Don’t settle for a junior team: today’s fast-paced media world demands experience. We’ve been executives at name-brand agencies, driven launches for luminaries and tech giants, and even sat on your side of the desk. We know what it takes to get a real story ready for prime time.
We are passionate readers, writers and active participants in the media. Beyond our day jobs, we also author adult and teen novels, along with a few specialty books, dash around for People Magazine, run a #1 ranked X (formally twitter) feed for college-bound students, and chair book festivals.
“The Kickstart team understands just what a company needs at a critical stage in their growth. Diagnosing a client’s needs is a skill a lot of people lack; I’ve seen too many agencies say they provide a customized plan but they just roll out the usual programs. Plus, launching a company, product or service can be very stressful, and it is always great to work with a team who has done this successfully before and can ease the stress with calm confidence.”
Steve Begley
Owner, Begley Consulting
Annette Shimada
Principal
“It starts with why a company needs PR. Eliminate FUD in the sales cycle? Attract partners? Support an exit strategy? Expand into a new market? We build a program with the audience, messages, and strategies geared towards the right outcome.”
Amanda Orr
“My career has spanned everything from doing traditional press conferences for companies like SAP to hosting a party at the Playboy Mansion for consumer tech clients. This breadth brings enormous amount of creativity to the table.”
Theresa Smith
“I love helping companies figure out their story, even if it’s not exactly the story they were originally thinking should be told. It is very rewarding to find the spark! ”
Laurie Gibson
“After 20 years in the business, I still get a natural high from creating an attention- grabbing pitch and generating coverage that counts. And there’s nothing so validating as when a reporter calls me for assistance.”
Maria Bradley
“It’s a pleasure to use a full range of experience at both large companies such as Dell, Macromedia, and Adobe, as well as agencies to help build up companies in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Shannon Takaoka
“I am passionate about both technology and growing the client’s business. And, because I think in dialogue, I know what my interviewee means to say. By pairing this with understanding that goes beyond one interview, I can craft messages that hit the right audience.”
Gail Norris
“My background as a reporter has given me a unique ability to quickly understand and assess most any topic – from GIS and communications technology to cancer-fighting devices and biopharmaceuticals – to deliver compelling content that will catch readers’ eyes, whether its in print, on the web or in marketing collateral.”
Claudia Arnett
“Building up social engagement is about digital storytelling and building relationships and shareability that go beyond a client’s offering. This creates a circle of goodness, better content, quality followers and credibility.”