In this episode of Thrive In Design, host Nicole Lashae Hall sits down with Brooke Taylor and Adam Kubryk, co-founders of Vendor Bootcamp, to unpack what it truly takes for hospitality vendors to stand out, get specified, and stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market.Drawing from decades of combined experience across design, branding, and global sales, Brooke and Adam reveal why most vendors struggle to differentiate—and how shifting from product-first thinking to strategic storytelling can transform your business. They break down the “Brand Story Blueprint,” offering actionable insights on how to align your messaging with what designers, purchasing agents, and owners actually care about.The conversation dives deep into common industry misconceptions, including why vendors should stop “selling to designers” and instead empower them as an extension of their sales team. You’ll also learn how process, not just product, plays a critical role in brand perception—and why simplifying your messaging (“say less, look better”) can dramatically improve your chances of being specified.Whether you're new to hospitality or looking to scale your brand presence, this episode delivers practical strategies to help you move from scattered efforts to intentional growth. Timestamps Key Quotes“Stop selling to designers—they’re not your buyer. They’re your sales team.”“If you’re not differentiated, you’re invisible.”“Say less. Show your best. That’s what gets specified.”“Your process matters more than you think—it’s what people remember.”“If you don’t understand how your product impacts ROI, you’re just selling something.” 🔗 Connect with Adam Kubryk and Brooke TaylorTo learn more about Adam Kubryk and Brooke Taylor and their work shaping the future of design and the built environment, connect with them and Vendor Bootcamp:Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-kubryk-12003539Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brookentaylorFollow Vendor Bootcamp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vendor-bootcamp/Visit the Vendor Bootcamp website: https://vendorbootcamp.com/You can also reach them directly through their email below:Adam’s Email: [email protected]Brooke’s Email: [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Thrive In DesignFollow Thrive In Design for insights on design leadership, business strategy, and growth in the A&D industry:• Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveindesign 🚀 Go Deeper with Thrive In Design• Take the SpecReady™ Assessment: https://specready.co/• Join the Thrive In Design: AI in Design Summit on May 20, 2026: https://tidsummit.com/ 👋 Connect with Nicole• Nicole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleben