We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dana Chorpenning. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dana below.

Dana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Finding those key vendors can often be make or break for a brand. Can you talk to us about how you found your key vendors?

I’m excited to share insight into our approach to selecting key vendors, a process that underpins our ability to remain the premier provider in the recognition gifting industry and consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.

The vendor relationship is a strategic partnership that directly affects our ability to deliver remarkable gifting experiences to our clients. When seeking out vendors, we prioritize several key factors:

1. Alignment with Our Values: We seek vendors who share our commitment to excellence, reflect our company’s ethos and contribute positively to our brand reputation. Of course, “Gifting with Giveback” is a core part of our company’s value proposition, and it’s something our clients care deeply about. When we seek out vendors, we look beyond just the quality and uniqueness of their products. We prioritize partners who share our commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact on the world. Our ideal vendors are those who not only offer exceptional merchandise and client service but also actively contribute to charitable causes and support sustainability initiatives.

For instance, we collaborate with brands like Mavis by Herrera, Shwood Eyewear and Topo Designs, all of which have proven a dedication to environmental conservation, ethical sourcing, and social impact. By closely partnering with these vendors, we’re able to offer our clients not only premium-quality gifts but also opportunities to contribute to meaningful causes with every purchase.

Our Gifting with Giveback philosophy goes beyond just delivering remarkable experiences; it’s about using our platform to make a positive difference in the world. Through our vendor partnerships, we aim to amplify the impact of our clients’ gifting initiatives while supporting causes that align with our values.

In essence, our vendor selection process is about more than just finding suppliers; it’s about forging meaningful partnerships with like-minded brands that share our vision for creating a better, more compassionate world through the power of gifting.

2. Quality and Innovation: We look for vendors who offer innovative products and services of the highest quality. We believe in pushing the boundaries of creativity and delivering unique, memorable experiences to our clients.

3. Client-Centric Approach: Our ideal vendors are those who prioritize customer satisfaction and are willing to go beyond to meet our clients’ needs. We value vendors who are responsive, adaptable, and dedicated to delivering outstanding service.

4. Reliability and Consistency: Consistency is key in our industry, so we seek vendors with a proven record of accomplishment. They have to be reliable and consistent in product quality, delivery, and customer support.

5. Collaborative Spirit: We value vendors who are willing to collaborate closely with us to achieve shared goals. Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen and adapt are essential qualities we look for in our vendor partnerships.

In terms of striking deals with vendors, our aim is to create mutually beneficial agreements that reflect the value and quality of the products and services provided. We believe in fair and transparent negotiations that prioritize long-term partnership. In many cases, we are looking for partners who offer exclusivity for Wet Paint Group.

As a CEO and entrepreneur, I’ve learned to trust my instincts when it comes to building vendor relationships. Wet Paint Group is a women-owned business, and I’ve trusted my intuition as a guiding force in our partnerships. Over the years, I’ve cultivated strong connections built on trust, transparency, and shared values. These relationships have been the cornerstone of our success, fostering mutual growth and collaboration.

I’ve realized the importance of prioritizing genuine connections over purely financial gains. While profitability is essential, it should never overshadow the integrity of the relationship. Saying no to deals driven solely by profit has been a crucial lesson for me, as I’ve seen how such transactions can compromise the essence of our business.

My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to seek partnerships rooted in authenticity and mutual respect. Look for vendors who align with your values and vision, as these collaborations have the potential to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact as your business goes through times of challenges and growth.

Dana, 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?

Diving into the world of corporate gifting and recognition was a natural progression for me, inspired by a deep passion for creating meaningful connections and experiences. My journey into this industry began with my early career at the esteemed Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, where I had the privilege of learning from hospitality experts renowned for their commitment to excellence. These formative years instilled in me a profound understanding of service and the importance of going above and beyond to exceed expectations.

Drawing upon my experiences and fueled by a desire to innovate, I co-founded Wet Paint Group with my husband, Doug. Together, we envisioned a company that would not only provide exceptional gifting solutions but also give back to the community and make a difference in people’s lives.

At Wet Paint Group, we’re dedicated to curating unique and thoughtful gifts that leave a lasting impression, whether it’s through our bespoke branded merchandise, purpose-driven recognition gifting, virtual or in-person gifting experiences. Every aspect of our business is infused with a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a positive impact, and I’m incredibly proud to lead a team that shares these values.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our reputation is founded on genuine hospitality and warmth, values instilled in Wet Paint Group from the start. In the early days, Doug and I personally oversaw every event, ensuring each experience was exceptional. As our team grew, so did our commitment to hospitality. Today, every team member shares our passion for creating extraordinary experiences. This dedication sets us apart, earning the trust of our clients. We believe hospitality is about more than service—it’s about creating lasting connections and moments of joy. We’re honored to continue this tradition, delighting our clients with each interaction.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I tell all my entrepreneur friends about two books that have significantly shaped my business approach: “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara and “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

“Unreasonable Hospitality” is a memoir written by the co-founder of Eleven Madison Park, a restaurant that was voted the best restaurant in the world. What an incredible accomplishment! This book is so fun to read – every story is charming and captivating – but it also beautifully illustrates his lessons about hospitality, leadership, teamwork, and delivering exceptional service. I think this is a must-read for everyone in any service industry.

“Who Not How” has revolutionized my perspective on scaling Wet Paint Group. This book has enlightened me about the importance of delegating to the right individuals, rather than trying to handle everything myself. Adopting this mindset shift has enabled me to focus on tasks that align with my strengths, so I’m much more productive and I’m much less frustrated day-to-day. My impact is significantly bigger, and my goals are more attainable. I’d recommend it to any entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wetpaintgroup.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/wetpaintgroup/
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danachorpenning/
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