J.C. Hall's son and grandsons have, each in their own time, assumed leadership positions at Hallmark. But these positions have been earned – not granted by birthright – through succeeding generations' passion for the business and commitment to the company's beliefs and values.
Presiding over growth – Donald J. Hall
Donald J. Hall is chairman of the board of the company founded by his father. He is only the second board chairman in the history of Hallmark.
His period of active leadership, as president and chief executive officer from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, was one of phenomenal growth for the company. He oversaw innovation in greeting cards, including launch of the Shoebox humor line and introduction of product lines for African-American, Hispanic and Jewish consumers; directed focus on Hallmark's network of independent Hallmark Gold Crown® retailers; expanded our reach into international markets; and envisioned the potential to move into such product lines as Keepsake Ornaments.
Recognizing the challenges of rapid growth, he led an initiative to codify Hallmark's beliefs and values to ensure that basic principles were in place to guide decision-making as accountability was spread more widely through the company.
He also has set the example of community service and corporate citizenship. His love for the city that has helped the company flourish has been felt – most often in the behind-the-scenes roles he favors – in virtually every major civic initiative undertaken in Kansas City from the 1960s to today.
"My grandfather took the germ of an idea – that he could help people form connections with one another – to create this company," says Don Hall's son and current chief executive officer Donald J. Hall, Jr. "My father has built on that foundation with a passion for the value of our products, faith in the people who develop them, commitment to quality and integrity in all we do, and appreciation for the community that nurtures and enables our success."
Third Generation Leaders – Donald J. Hall, Jr. and David E. Hall
Donald J. Hall, Jr., is president and chief executive officer of Hallmark, a role he stepped into in 2002. He also serves as vice chairman of the board. He joined the company in 1971, working in multiple areas of the business – manufacturing, sales, product development, and creative among them – before being named executive vice president of strategy and development in preparation for taking over the company's top position. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and literature from Claremont McKenna College and an M.B.A. from the University of Kansas.
His brother, David Hall, has since 2005 been president of Hallmark's personal expression group, with operating responsibility for the North American and International wholesale businesses. He joined the company in 1981, holding positions in sales, finance, order distribution, and retailer relations. He also worked as a staff attorney, led U.S. marketing and sales at subsidiary Crayola, and served as senior vice president of human resources. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Davidson College and a law degree from the University of Kansas.
Into the Future
While the next chapter of Hallmark's history is yet to be written, as the third generation approaches the company's centennial, Hallmark is both extending the brand into new businesses and infusing already-successful product categories with innovation. Like the family leaders before them, Don and Dave Hall continue to ensure that the essential human need to connect with others is fulfilled by the products and services that Hallmark offers – whether it is greeting cards, television shows, magazines or future opportunities yet to unfold.