The field of public relations is all about building relationships, sending the right message at the right time, and strengthening the bond between a brand and its audience. And it takes courage, ability, and eloquence to drive strong campaigns for brands that will increase awareness and drive their sales. You can find all these traits in Jesse Parker Stowell.
By getting to know the community and making connections between parties that want to serve the overall good, Jesse has been able to create public relations campaigns that raise awareness and funds for non-profit organizations around the country.
Jesse is a Principal at PARKER|PHOENIX Public Relations. But this isn’t how it all started.
Jesse began his public relations journey with an internship at a Lansing-based PR and lobbying agency. He worked at a few agencies during college before settling in at an entertainment and lifestyle agency that he worked at for 13 years. The biggest obstacle for him was maintaining the stamina to stick with the job in New York City. 6 am call times at the Today Show followed by 2 am meetings over cocktails with clients and reporters at a nightclub. In 2015, he decided to take a step back and focus more on strategy, and shortened his client list by starting his own agency in Austin, Texas. Now, he continues to work closely with clients, working smarter, not harder.
From interning while at Columbia University to directing publicity for billion-dollar brands, Stowell and his colleagues provide a hands-on, personalized client experience.
We, at Insights Success, caught up with Jesse to know how he is helping brands increase awareness and drive sales.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision.
I work with clients to tell their story to the largest audience possible. Because I can pick my own clients, I work with people that want to be a positive contributor to their community, and as an agency I follow the same model.
Enlighten us on how you have made an impact in your respective industry through your
expertise in the market?
I have been able to create PR campaigns that raise awareness and funds for non-profit organizations around the country.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
Parker Phoenix PR is dedicated to reliability and accountability to our clients, the media and our community. We represent our clients to the best of our ability, consult with them on the best way in which to engage the media and develop and execute campaigns that better serve the community, whether regional or global. Because we are a small and flexible firm, we can choose clients that make an impact, even if they don’t have a high budget. The satisfaction of getting a story in a major outlet that gives a voice to underrepresented groups is one of the best feelings a publicist can have.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you
leveraging technological advancements to make your company’s solutions resourceful?
Technology has changed the media landscape from a handful of print outlets to hundreds of online outlets and social media influencers. We have had to streamline communication strategies to focus the message. I help my clients come to the table with everything they need to tell a clear story through every channel available.
If given a chance, what change would you like to bring in your industry?
If I could change one thing about the public relations industry, it would be for its professionals to be more representative of the diversity of our clients.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run and what are your future goals for
your company?
I’d like to continue building Parker Phoenix PR to serve brands and organizations based in Austin. As the city continues to grow and take a bigger role on the global stage, I’d like to be that voice for my community and show the world what a great place Austin is and will be.
What advice would you like to give to budding leaders and entrepreneurs?
I would advise any young entrepreneurs to take a risk. Have confidence in your work, but know what you need to improve upon. Use your network to build your business and don’t be afraid to take the jump to do your own thing.