I started in sports PR, working with professional teams and events, which gave me a strong foundation in media relations and high-pressure storytelling. But I quickly realized I wanted to work across a broader range of industries and build brands from the ground up. That led me to agency life, where the pace, diversity of clients, and opportunity to lead strategy across multiple sectors really appealed to me. Eventually, I joined Blaze PR, where I could combine entrepreneurial thinking with creative campaigns—and I’ve been growing both the agency and our clients’ brands ever since. No two days are ever the same.
My first entrepreneurial moment was delivering the Pittsburgh Press—an afternoon paper that’s no longer in circulation. After school each day, I’d head out on my route, making sure each house got their paper exactly how they liked it. I wasn’t just delivering—I was managing customer preferences, collecting payments, and even pitching new neighbors to grow my route. It was my first real business. That experience taught me the fundamentals of service, accountability, and the hustle it takes to build something from scratch. Looking back, it was the earliest sign I’d thrive in the fast-paced world of agency life.
One belief I’ve changed my mind about is that media coverage alone isn't the ultimate measure of PR success. While earned media is still powerful, I’ve come to see that integrating PR with content, social, influencer, and paid strategies is essential for real, measurable impact. Brands need a 360-degree approach to truly move the needle. PR can no longer exist in a silo—we have to think like marketers, not just storytellers. Blending strategy with data, and reach with relevance, has reshaped how we build campaigns and define value for clients in today’s fast-moving landscape.
I feel most energized at work when I’m in the thick of a creative brainstorm or helping a team crack a tough challenge for a client. There’s something electric about taking an idea from a rough spark to a fully formed campaign that gets results. I also thrive when I’m mentoring younger team members—seeing them grow, gain confidence, and push boundaries fuels me. Whether it’s landing a big media hit, building a brand moment from scratch, or watching the team win together, that momentum is what drives me every day. It’s the hustle and the breakthroughs that keep me going.
A day in my life is nonstop and never quite the same. It starts early—usually with email triage and scanning the news before walking my dogs. From there, it's a mix of team check-ins, client calls, new business pitches, media follow-ups, and reviewing strategies or creative. I’m jumping between industries, time zones, and platforms all day. There are wins and setbacks—stories placed, others pushed, and last-minute fires to put out. Lunch is often at my desk, and the to-do list never really ends. It’s fast, unpredictable, and demanding—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
One habit I credit for my success is being a consummate networker. I make it a point to check in regularly with media, clients, colleagues, and even former contacts—whether it’s a quick text, meeting up, or sharing a relevant article. Relationships are everything in PR, and staying connected keeps opportunities flowing. It’s not about asking for something—it’s about being top of mind, adding value, and building real trust over time. That consistent habit of meaningful outreach has opened more doors, sparked more ideas, and created more lasting partnerships than any campaign ever could on its own.
Early in my career, I focused too much on just getting the media hit—landing the story and moving on—without fully understanding how it connected to the bigger picture. I learned the hard way that PR doesn’t live in a vacuum. That mistake taught me to always consider how our efforts align with business goals, marketing plans, brand voice, and customer experience. Everything is connected, and when you operate with that mindset, you create campaigns that actually drive impact. It’s not just about press—it’s about purpose, integration, and making every piece of the puzzle work together.
People often think I’m intense at first—probably because I dive in quickly, ask direct questions, and move fast. But once they get to know me, they realize I’m actually pretty laid-back and collaborative. I just care deeply about the work and want to make sure we’re pushing things forward. Beneath that intensity is someone who values teamwork, humor, and creating an environment where people can do their best work without taking themselves too seriously.
To recharge outside of work, I prioritize family time—it’s my grounding force. Whether it’s a quiet dinner, cheering from the sidelines at a game, or just hanging out at home, being with my family resets my perspective. I also make it a point to walk my dogs daily. It’s a simple routine, but it gives me time to clear my head, step away from screens, and get fresh air. Those moments—unplugged and present—are where I find balance and energy to take on whatever comes next.
Right now, my definition of success is creating meaningful impact—both for the clients I serve and the team I lead. It’s about building strong relationships, delivering results that move the needle, and fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered to grow and contribute. Success isn’t just about awards or headlines; it’s about sustainable growth, trust, and making a positive difference in people’s careers and lives. When I see that ripple effect—clients thriving, team members reaching new heights, and partnerships lasting—that’s when I know we’re truly successful.
What sets Blaze PR apart is our relentless focus on customizing strategies that truly fit each client’s unique story and goals. We don’t do one-size-fits-all; instead, we blend deep industry expertise with innovative tactics and a nimble, entrepreneurial spirit. Our team combines strong media relationships, data-driven insights, and creative storytelling to deliver measurable results—not just vanity metrics. Plus, we prioritize transparent communication and partnership, treating clients like an extension of our own team. That combination of personalized service, strategic agility, and commitment to impact is what makes Blaze PR stand out in a crowded market.
We typically say “no” when clients show red flags like a lack of clear direction, uncertainty about what PR can realistically achieve, or when their goals are completely unrealistic for the budget or timeframe. At Blaze PR, we pride ourselves on being a lifestyle-focused agency, working across a variety of brands and disciplines—but that only works when there’s alignment and a shared understanding of what success looks like. If a client isn’t ready to collaborate strategically or doesn’t value the partnership, it’s often best for both sides to hold off until the timing or fit is right.
At Blaze PR, one core principle we live by is to “command influence with stories well told.” We believe that powerful storytelling is the foundation of every successful campaign—when stories resonate authentically, they inspire action and build lasting connections. Alongside that, we embrace the Golden Rule: treating clients, media, and teammates with the same respect, honesty, and fairness that we expect in return. This combination of compelling narrative and genuine integrity drives everything we do and shapes the culture that fuels our agency’s success.
When we look for people to join Blaze PR, we seek individuals who are fully present—focused and engaged in the moment—because great work starts with genuine attention. Strong writing skills are a must; clear, compelling communication is at the heart of everything we do. We also value pop culture savants who understand trends, media shifts, and what resonates with audiences today. And above all, we want generally nice people—those who bring positivity, collaboration, and respect to the team. That mix of talent, cultural savvy, and kindness is what makes our agency thrive.
I foster creative thinking by creating a safe space where everyone feels encouraged to share ideas—no matter how wild or unconventional. We regularly hold brainstorm sessions that break away from the usual agenda, mixing in pop culture references, current trends, and even playful challenges to spark fresh perspectives. I also prioritize diversity of thought by bringing together team members from different backgrounds and disciplines, knowing that variety fuels innovation. Finally, I lead by example, staying curious and open-minded myself, which helps set a tone where creativity isn’t just welcomed—it’s expected.
One trend I think is overhyped is the obsession with going viral at all costs. While viral moments can be exciting, chasing virality often leads to shallow or gimmicky content that doesn’t build lasting brand value. True marketing success comes from consistent, authentic storytelling and meaningful engagement—not just a one-off spike in attention. Brands that prioritize depth over flash, and build real relationships with their audiences, see more sustainable growth. So, I’d say the “viral at any cost” mentality is something to approach with caution rather than chase blindly.
I’m betting long-term on the continued rise of integrated storytelling—where PR, content, social, and influencer efforts come together seamlessly to create cohesive brand narratives. Audiences today expect authentic, multi-channel experiences, and brands that can deliver consistent, meaningful stories across platforms will build stronger loyalty and trust. This trend goes beyond isolated campaigns; it’s about embedding storytelling into every touchpoint. At Blaze PR, we’re investing in tools and talent that allow us to craft these connected experiences, knowing that the future of marketing depends on strategic integration, not silos.
One small decision that led to a big result for Blaze PR was committing early on to putting strategy first—before tactics, creative, or media outreach. Instead of jumping straight into executions, we doubled down on understanding our clients’ core business goals and audience insights upfront. This disciplined focus on strategy created a clear roadmap for every campaign, making our efforts more targeted and effective. As a result, the rest naturally followed: stronger pitches, better media placements, and measurable impact. That shift transformed how we work and helped us build deeper trust with clients, fueling growth and long-term success.
My advice for anyone starting an agency today is to focus relentlessly on building authentic relationships—with clients, media, partners, and your team. The agency world is crowded, but trust and genuine connection set you apart. Also, be nimble and willing to wear many hats; flexibility is key in adapting to fast-changing markets. Don’t chase every shiny trend—instead, build a strong foundation with clear strategy, creative storytelling, and measurable results. Lastly, invest in your people and culture early on—it’s the heart of your agency’s identity and long-term success. Patience and persistence go a long way.
If I were starting from scratch today, I’d invest even more time upfront in building a clearly defined niche and brand identity. Early on, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, but having a focused specialty helps you stand out and attract the right clients faster. I’d also prioritize building scalable systems for workflow and communication sooner, so the agency can grow without losing agility or quality. Finally, I’d lean even harder into data and measurement from day one—making sure every campaign is tied to clear KPIs to prove value and refine strategies continuously.
When it comes to pricing, I believe in offering a fair price that reflects the true value of our work. It’s important to be transparent and set expectations early—clients should know exactly what they’re investing in and the results they can expect. We balance competitive rates with the expertise, creativity, and hands-on service we deliver. At the same time, we avoid undervaluing ourselves just to win business; quality and impact come first. Ultimately, pricing is about building trust and long-term partnerships, so we aim for arrangements that feel fair and sustainable for both sides.
I view growth and sustainability as two sides of the same coin—they have to go hand in hand. Rapid growth is exciting, but without a strong foundation, it can lead to burnout, quality dips, or client dissatisfaction. That’s why at Blaze PR, we prioritize sustainable growth by investing in our people, refining processes, and maintaining a clear vision and culture. We’re intentional about taking on clients and projects that align with our values and capacity. Growth that’s steady and well-managed creates long-term stability, builds trust, and ultimately leads to more meaningful success than chasing quick wins.
One founder I really admire is John Davies of Davies Public Affairs. He’s an innovator in the public affairs space who has built a reputation for strategic thinking and authentic relationship-building. What stands out about John is his ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and integrity, setting a high standard for both results and ethics. His leadership shows how blending deep expertise with a genuine commitment to clients and community can transform an agency—and inspire the entire industry. John’s approach is a great example of how vision and values together drive lasting impact.
I swear by Cision for media monitoring and outreach. It’s an indispensable tool that helps us track coverage in real time, identify the right journalists and influencers, and measure the impact of our campaigns. Having a comprehensive database combined with analytics allows us to work smarter and stay ahead in a fast-paced media landscape. Cision’s capabilities make it easier to tailor pitches, build relationships, and prove value to clients with data-driven insights—making it a cornerstone of how Blaze PR delivers results.
One resource that truly changed how I work is Edward Bernays’ Crystallizing Public Opinion. Often called the “father of public relations,” Bernays laid the groundwork for understanding how public opinion shapes behavior and decisions. This book taught me that PR isn’t just about messaging—it’s about deeply understanding your audience, influencing perceptions ethically, and crafting narratives that resonate on a psychological level. Bernays’ insights still feel incredibly relevant today, reminding me that effective PR is as much a science as it is an art. It’s a timeless foundation for building strategies that move people.
My ideal setup is a hybrid model that’s organized with clear objectives. It offers the best of both worlds—flexibility and focus. Remote work lets the team manage their time and environment for deep, uninterrupted work, while in-office days foster collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and stronger team connections. The key is setting clear goals and expectations so everyone stays aligned no matter where they’re working. When done right, hybrid setups boost productivity, creativity, and work-life balance, which ultimately leads to better results for clients and a healthier agency culture.
One belief that sometimes raises eyebrows is that **not every brand needs to be on every social platform. In today’s marketing world, there’s a lot of pressure to chase the latest channels or trends, but I believe strategic focus beats spreading yourself too thin. It’s better to master a few key platforms where your audience truly engages than to chase broad, shallow presence everywhere. Quality and relevance matter far more than volume. This sometimes challenges the “more is better” mindset, but it’s helped clients achieve deeper impact and stronger ROI.
One thing I wish clients understood better is that successful agency work is a true partnership—not a transactional service. PR isn’t just about sending press releases or checking off tasks; it requires collaboration, trust, and ongoing communication. The best results come when clients are actively involved, share insights openly, and align with the strategy. It’s also a process that takes time—building relationships with media, crafting authentic stories, and seeing measurable impact doesn’t happen overnight. When clients treat the agency as an extension of their team, that’s when magic really happens.
My favorite thing about being in PR is the constant opportunity to tell stories that matter—and to connect people in meaningful ways. Every day brings a new challenge, a new brand, a new audience, and that keeps the work fresh and exciting. I love helping clients find their unique voice and seeing how the right message at the right time can spark real change. Plus, the relationships you build—with media, clients, and colleagues—are genuinely rewarding. It’s an industry that’s equal parts creativity, strategy, and human connection, which makes every win feel meaningful.
One fact many people don’t realize is that the majority of journalists prefer to receive story pitches via email rather than phone calls or social media. While it might seem old-fashioned, email remains the most effective and professional way to connect—especially when pitches are personalized and concise. Understanding this can make a huge difference in media outreach success, but it’s often overlooked in favor of flashier or more immediate communication methods. Knowing how journalists want to be approached helps PR pros build stronger relationships and get better coverage for their clients.
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