Integrated Marketing Communications

Amy Freshwater

SVP Public Relations | Crisis Management | Corporate Communication | Public Relations
TGI Friday’s/Carlson Restaurants Worldwide

The results that derekPR achieved were undeniably the best in the industry. For the four years in which derekPR was our agency, TGI Fridays led the casual dining industry in volume of news coverage and quality of news coverage. In addition, we were recognized annually with a record number of best-in-class honors ranging from Most News Coverage, Most Engaging, Most Creative and Best Return on Investment; and in 2010, we were awarded Bulldog Reporter’s Top PR Campaign of the Year. derekPR’s unique business model allowed them to keep our brand top-of-mind every single day and I truly believe that was the key differentiator which resulted in our PR successes. It is rare to find an agency that can manage both day-to-day needs while exhibiting such creative energy to garner coveted industry awards. They are simply that good.

Mike Duffer

President and Founder | Safe Step Walk-In Tub

derekPR was a game changer for Safe Step. Every other agency talked about how many impressions we could get so I asked him how he could outperform them. With a little chuckle and a smile, he said derekPR is about impact, not impressions. Impact changes companies and lives. Impressions are an excuse for a PR person incapable of impact trying to keep their job. If you’re after impressions, we are not your agency. If it’s impact you seek, you just found your agency. (Derek) wasn’t kidding. That son of a gun works tirelessly to make a difference for us. He became part of our family and every day seems like day one in terms of commitment. I understand that 16,000 PR companies are considered for annual awards and we were in the top 20 for six years running with the philanthropy he created. Derek doesn’t manage, he orchestrates, which is an amazing trait, rare in fact; Ironically, Safe Step Cares has been an overwhelming success because he cares. It is that which sets him apart.

Chris Videau

CEO and co-founder | sheets™ LAUNDRY CLUB

On the counsel of a valued investor and a partner who has known Derek for 35 years, we looked to him as an option to handle our increasing public relations needs. It was trust at first sight. He listened, he cared, he acted. He asked the right questions, he tested our products then proclaimed, “I am all in.” Within a week, we were on network television and we are now nation-wide. We entertained other proposals yet when he showed up at our headquarters and his first instinct was to say hello to and shake hands with our team members on the line, even before me. we knew we had the right person and we were right. He oozes goodwill and charisma and makes a difference, via talent and work ethic, for our bottom line, the right way. The only way.

A woman with glasses is smiling for the camera.

Nancy Mays

Executive Director, Communications | Applebee’s Services, Inc.

derekPR brings a strong and invaluable sense of news judgment to any PR discussion. Derek himself is a master at articulating risk and reward, providing deep strategic insight and delivering a hands-on, get-it-done approach to every initiative. He has a deep commitment to the partner and understands how to work within the corporate culture. Plus, he is hilarious and fun to work with and that's worth a lot in this stress-filled world. I smile when I see his call coming in because even it’s bad news, he will make it good news via pure positivity.

A woman with long hair wearing a white scarf.

Coleen Rand

Senior Marketing Officer | On The Border

For twenty years, On The Border did not have a PR agency. We talked derekPR into a one-time project, something they haven’t done before or since yet we hired them immediately after the project to become our PR AOR. They just get it. They are nimble, scrappy and outright determined to outperform any objective we have. For National Margarita Day, we served them a dud in terms of an offer and a year later, we owned a holiday and saw a huge sales increase for a one-day made up holiday. Now, that’s amazing.

A woman standing in front of a bar holding a glass.

Kim Gouch

Chief Marketing Officer | The Briad Group

I’ve been working with derekPR for more than 10 years and I’ve truly enjoyed every minute. The Briad Group has a total of 9 brands and it’s critical that our service partners have a complete understanding of each and every one. We need a PR partner that can change hats very quickly. derekPR has a great way of staying true to our PR strategies while delivering out of the box thinking on our non-traditional projects. They have assisted with the traditional PR needs, unique promotions and gone above and beyond with relationship and community development. They’re a fun bunch to work with.

Tammy Lucich

Chief Marketing Officer | Taco Mac

When you find the right partner, you just know. Working with derekPR has been an absolute game-changer. He is a certified thought partner who brings elite value at a fraction of the cost. His storytelling skills and unique ability to communicate brand values are qualities that AI cannot replicate. What amazes me is that he can make a local or regional brand feel more significant than it is and make a national brand feel local. Most PR professionals can do one or the other; he excels at both. You expect your brand ambassador to know all key contacts, and he does; what surprised me is that they know him as well. Many firms think creating a media list, writing a press release and sending it out is the extent of the job. Those are basics. That is his starting point, when he begins to shine. He is always chasing the next big idea and that is why he will stay with me on my journey.