Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Hirschberg and Michael Arkes.
Dena and Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Michael founded HHP in 2007, to combine his passion for helping others with his expertise in the world of promotional and incentive products. For 42 years, he worked for his family’s business, Hinda Incentives, serving as the company leader for 26 of those years. In October 2012, Hinda Incentives was sold. Now, Michael devotes his energies to developing new business opportunities for HHP alongside Dena, who oversees all divisions of the organization. Both Dena and Michael are driven by HHP’s mission to lift communities and provide a pathway out of poverty through job creation.
HHP is able to fulfill its mission in several ways. The first is through the vast knowledge of promotional, incentive and retail products processed by Michael and Dena, secondly through the increasing demand from individuals, stores and companies for socially responsible products. HHP’s products create jobs and provide sustainable livelihoods in underserved communities around the world. Creating a business that does well and does good is the motivation and inspiration for Michael and Dena.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No road is ever smooth, but that is part of the excitement of being social enterprise. One of the biggest obstacles is educating people about what we do and explaining to them why choosing fair trade practice products is a choice with a lasting impact. When HHP was first formed, the concept of socially responsible products was still gaining momentum, especially in corporate world. Michael saw the need for these products as a way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.
At first it was a difficult to move these companies away from traditional low-cost, often irresponsibly produced giveaway and incentivizing products. By continuing to engage, educate and inspire with stories of how HHP is supporting fair trade practice artisans around the world, there has been a great increase in the number of individuals, stores and even big corporations who are purchasing products from the artisans that HHP supports.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the HHP/helping hand partners story. Tell us more about the business.
The mission at HHP/helping hand partners is to create sustainable livelihoods and job opportunities for people with barriers to employment. Every day, this Chicago-based non-profit is striving to do just that.
HHP partners with these companies, stores and organizations to bring artisan and social enterprise goods to the forefront. For instance, companies looking to produce branded items for events or employees would turn to HHP for offerings that are fair-trade and responsibly made. Corporate gifts, mileage and employee recognition rewards are just a few examples of programs that work with HHP in a similar way. The bottom line is that doing good is good for business.
HHP also has its own social enterprise brand, 1eleven™, a luxury bath and spa line that provides job opportunities and a career path for adults from underserved communities in Chicago. All of their beautiful handcrafted soaps, candles, bath melts, and bath salts are handmade and provide a pathway out of poverty. HHP works with the Cara Program, a job training and placement organization, to find employees and bring them onboard. They are provided with training, mentorship and the opportunity for advancement within the company.
One great example of an HHP success story is Shanika Smith. Since her hiring through Cara in August of 2016, she has progressed from a temporary hire to a supervisor to the Manager of Warehouse/Fulfillment. Most recently, she was added management of the entire 1eleven™ line to her list of growing responsibilities. As someone who started as a young single mother with no work experience, Smith feels extremely thankful to the Cara program and HHP.
This desire to change lives through job creation is at core of HHP’s mission, and the belief every new hire has potential and should be given the ability to grow, thrive and learn from other members of the team.
HHP is a growing, vibrant company working full throttle as more clients are turning to HHP for products that lift communities and provide a pathway out of poverty.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
HHP has been lucky in the sense that Michael was ahead of his time in seeing the need for socially responsible products, especially in the corporate realm. We’ve also been so lucky to meet and work with people just as passionate as we are about bringing fair trade practice products to the forefront.
Pricing:
- Handmade spa goods including soaps, candles, bath melts and soaking salts available individually or in beautiful gift sets. Prices range from $7.50 – $100
- Silver and beaded jewelry handmade by fair trade artisans around the globe. Prices range from $15 – $100
- Beautiful totes, handbags, tech and travel cases handmade in Cambodia from construction netting. Prices range from $9 – $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 770 N Halsted, Suite 105
Chicago, IL 60642 - Website: www.helpinghandpartners.com
- Phone: 312-226-3345
- Email: info@helpinghandpartners.com
- Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/506756/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpinghandpartners/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/helphandpartner
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/helpinghandpartners/
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