Jon Hart Design began in Houston, Texas in 1973 as a luggage and handbag line. Don Snell, a thirty something year-old, bought an awning and tent shop and decided to manufacture products from canvas while he pursued an acting career. He wanted to make a product that did not require fasteners or clips, since he did not have any equipment. His sewing skills from costume design studies at Trinity University, combined with an extensive travel background, led him to manufacture luggage.
The name Jon Hart came from Don’s heart-shaped key chain. He liked the sound of Hart and tried it with his first name. Don Hart did not sound right, so he changed the Don to Jon and thus the name was created. It turned out to be very helpful when he started calling on stores. He could say “This is Don Snell calling from Jon Hart Design” (which increased the number of employees by 100 %!). Later the initials J and H were stylized into a heart shape and became the very familiar trademark of the company.
Seven hundred orders were placed during Jon Hart’s premiere at the Dallas Apparel Mart. With this success, the company moved to Dallas, Texas, where sales were promising and Jon Hart Design’s popularity grew in the 1980’s. The Shave Kit, Makeup Case, Big Chill, Duffel Bags, Executive Portfolio, and handbags, provided Jon Hart Design with its original signature product line during this time.
In 1988, the company was moved to San Antonio, Texas. Throughout the 1990s, the Jon Hart Design product line was refined and expanded. New products such as the “ Cool It ”, a sleek, durable can or bottle holder, the Business Case for laptop computers, the Square Duffleline, the King’s Pad, a sophisticated desk pad, and the CD Wallet for CDs and computer disks were introduced. The very popular, “Texas Mink” hides were added to the product line in 1995.
Throughout the early 2000s, the Jon Hart line continued to grow, and today there are more than 150 products available in a variety of fabrics including durable coated canvas with English leather trim, all leather and Texas Mink. In 2005, the new fuchsia, saddle, lime and kiwi colors were introduced and have become instant hits!
Today, Jon Hart Design features a complete line of, travel accessories, sporting goods, business products, ladies accessories and great gifts for everyone. All products are hand crafted with the unique Jon Hart Design look and personalized with the customer's name or initials.
Source: Jon Hart Design website.
