Our Team

Shannon Hartigan

Owner

Born in Boston and raised in Maine, I’ve been with Brown Goldsmiths since January 1992. I married my high school sweetheart and we have one son and our fur babies, Bella and Cat. I became the owner of Brown’s in November 2018 and my goal has been, and continues to be, to honor the craftsmanship, integrity, and quality that Brown Goldsmiths was built on. My appreciation for my team and our customers goes beyond measure.

On my wish list? Anything with Opal!

Andrew Hartigan

Chief Operating Officer

I grew up in Brunswick, married my high school sweetheart and have a grown son. I spent most of my career in a different industry and came on board at Browns part time. I am now a part of this fun group and it has been more than I imagined. With this team, I am able to learn all aspects of the  industry. I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors & relaxing.

On my wish list? Our Signature Collection which showcases our jewelers special designs.

Abbie Hinds-Aldrich

Store Manager/Graduate Gemologist

I am a lifelong Mainer and have settled in Portland, Maine, with my partner and cat, Pluto. Loving all things sparkly led me to earn my Graduate Gemologist degree and work in the industry as a lifelong career. I began working at Brown Goldsmiths in the summer of 2020. My hobbies include experimenting with colorful jewelry designs, gardening, and salsa dancing.

My wish list includes the Compass Rose Collection and stackable diamond rings.

Deane Frank

Head Jeweler

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, have lived in Maine, and have worked at Brown Goldsmiths since 1986. My wife, Jana, and I raised two wonderful sons and we have one grandson with another on the way. I enjoy hiking, bicycle touring, skiing, and canoeing when not at work. My favorite thing about working at Brown’s is the creative aspect of designing and creating long-lasting symbols of love for a very diverse clientele.

What should be on a wish list? Pascal Lacroix bracelets. They have such great craftsmanship.

Scott Paradis

Sales/Design – Applied Jewelry Professional

I was born and raised in Western Maine and lived there until I moved to Freeport in 2013. I grew up in the restaurant industry and had several sales-related positions before I found my home here at Browns in the spring of 2017. I love that there is an unlimited amount of knowledge to be gained in this industry. I have been continuing my education to gain the knowledge to help me best serve our customers.

The William Henry Tigers Eye bracelet and anything with Blue Zircon are on my wish list. Something about this gem captivates me!

Alexandra LaTorre

Sales Associate – Certified Sales Professional

Born and raised in Northern Massachusetts, I completed my undergrad in Liberal Studies with a minor in Fashion Merchandising in 2021 and soon after joined the team at Brown Goldsmiths. When I’m not at Brown’s surrounding myself with all things beautiful, I’m at the beach with my dog, Remi, or inside most likely painting. However big or small the role is, walking through life’s most meaningful milestones with our customers is something I continue to cherish the most here at Brown Goldsmiths.

I love the Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring in White Gold!

Kathy Mower

Sales Associate 

Growing up around Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine, my parents and grandparents owned small retail stores. From the time I could reach the cash register and pump gas, I was doing it. I loved working with people and customers! As I grew older, I worked in the potato fields before the crack of dawn and well into the darkness of the night. I had pride in working hard to earn an honest paycheck. 

What I enjoy most is when I hear a story of how you met the love of your life!

I had my eye on a Teal Montana Sapphire and Diamond Ring until my loving husband surprised me with it.

Serena Zhang

CAD Designer 

I moved to Maine from Kansas in the winter of 2021 to take a position at Brown Goldsmiths, and I love Maine. As a jewelry designer, I also love everything about jewelry! I love researching museum collections and learning about unique metalwork and the fascinating stories and history behind designs. I aim to use this knowledge and modern technology to create amazing jewelry for our Brown Goldsmiths’ customers and, eventually, our Signature Collection.

On my wish list? The Luna Ring. Simplicity and elegance are perfectly merged into this design.

Michael Hofheimer

Shop Manager 

Originally from Virginia, I have decades of jewelry experience, earning my BFA in Metalsmithing/Jewelry Making from the Maine College of Art, starting my own jewelry design business, and teaching the craft. I also worked locally doing bench work and custom designs. My family consists of 4 kids, all in their 20’s, and a new granddaughter along with my wife and scrappy terrier. When not at work, I love cooking, hiking, kayaking and spending time with my family.

I admire the Galaxy Designs from the Brown Goldsmiths Signature Collection.

Nicholas Baudler

Production Coordinator/ Graduate Gemologist

After joining the team at Brown Goldsmiths in the fall of 2020, I consider myself lucky, I get to oversee the production and watch ideas and drawings become fully realized pieces of wearable art to be enjoyed for generations. I literally think I have the best job in the world. When not getting overly excited about gems and jewelry, you’ll find me out in the garden, riding my bike or being Cat-Dad to my two rescues, Copernicus and Minerva.

My wish list items?  Crown Knot Bracelet (or literally any gold bracelet from the Signature Collection).

Michael Kivlin

Goldsmith

I was born and raised in central Maine. I first entered the jewelry industry in 1994 and have been with Brown Goldsmiths since February 2015. Because I am mostly at my workbench upstairs, I enjoy hearing when a customer is happy with the work I have done for them. I enjoy fishing and kayaking or just about anything outdoors with family and friends.

On my wish list? The beautiful Monarch Pride knife from William Henry.

Krista Baird

Goldsmith

My love of jewelry started young while growing up with my grandmother who had a passion for all pieces costume and genuine! About 15 years ago, I took a job as a sales associate for a small family owned jewelry store. From there I started an apprenticeship with my boss who was a master jeweler. I fell in love all over again and have been a jeweler ever since.  I really enjoy the reaction when customers love something I’ve restored or made for them. After a recent move to Maine, I’m so happy to have found a great fit here at Browns!

My favorite pieces are the Embrace Ring and Curvy Earrings.