If you’re a Corporate Marketing Manager or an Event Organizer, you know the crucial role that communication and deadlines play. When Grace Weihs from the National Western Stock Show reached out to Happy Llama Printing, a Denver print company, as a promotional merchandise supplier, she wasn’t just looking for a vendor, she was looking for a lifeline.
A Frustrating Vendor Experience
As Western Art Manager for Coors Western Art, Grace manages two major events: the Young Guns Art Show and the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale, both held during the iconic Denver-based National Western Stock Show. Her job involves coordinating promotional items and thank-you gifts for both attendees and members, all while juggling budget approvals, branding guidelines, and tight timelines.
But her previous merch partner? Let’s just say it wasn’t working out. “Deadlines were always missed. I could never get a call back. It was frustrating,” Grace told us.
Denver Print Company Embraces Creative Collaboration
Grace first heard about Happy Llama through Frame De Art. Curious, she gave us a call and that’s when everything changed.
One of the first things we learned about Grace is that she makes quick decisions. But instead of rushing into production, our team (shoutout to Ira Johnson, Owner of Happy Llama!) stepped in with some thoughtful feedback.
She originally wanted to give away jackets for an upcoming show, but it was scheduled for the middle of summer.
“I was really set on the jacket idea,” Grace said. “But Ira explained how it might not be the most practical item for the time of year. He helped me pivot to something that made more sense for the season and for my budget.”
That kind of collaboration is exactly what we aim for at Happy Llama. We’re not here to just take orders as a Denver printer, we’re here to make your ideas meaningful.
More Than Just Branded Merchandise Suppliers
Working within a large organization like National Western Stock Show means there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen. Grace has to get approvals for everything from product concepts to brand usage to final pricing.
We made sure she didn’t have to do it alone.
Over a typical month-long turnaround, we stayed in close communication, kept her looped in on proofs and timelines, and delivered exactly what she needed right on time.
The Results
- Clear, fast communication every step of the way
- Creative direction that aligned with Grace’s goals and brand guidelines
- On-time delivery even on a tight schedule
- Smart recommendations that saved money and made more sense for the audience
At Happy Llama, we’re more than a Denver print company, we’re your behind-the-scenes problem solver, idea sharer, and deadline saver.
Whether you’re planning for a high-profile show or a grassroots gathering, we’ll help you create branded merch that’s practical, memorable, and actually shows up on time.
Got a project coming up? Let’s make something awesome together.
