We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mandy Pullin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mandy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
DPP Travel has consistently centered its mission on sustainable travel and backing local operators globally. Particularly inspiring is the discernible commitment of the luxury market to enact substantial operational changes that contribute positively to their ecological footprint and uplift the local environments they touch. As a luxury travel supplier, we have made it our mission to educate our clients on three pillars of sustainability – Culture – Economy – Environment. Travel, by its very nature, possesses a unique potential to bolster all three pillars, with the luxury market standing out as a significant influencer. Both suppliers and clients in this realm often hold considerable sway in the areas they inhabit and explore. By channeling their travel expenditures towards supporting local businesses, preserving indigenous cultures, and endorsing providers committed to leaving a positive environmental impact, luxury travelers can wield their influence to effect meaningful change.
In the realm of luxury travel, there is a palpable realization among hoteliers, tour operators, and even theme parks that discerning travelers seek not only authenticity but also a sense of purpose in their journeys. Travelers want assurance that they are contributing to a greater cause. For instance, one of our esteemed partners brings guests to meet Marta, is a local weaver in the historic Puglia region of Italy. Marta, the last practitioner of a weaving technique dating back to pre-Medici times, represents not just a local business but a living testament to a crucial facet of Italian history. Supporting Marta goes beyond commerce; it becomes a commitment to preserving a historical art form integral to Italian heritage. As someone with Italian roots, the experience of engaging with Marta and witnessing her craft was truly transformative. Being able to trace the trajectory of our financial contributions and interact directly with the people impacted underscored the profound impact that conscientious luxury travel can achieve. In this evolving landscape, those of us in the travel industry have a unique opportunity to align our endeavors with the growing demand for purposeful, sustainable, and culturally enriching experiences.
Mandy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
When I first graduated from college, I was involved in Science Education. For almost 15 years, I taught children and adults about the environment and other elements of Life Science. Later, as I transitioned into becoming a travel advisor, my focus on science education did not dissipate, instead it shifted into focusing on curating itineraries that fostered a love and understanding of the world. As a luxury advisor, I work with my clients to develop journeys that they will remember and talk about for the rest of their lives. I want them to meet people that will change their perspectives, people that they will stay in touch with forever, and have experiences that truly change them as an individuals. As an agency, our relationships with partners around the world allow us to create these customized journeys that you can’t find by sitting down and typing into a search engine. We leverage our relationships into one-of-a-kind opportunities you won’t find online. One of my previous employers described me as relentless in his response to a reference call. To this day, I think that is one of the highest compliments I have received. I am relentless. This aspect of my personality now works in the favor of anyone who contacts me to craft their upcoming vacation. Our goal is the most seamless experience possible, and the knowledge that you’ll have someone with the connections needed to address anything that may come up if the unforeseen happens.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Personally, I view pivoting as an inherent aspect of adult life. As a military spouse, my trajectory often required abrupt shifts – leaving teaching positions, management roles, or facilitating jobs due to military relocations mandated by the Army. As a professional in any field pre-COVID, relocating could present serious challenges. Arriving in a new town where you don’t know anyone can make securing a job a challenge. In today’s job market, a lot has changed and one of the benefits we gained from COVID is that almost every career has a version where you can work online, at a different geographical location, or share time between an office and remote work. When I made the move into travel, I was mostly a stay-at-home mom working part-time for a contractor who taught workshops for the government. My interview was over Skype but my job was facilitated in person. I worked for more than two years and never met my boss in person! Back then, I thought that was the craziest thing! Post-Covid that seems perfectly normal, right? I believe the entire planet has experienced a massive pivot in how we approach what a professional is and how they do business. Contrary to the misconception that travel agents or advisors are becoming obsolete, we’ve not faded away; rather, our presence has evolved beyond the traditional office setting on Main Street. Advisors like myself have enthusiastically embraced the laptop lifestyle pivot within our industry, leveraging the advantages it presents. In this era of remote work, we immerse ourselves in diverse destinations to better serve our clients. I saw a quote the other day that really inspired me – “When was the last time you saw something for the first time?” We aspire to encounter a minimum of three novel experiences each year and are committed to ensuring our clients embark on journeys that introduce them to the extraordinary. In this ever-evolving landscape, entrepreneurs and creators should recognize that pivoting is not merely a reaction to change; it’s a strategic adaptation that positions us to thrive in the dynamic environments of our professional lives.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Whenever you ask any entrepreneur about growing clientele I think the common theme is going to be some sort of networking. You will hear about a social media presence, why it is important, and how to leverage social channels to build your market. However, the type of business you’re in can impact which type of networking makes the most sense for you and your brand. If you’re a marketing firm or a graphic design agency, speaking or meeting people in person may not be as important to your clients as other types of businesses. As travel has evolved, we’ve had more and more clients from farther away. For example, I am on the East Coast and about 40% of my clientele live on the West Coast. However, I see more business and referrals from people I meet in person. This may be those I meet while traveling for business but it is usually attending community events. Getting out and giving back to your community is a win-win. You’re presence and support of community efforts will be appreciated and will connect you to those in your local sphere who have influence and may likely be a future client. As your face becomes known as someone who shows up in support of local issues, your local ideal clients will be drawn to you, with little to no effort on your part.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dpptravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpptravelwithmandy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPPTravel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandypullin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP_X4xVWLJ4XZZG7MlOFlWw
Image Credits
All images were taken by Mandy Pullin.