Copy of Staff
Don & Jan Haack
Since 1955 when they left the U.S. to set up a home and mining operation on the border river between Brazil and British Guiana, Donald (1930-2009) and Janet Haack were involved in the diamond business. From mining, trading, and selling rough diamonds to the industry, living outside of the U.S. for 26 years to the founding of one of the nation’s pre-eminent and most respected sources for diamond and precious gem jewelry, their names are synonymous with experience and quality.
Julie Haack
As President of Donald Haack Diamonds since 2007, having taken over from her father, Julie combines her passion for distinctly unique jewelry with a desire to assist her clients in matching jewelry with their personal style. Raised on the Caribbean Island of Grenada, Julie earned her BA degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, followed by a Master’s degree in Naturopathic Health. Julie is active in the Charlotte Community and serves on several local Boards. Julie is married to David Murray.
Scott Falconer
The fully-equipped grading laboratory at Donald Haack Diamonds is managed by Scott whose vast knowledge of diamonds and colored gems stands behind the appraisals which accompany DHD products. With over 40 years’ experience in evaluating diamonds and gemstones, Scott has expertise that includes appraisals of estate and vintage jewelry. He is a Graduate Gemologist who follows strict GIA (Gemological Institute of America) standards when grading every diamond bought and/or sold by DHD. Scott and his wife have a daughter and grandson. He enjoys working in the outdoors in his spare time.
Christina Holmes
Christina has worked in the jewelry industry since 1986 in both sales and management. She joined Donald Haack Diamonds in 2000 and is furthering her education by completing a number of certificates with GIA, including Diamonds and Diamond Grading, Colored Stones and Colored Stone Grading and Pearls. As our insurance claims administrator, she assists with buying for the store. Christina enjoys working with clients to create custom designed jewelry as well as handling insurance claims. She is an active member of the Charlotte Association of Insurance Professionals. Chris is married and has 2 daughters.
Jennifer Riley
Jennifer joined our sales staff in February 2004. She lends her creative talents to custom design and estate redesign, creating a signature style in jewelry. She also assists in buying for Donald Haack Diamonds and is involved in website photography, print photography and social media planning. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a BA degree in Political Science who has been involved in the jewelry industry since 1999, Jennifer has continued her education in the jewelry industry with certificates from GIA in Diamonds and in Diamond Grading. She grew up in a military household and lived in south Florida, England, and Pennsylvania. Jennifer and her husband have an adorable baby boy.
Justin Smith
Justin brought a passion for the finer things in life when he joined Donald Haack Diamonds at the beginning of 2014 as a sales associate. Justin’s appetite for excellence includes his background as a fine dining chef and selling internationally renowned boutique wines as a sommelier. He grew up listening to the stories of how his grandfather, Donald Haack, mined his diamonds, and observed as he built the business. As a Graduate Gemologist, he follows the same strict diamond and colored stone grading standards as GIA (Gemological Institute of America). He enjoys golfing, cooking, and spending time with his wife Charlene and their beautiful little girl.
Warren Kral
Warren began his journey with Donald Haack Diamonds (DHD) in 2011 while finishing his BA degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Two years into his career at DHD, he left the company to move to South Florida with his wife, Dr. Heather Ryan, in which time she received her degree as an Endodontic specialist. In 2019, Warren returned to DHD with six years’ experience of fine watches and other antiquities that he gained while in South Florida. Warren enjoys incorporating the stories of his grandfather, Donald Haack, into the business and upholding the legacy that he created more than 64 years ago. He is thrilled to be back in his home state of NC with his wife, and working once again with his mother, and current owner, Julie Haack.
Russell McKenzie
A Master Craftsman who joined the goldsmith studio at Donald Haack Diamonds in March 2005, Russell started casting metals when he was in a high school art class. With over 40 years of experience in designing, crafting, and fabricating fine jewelry, he works with all metals. Russell studied at the Revere Academy (a premier educational institution in jewelry arts) and has experience using the latest laser fabrication technology. Russell enjoys cycling, fishing and canoeing. He and his wife have a son who is following in his father’s artistic footsteps.
Robbie Fowler
Robbie joined the goldsmith studio at Donald Haack Diamonds in January 2004 with over 20 years in jewelry repair and design. He has studied stone setting, jewelry design and fabrication at the Revere Academy, and has participated in the Annual Jeweler’s Bench Conferences. Most recently, Robbie has advanced his jewelry design skills by studying the matrix, an innovative 3D jewelry design software, which enables Donald Haack Diamonds to be one of the few jewelry stores in Charlotte to offer this type of jewelry creation. Robbie and his wife are the proud parents of a beautiful daughter. Robbie enjoys cycling, golfing and running in his spare time.
Jackie Austin
Jackie joined the Donald Haack team in March 2016. After 30 years in construction accounting and a brief retirement, she is excited about working part-time in the jewelry retail business. She enjoys reading, working in the yard, kayaking on the New River, playing with friends and spending time with her family and dog Jake.
Mary Ellen McKay
Mary Ellen joined the Donald Haack Diamonds team in November 2016. She is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sports, Entertainment & Event Management. She has a diverse background in management, hospitality and administrative support. Mary Ellen is a huge Panthers fan and a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan. She loves to travel and is passionate about her family and friends.
Leslie French-Haupricht
Leslie joined the Donald Haack Diamonds team in June 2018. She has an extensive background in retail and is a former NCLMBT licensed Massage Therapist. Being from Ohio she grew up watching the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes, she is an avid football fan. She loves traveling. Her favorite U.S. vacation was Alaska and Overseas it was Oktoberfest in Germany. Leslie is married and has 2 daughters.