Website: www.commongroundpr.com or join us on Facebook.
Industry: public relations
Education: bachelor’s degree in journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia
Family: mom of two daughters
What is your mission?
Results. We achieve our clients’ desired communications and business goals by determining the audiences that matter most to them; what, in turn, matters to those audiences; and then tirelessly seeking opportunities to bring them together. We believe communications and issues management can help organizations grow, sell more and be more relevant.
What was your first job?
I’m sure it was baby-sitting or dog walking. The first job that required a W-2 was part-time retail at the Tennis & Ski Warehouse.
What was your worst job?
My mother made me alphabetize the spices. This wasn’t really a job. It was penance for a curfew violation.
What led you to the PR industry?
Journalism school fed my love of researching and crafting a great story. Working with clients to develop their positioning, reach their audiences and ultimately tell their stories is a perfect fit.
What is the smartest thing your company has done in the past year?
We work hard to make our clients love us and see our work as invaluable to their success. That will always be our “smartest thing.”
Who is your industry role model?
I admire W.L. Gore & Associates -- known for dedication to employees, a workplace focused on collaboration and delivering innovation to the marketplace. Alan Deutschman wrote in Fast Company that Gore “is a company that proves that brains beat brawn.” I believe that holds true for the CGPR team.
What is the hottest trend in your industry, and are you going to jump on board?
The rise of new technologies is fascinating and breathes new life into the editorial world; however, babbling blogs and tedious tweets are painful, and we won’t succumb to the need to fire off a communiqué simply because we can. All things – including the most modern – in moderation and in appropriate use – that’s the Common Ground Public Relations way.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Doing things like this column. I’m a very low-ego executive, have an aversion to self-aggrandizement and really don’t like the word “boss.”
What’s the best part of your job?
Working with the best team of PR pros in the Midwest and helping our clients succeed.
What book is on your nightstand?
This is really a mini library: business magazines, parenting books, a few catalogs, Lincoln’s biography “Team of Rivals,” a cookbook or two.
What has made you successful?
Great work for great clients who are kind enough to pass the word along. All of our new business comes from referrals. A great sign of a successful business.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy the swim and soccer team time with my daughters as well as planning my next trip. Travel is great fun to research, plan and ultimately enjoy.