Meet the people behind the Dome experience.
jeff whitaker, founder
I love our DOME family. Since Chris & I founded DOME years ago, we've always wanted to sell a product we actually like to people we actually like, while working with a talented team that…we actually love. I am so passionate about DOME, but I have had to learn to pull back the reigns at times so that I can be better at my much more important job at home. My goal is to find the balance required to be amazing at my job with our incredible team, and present at home with the family I love.
Favorite STYLE: I love our new P3 cap. Nobody else offers a 100% custom cap that also has a custom laser-cut design. We spent over a year getting this developed and couldn't be more excited to introduce it to our customers.
Favorite food: If I had to choose my last meal on earth, it'd be Lasagna Hamburger Helper.
“Perseverance & Spirit have done wonders through the ages.”
chris hetland, founder
My favorite part of DOME would have to be the people, both inside and outside of our office. We have an incredible team, awesome partners and a happy, growing client base. I take tremendous pride in that everyday and that’s my drive to DO BETTER. That mindset is a constant motivator. Let’s be great today but how are we always better tomorrow. DOME has continued to teach me to persevere and adapt, and my relentless enthusiasm will keep me doing better.
Favorite STYLE: My Go-To lid is our Style IV vintage trucker with a Versa Visor…Business in the front, party in the back so it’s acceptable for all occasions and right out of the box it fits better than your favorite pair of Levi’s.
Favorite Movie (depending on my mood): Office Space, Shawshank Redemption or Fight Club.
“Work so hard that one day your signature becomes an autograph.”
Phuoc Huynh, The Creative
I enjoy so much about my DOME life, but one thing that tends to keep me growing is the problem solving aspect, as it continues to push me to find better techniques and refine the workflow. I embrace our DO BETTER philosophy in all aspects of work and home life, and consider myself a super hard working guy. Outside of my creative hat craft, I enjoy playing video games and browsing Amazon.
Favorite movie: Can't pick. It's between The Thing (1982) and Predator (1987)
Favorite STYLE: Style II. Simple. Classic. It never goes out of style.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Katrin Casey, brand EXPERIENCE
I have been privileged to call DOME one of my most proud success stories, and have loved being a part of commencing, advising and growing this brand and company since inception. This rather magical journey began over a cup of coffee when Jeff was still sorting out how to bring a unique hat company to life and I was challenged with helping him get there. Nearly a decade later, he is a passionate visionary and leader that now thinks like a marketer, preserves the integrity of the DOME brand in every business decision, and always looks to DO BETTER. I continue to thrive on the opportunity to be a part of such an awesome team with limitless opportunity.
Favorite Food: yes.
“The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”
DEREK SHAMPINE – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NASHVILLE
I grew up in upstate New York, and have been in Nashville since 2005. My favorite part of working with DOME is getting to see the excitement from people when they get their hats in, and knowing they got a great product for their business or brand. I take pride in exceptional customer service for my clients. I also love to cook, so typically if I have some time I’ll be trying to concoct up something new and different. In my spare time, my wife and I are busy raising our newborn daughter.
Favorite food: Anything with an Asian Influence
Favorite STYLE: The trucker. I’m a relaxed style type of guy. I work a lot with lifestyle brands, and that’s right in my wheelhouse. Flanel shirt, cool hat with simple design, jeans, done.
“Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion, you must set yourself on fire.”
Alex Martinez - Team Sales & Business Development
I love the people that work for DOME. I also love selling a product that I truly believe in (and dually love wearing). I pride myself on a relentless work ethic and a drive to deliver distinguished service for my clients. For me, to DO BETTER, means doing things every day that will inch you closer to being better the next day.
Favorite STYLE: The P3 - it fits like a glove [insert Jim Carrey voice]
Favorite food: New York Pizza
“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”
Sam Herb - Sales & Business Development
I have been a full-time singer/songwriter in Nashville for the last three years and prior to that was a college student working retail jobs. My first ever job was selling peanuts in the stands at Jaguar games at 14 years old. To me DO BETTER means always striving to be better than you were the day before, and I continue to learn more and more everyday. I am excited about serving our customers and love working on our hat builder, the possibilities are ENDLESS!
Favorite STYLE: That changes almost weekly! Right now it’s the Style III, Performance Trucker with a Versa visor
Favorite color: Burnt Orange
“They can change their minds, but they can’t change me.”
TOBY OWNBY - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & SALES
For me, DO BETTER means that there is something new to learn everyday! Always looks for ways to improve yourself and improve the process. Boredom and mundane is the worst. I consider myself driven and hard working, but love to have fun while doing it. My favorite part of working at DOME is the people. I truly love who I work with and love meeting new people everyday. I am a Gator, wife for over 23 years, mother to 2 beautiful daughters, and traveling is my favorite thing. Now that I have joined the DOME family, I will never look at a hat the same way, and you will always find me doing better.
Favorite Food: Hot Wings
Favorite Style: Style 4 Vintage Trucker with a snap back. It just looks cool and fits just right. You can wear it hair down or pony tail through the back...love it.
“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid of standing still.”