I am in the islands.
What social or charitable event do you enjoy attending? While I enjoy being a part of many of the events in which we are involved, I think the ones that benefit children touch me the most. Being a parent, you can’t help but be moved by these and seeing what an impact all of us can have on a child’s life and in helping them determine what choices they make in life and how we can impact them in a positive way.
How do we get more people involved in charitable giving? I would encourage others to find an organization that means the most to them. Whether it’s heart disease or cancer, we have all been touched by something during some part of our lives. If it has a personal meaning to you, then you are more than likely to get involved.
What do you consider the key to the success T & Co has enjoyed since 1837? Our unwavering standards for quality and our continued dedication to our customers. We have also been able to adapt to changes over the years while not losing sight of these key standards.
What can all of us do now to make life better for future generations? Make a positive impact on others and be willing to help others in need without looking for a benefit to you. There is a framed quote I have on my desk called the True Gentleman by John Walter Wayland which I try to live by but usually fall short of. I had to learn this in college as part of an organization of which I was a member. But when I read it, I think if most people followed this quote we could all have a more positive impact on others.
What do you love most about living in Colorado? I love the weather and the vast amount of recreational activities.
What’s coming up in the future for Tiffany’s and Chad McKeehan? Good things. There are a lot of new collections that we are introducing and new and creative ideas that are very exciting for me as well as the company.
What would you like to be remembered for? For being a good father, husband, friend and someone who made others feel a little better about life and themselves during the short time we are here on earth.
Recent grants issued by the Tiffany & CO Foundation:
Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio $100,000 in support of the catalogue for Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008.
EcoFlight
Aspen, Colorado $30,000 In support of EcoFlight, which provides aerial tours to organizations in order to offer first-hand views of environmental issues in the West.
The Land Trust Alliance
Washington, D.C. $500,000 In support of the Land Trust Alliance land training and accreditation program that works to ensure the quality and permanence of land conservation efforts.
