So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.
I'm Jason Brown, Founder of PublicCity PR, a boutique public relations that I founded in 2008 and now co-own and operate with my wife Hope. Based in Royal Oak, Mich., we specialize in helping local and national brands build credibility through targeted media relations and community engagement.
Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?
Love the Midwest grit. People helping people. It's just a thing you recognize when you see it happening.
Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?
So I started the business about 18 years ago, as I was frustrated by a toxic work environment at other agencies and seeking a better life for my growing family. I believed there was a void in providing small, cost-effective PR solutions to Michigan businesses.
After the first few months, I quickly realized that I hadn't upset too many people in this community and people wanted to work with me. So rather than spending on advertising, the agency grew rapidly through word-of-mouth.
Other local business owners—frustrated with their own agencies—began requesting my services,
Then in 2012, my wife, Hope Brown, joined the firm, transforming it into a husband-and-wife-owned business.
We have grown from starting with a local one man band dog treat company, Smokey's Doghouse Treats to now working with Michigan brands that people know, such as Blake Farms, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, Premier Pet Supply and approximately 15 others.
Ultimately, we take a common sense approach to PR which I think helps our clients get the results they seek and meet and often exceed their goals and objectives.
If someone wants to start a business, what advice will help them?
You have to be passionate about the business you are starting. Not starting it for how much money you may make. Money will come over time, if you are passionate and good at what you do.
What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won't forget about?
Oh, I do have a few. But I once got a call from a non-profit client that due to an article, they received a $25,000 donation from the COO of Facebook. It showed our true benefit of working with them.
Where do you see your company in the future?
So I would love to say we will grow clients and revenues, but who knows? I am a chips fall where they may type of guy, then try to break my back to find the elusive $1 million/year client, etc. In the end, I hope we are doing good work for good people and still enjoying what we do and still garnering significant results for clients.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
That it's easy. We have news, we hired you so go spread your magic PR fairy dust and get us coverage. In the end, the media landscape is shrinking, so we have to be smarter with our news pitches and do what media is asking vs doing what you think is good for you.
What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business and how did you deal with it?
It's really keeping the client pipeline full. We will always have work, but some come and some go. I always promote when they come through our door, I rarely tell you when they leave. Ultimately, I believe my overall approval rating is 90/10. So I am going to focus on the 90 percent who appreciate me and PublicCity PR and not direct my energy at the 10 percent.
Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?
So favorite Musical artist are the Indigo Girls. Saw them first in 1987, opening for REM and just enjoyed their harmonies and lyrics ever since. Have countless others as well. And athlete? Hard to pick one, but if you want me to, Alan Trammell of 1984 Champion Detroit Tigers. Wasn't the biggest or the best athlete, but had smarts, grit and determination that was unmatched in Baseball.
Any shoutouts you want to make?
Oh...so many. My work and life partner, Hope Brown. My focus and muses, Daughters Eliza (19) and Libby (15). And of course, our team Kristin Mullen and Sarah Bees, along with our intern for the summer, Michigan State Student, Emma Stoddard. They are all a big help to the success of PublicCity PR.
Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?
