Need a little entrepreneurial inspiration?  Stop by and visit with Peter & Niles Deneen, father & son team of Deneen Pottery, at the 2014 MidAtlantic Conference and ask them about their Second Chance success story while you shop for a set of coffee mugs for your inn.

A recent story appearing in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press highlights the ups and downs and ups again of Peter's 40-year career as a Master Potter (well, we may have made up that term, but he does have a Masters Degree in Pottery!). It isn't often that we are given the gift of a fresh start, but that is exactly what Peter experienced as his pottery business grew to 40 employees and over $1 million in annual revenue up through 1988, only to collapse when one of their large customers failed and dragged Deneen down with them.  To quote Peter:  "Walt Disney filed bankruptcy numerous times before he found the right business model."

Peter restarted the business and now works closely with his son Niles and other talented crafts-people to supply small-demand clients with hand-crafted clay mugs using the innovative plastic molding technique of his own design to incorporate client logos.  Did you know that each mug passes through 24 creative & loving hands before it is ready to ship?

What's New for 2014?
2 new colors are coming online:  Sea Glass and Sunset (in addition to their recently announced Powder Blue)
2 new mug styles will be introduced as well!
In addition to their line of coffee mugs and tableware, they customize clay holiday ornaments, leather key fobs, magnets, do-not-disturb signs, and coasters.  Don't miss the petite bud vases they can customize as well - everything you need to set the perfect table or supply your Inn's gift shop.  Be sure to visit the Deneen Pottery booth in the 2014 MidAtlantic Tradeshow hall for a little story-telling and shopping!