Brian Butler’s Post

Let’s go

Many thanks to Pat Dambe for reposting this. My knowledge about the natural diamond industry at the mining level is limited but it is certainly refreshing to listen to the Botswana President who speaks with such clarity and conviction about his position on certain issues. Lightbox was a big mistake. And yet Al Cook is still not ready to get rid of Lightbox. I do not understand the logic that De beers needs to be in the LGD retailing business to understand it. Time and time again De beers efforts to undermine the LGD category has backfired. Lightbox has no standing in the LGD category. It is not a credible player. Al Cook’s favorite word is “bifurcation” what does it really mean ? It is a given in consumers goods that the same product can have different price points that are intended to appeal to different segments of the market. The price itself does not change the product nature. I can buy a baguette for HKD 50 or a baguette for HD 30 in Hong Kong from two bakeries. One has a French name and one is a local brand. Is that “bifurcation” ? Martin Rapaport latest stance is that naturals are for rich people and LGD are for poor people. No one is talking about the fact that it is highly likely that somehow all the Russian diamonds will find a way into the market so it is likely that the natural diamond polished market itself will have two tiers. Russian goods and other non sanctioned goods. Consumers will not be able to tell which is which. Consumers will be confused and wary. I also do not understand how some naturals from Botswana will be branded as Botswana diamond and some won’t. De beers will also brand their diamonds as such or via Tracr. So why not get De beers to agree that all diamonds from Bostwana should be marketed as Bostwana diamonds. This is all very very confusing. Bostwana needs to be more firm with De beers. The President says he is does not agree with some of the Db strategy. Well don’t sign the new agreement with DB until the issues are dealt with. Why get married when there are already disagreements ? It will get worse and not better. Al Cook is a lost soul. He is flipping and flopping. In the latest FT article he wants 1000 retail store. Is Forevermark in China or not or will it be only in India. There is so many variations that has been reported. Can Al Cook even remember all the different versions in his myriads of interviews ? The media just sucks it up. Incredible and sloppy journalism. Can someone fact check what Al is saying to different media in different interviews ?

As the 150th Kentucky Derby quickly approaches, how do you plan to celebrate the Run for the Roses 🐎 🌹 without putting your recovery, or the recovery of a loved on, at risk? Here are a few tips ⬇️ 1. Plan ahead. 2. Avoid being alone. 3. Spend quality time with a group of sober friends. 4. Host your own Derby party. 5. Get crafty and enjoy a Derby mocktail. 6. Make short appearances and drive yourself. 7. Keep it simple and don’t stress too much about what everyone else is doing.

Mark your calendars now! Be sure to come see us at the Alliant Insurance Services booth and learn how we can help your organization’s insurance needs!

In honor of the College of Charleston punching their ticket to the NCAA tournament, how about this old action shot of my buddy Bruce featured on the TD Arena wall? Networking and getting to know the stories of the people you do business with has got to be the best part about what I do! #cheers #success #customers #friends #sales #equipment #equipmentsales #equipmentrental #unitedrentals #equipmentforsale #usedequipment #relationships #buildingrelationships

One of my friends told me, recently, if you ever get to Chicago make sure you go to a game at #WrigleyField. If anyone needs some help with registering reach out to Ethan Jones. Get an extra 10% off by using the code "CMMS" and, if you act fast, you'll get into this amazing game!! See you at the Reliable Plant and Machinery Lubrication Conference & Exhibit!! #whitesox #cubs #CMMS #Noria #CMRP #plantmaintenance #reliablePlant #oilanalysis #assetmanagement #reliabilityengineering

For this week's article, I analyze San Antonio FC's huge tactical shift that has occurred to start the 2024 USL season. With a solid sample of matches, now is the time to analyze manager Alen Marcina's adjustments. Check out the article below!

Welcome to visit us at Hall 5B-C35 Grace is waiting for you.

The finest creation of my life so far — a true testament to our culture at Circle, The crystal-clear brief, the spot-on feedback, the support, the space & freedom to just be me — they’ve trusted me with everything, and it’s made all the difference. This isn’t just work for me, it’s a piece of my heart. So proud of this one, and many more to come! (I can write a whole chapter on this, but will let you watch our video)

Growing talent is a key part of being a leader.