We were lucky to catch up with Mandy Pullin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mandy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

More isn’t always better.

In many sales industries, particularly in travel, there’s a widespread belief that “more is better”—more clients, more packages, more sales. However, at DPP Travel, we firmly believe in the adage “quality over quantity.”

Our focus is on building lasting relationships with our clients. This people-first approach is why we operate almost exclusively on referrals. Unlike some agencies that mass-produce itineraries without much regard for individual client needs, our goal is to truly get to know you—your preferences, likes, and dislikes. This enables us to consistently deliver unparalleled value and personalized service for your travel investment.

Consider one of our frequent solo travelers, who also enjoys taking trips with his son. By understanding how his needs change from trip to trip, I can quickly assist him, whether he’s traveling alone or with family. He simply shares his general idea for a trip, and I handle the rest—saving him valuable time and ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Another example is a client with mobility issues. Rather than explaining her needs repeatedly to different call center agents, she trusts me to tailor recommendations that cater directly to her family’s unique situation. This personal touch ensures her comfort and satisfaction on every journey.

Mandy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Mandy Pullin, and I’m now wearing two entrepreneurial hats: co-founder of DPP Travel, a luxury travel agency specializing in transformative experiences, and co-founder of Travel Pro Pathways, an initiative empowering aspiring travel advisors to launch their business.

My fascination with travel began at a young age, growing into a deep-seated passion that fueled my desire to explore the world and connect with diverse cultures. This passion, coupled with my entrepreneurial spirit, led me to embark on a journey of creating customized journeys for discerning travelers.

In June 2019, along with my lifelong friend Tiffany Watt, I launched DPP Travel, guided by the motto, “Experience is the new luxury.” We envision travel as more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and positive impact on the destinations we visit.

Our commitment to client-centered service has earned us a loyal clientele and a thriving referral-based business. We take pride in fostering strong relationships with our clients, understanding their individual needs and preferences to create journeys that resonate deeply with them.

Through Travel Pro Pathways, we’re passionate about empowering others to pursue their dreams in the travel industry. We recently launched courses, with more coming soon, to provide comprehensive training which guides aspiring entrepreneurs in the travel industry through the basics of launching and growing their own successful travel advisor businesses, understanding the sales process, and more.

I am most proud of the personal connections I’ve built with clients and fellow travel professionals. These relationships are the cornerstone of both DPP Travel and Travel Pro Pathways, validating our belief in the power of community and collaboration.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My entrepreneurial journey began not in a boardroom, but on a ball field. Tiffany Watt, my business partner, has been my friend since childhood, practically family. She was my brother’s high school sweetheart and I say I kept her in the breakup. Our paths diverged for a while, but the internet kept us connected, allowing us to witness each other’s milestones from afar.

In 2013, the Disney Princess Half Marathon sparked a renewed connection. Tiffany, a seasoned runner, became my guide and mentor, and she convinced me I could complete the race. After years of juggling various roles – military spouse, mom, teacher, and professional development trainer – Tiffany convinced me that my love for travel could be turned into a career.

Together, we embarked on a new adventure, joining a travel agency focused on theme parks. It wasn’t long before we realized our shared vision: to create a luxury travel agency dedicated to unforgettable experiences. In 2019, DPP Travel was born, a testament to our friendship, shared passion, and unwavering belief in the power of travel to transform lives.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

In the realm of luxury travel, trust is paramount. And for us at DPP Travel, there’s no better source of new clients than our existing ones. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients are the gold standard in the industry. When a discerning traveler receives a glowing review from someone they trust, it carries immense weight, surpassing any marketing campaign.

We actively cultivate relationships with our clients, understanding that each one is a potential ambassador for our brand. We regularly request reviews and testimonials, sharing them strategically to build trust and credibility among potential clients. Additionally, we engage with organizations frequented by our ideal clientele, but even there, we rely on the power of peer-to-peer recommendations.

Our focus on building genuine relationships rather than chasing transactions allows us to curate a clientele that aligns perfectly with our values and mission. We believe slow and steady growth, fueled by authentic connections, is the key to sustainable success. This approach ensures that each new client is a perfect fit for our personalized, luxury travel experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dpptravel.com and https://www.travelpropathways.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpptravel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPPTravel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandypullin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dpptravel

Image Credits

All of the photos provided were taken by myself or Tiffany Watt.