35 minute read
Heather RipleyHelping Businesses Stay Ahead of the Curve
Heather Ripley
Helping Businesses Stay Ahead of the Curve
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hat was it that made your competitor position Witself as an industry leader? It was likely a PR agency that helped it gain a competitive edge.
Well, your business can make it too. What it needs is an agency that can create results-driven branding for your business and help you compete successfully. This is exactly what RipleyPR brings to the table. Spearheading the operations of the company is Heather Ripley, an accomplished PR executive and its founder and CEO.
Heather combines business management, solid analytical skills, and creative B2B public relations strategies to deliver measurable results for your brand. Inspired by her passion for serving clients, we at Insights Success got into conversation with Heather to learn more about her journey and how her rare combination of creativity and analytical thinking is helping businesses thrive.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at Ripley PR. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?
In 1996, I worked for a department store’s buying office and fell in love with ad copywriting. My career over the years evolved into public relations and marketing. In 2009, I was managing PR and marketing for a large franchisor, Clockwork Home Services. While there, I secured a spot for our three franchise brands, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Mister Sparky, on The Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump.
That appearance helped our CEO position the company for acquisition, and he sold the brands for more than $180 million. I then entered the agency world and worked in senior management for two different agencies before moving back to my hometown of Maryville, Tennessee and starting Ripley PR in 2013.
Within 45 days of starting Ripley PR, I had secured my first three retainer clients. Within six months, I had hired my first full-time employee.
Now, Ripley PR is a global public relations agency that has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top
Heather Ripley
CEO and Founder
Ripley PR
Franchise PR Agency four years in a row and was honored by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies in 2021. Through our hard work, we have cemented ourselves as one of the top PR agencies in the country for the home service industry and skilled trades. I also published a book for the home services industry last year, entitled “Next Level Now,” which is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Tell us something more about Ripley PR, its mission and vision.
My team really loves what we do. We only succeed when our clients succeed. It’s not about gathering awards for Ripley PR, but how best to ensure that we successfully advocate for our clients.
At Ripley, you don’t just get one person to help you increase your company’s visibility; you get an entire team of specialists. Our experts can help you create content, pitch story ideas to the media, and show you the best way to become an expert in your industry.
Enlighten us on how you have made an impact in the PR niche through your expertise in the market.
We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the home services industry and the world of franchising. Those are two of our nicheindustries that we serve. During the time I spent at Clockwork Home Services, I came to realize that the home services industry was underserved in the public relations field. Many home services business owners don’t understand the power of PR or feel they don’t need public relations until their business is larger or has a crisis. Ripley PR’s success in driving growth for home service companies and adding value to a franchise system illustrates how important public relations is to these industries. Our goal is to help home services and franchises dominate in their service areas.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
The ability of the average person to influence the reputation of service companies through review sites like Google or Yelp is a perfect example of why an agency like Ripley PR is useful to this industry. While we do rely on tried-and-true earned media outreach strategies, we employ world-class systems like media databases and workflow management platforms to help us provide measurable results for our clients. In addition to using technology ourselves, we also represent several tech and SaaS companies operating both in and outside the home service industry. Journalists are hungry for more news about innovation, so we lean into and leverage the stories behind our clients’ own tech advancements to keep their brands top of mind.
If given a chance, what change would you like to bring to the sales and marketing industry?
I’d like to show smaller businesses who want to double or triple in size how public relations can help them grow. Many smaller companies think they don’t need PR because they either aren’t big enough or they aren’t going through a crisis. But public relations can work for any size organization. If you’ve ever wondered why your top competitor was quoted as an expert on your local news, the chances are it wasn’t just luck. The owner probably hired a PR agency. A public relations agency can help any size business become known as the thought-leaders in their field.
What, according to you, could be the next big change in the public relations industry? How is Ripley PR preparing to be a part of that change?
Social media will continue to grow and evolve. While social media has had a share of bad publicity lately, it’s still a medium that journalists follow. So, in order to stay relevant and top of mind for those delivering the news, companies will need to stay active on social media. In addition to legacy media, non-traditional media is becoming increasingly popular. Influencers, podcasters, YouTubers and others will continue to impact more of our decisionmaking on media outreach.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run and what are your future goals for Ripley PR?
Ripley PR has clients across the U.S., as well as internationally. We will continue to evolve, improve and grow as an agency and deliver results for our clients, no matter where they are based. We provide our clients with detailed reports that help us determine what is working and what is not, and we make the necessary adjustments to improve results.
Four years ago, I started another division of Ripley PR called Orange Orchard. This agency division is committed to using what we’ve learned at Ripley to advocate for organizations that are providing eco- and animal-friendly products and services. I would like to see Orange Orchard be a global force for good in the world.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the business sector?
If you believe in yourself and you are willing to work harder than ever before, you can be successful. When I started Ripley PR, I had my knowledge of the industry and my business acumen to fall back on, but I experienced a lot of challenges and was determined to remain resilient. If you believe you have a unique talent or product to offer the world, take a chance and showcase what makes you special.
Karina Tiwana
An Ardent Legal Professional Exemplifying Passionate Leadership
I“ t takes dedication and laser focus to find success, not to mention rolled-up sleeves and dirt under your finger nails”, states an ardent leader, Karina Tiwana. As the GeneralCounsel, Vice President and Corporate Secretary of ALE USA – the U.S. entity name of AlcatelLucent Enterprise - Tiwana has been an integral part of the success of the company. Her passion for the business side of law and sheer dedication has led Tiwana to where she is today.
After spending almost 15 years at Alcatel-Lucent, first as a Contract Manager for five years, Tiwana moved up through the ranks of the legal department, where she landed a corporate counsel position supporting the most innovative business divisions of the company. Eventually, became a primary legal resource to one of these divisions, the Enterprise division, in 2006. Thereafter, she was tapped to support one of the highest revenue-producing divisions in the company. She did that up until 2014 when she was invited to support the planned divestiture of the Enterprise division as General Counsel in the United States. Tiwana would be charged with building a department to support all the legal needs of Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, the new stand-alone company, in North America. This was no small feat but, she said, “many talented and professional people carried my torch.”
Reflecting on the experience, Tiwana recognizes she’s grateful for the men and women along her path that buoyed her up when she felt she might be drowning. Helping a new company be born is a daunting task. The Enterprise Business Division, turned Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, contains a close-knit group with many employees boasting long tenures with the company.
Let’s know more about Tiwana and her contribution to the industry through an interview conducted between her and Insights Success. Below are the highlights of the interview:
As a business leader, what is your opinion on the impact of the current pandemic on the telecommunications industry?
The pandemic’s impact on people, in some cases, has been horrifying and deadly. I will in no way minimize my feelings of empathy toward families that have lost loved ones and those who have fallen ill from the virus. And, of course, to parents trying to cope with both at-home working and at-home teaching of children ripped from schools and their friends. This at-home working and teaching has created an increase in the need for tools like the AlcatelLucent Enterprise Rainbow Unified Communication Platform, as well as infrastructure solutions, such as the company’s OmniAccess Stellar wireless LAN and the OmniSwitch network switches that make everything connect to support the increased communication needs spawned by the crisis. In this way, many telecom industry segments are reaping the benefits of the “new normal”. It’s a shift from in-office to home working and from in-person school to home school. Even events and what used to be live entertainment have gone online as we all try to cope with the restrictions required to keep all of us safe through the pandemic. I hear through news reports that many companies will continue the work-from-home options in some form or other so, it looks like the need for telecom industry tools, solutions and infrastructure is going to continue to grow.
What is your opinion on the necessity for businesses to align their offerings with newer technological developments, especially when it comes to Digital Transformation?
I think that when it comes to digital transformation, businesses that align their offerings to advances in
technology further drive the evolution. Technology continues to be instrumental in our lives and the growth of business. In particular, I think, as a strategy, aligning business infrastructure with Cloud technology builds a mindset that pushes innovation, agility and problemsolving. Our company’s Cloud technology products and services have helped our customers push beyond digital transformation plans and overcome the challenges of working through a pandemic. It’s clear to me that Cloud delivers the benefit of scale and adapts to opportunities, while being reliable and secure. It just makes sense to me how flexible technology enables businesses to adapt the work environment, ensure efficient operations and manage costs.
If given a chance, what change would you bring in providing growth opportunities to Women?
How do you bring your General Counsel skills in establishing strategic direction and delivering results globally?
I do this in many ways, but one of my greatest pleasures in the recent past has been contributing legal advice to our team of women and men that have created the Diversity and Inclusion Employee Resource Group (ESG) under our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. With the executive sponsorship of Rukmini Glanard, our Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Services and Marketing, the ESG hosted our second global online summit to highlight that diversity and equality are life issues and, definitely, a business issue impacting financial results. An equal world in business results in an enabled and better world for business. We need all of our minds and all of our hands, as a company, to compete and succeed. Diversity and inclusion – across gender, ethnicity, age, religion, etc. – enable a better, balanced environment for economies and communities to thrive.
In what ways have you contributed to the community?
In my community, as a woman Veteran, I am very active in our American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. This “American Legion Family” provides support to local Veterans, their families and the general community where Veterans live and work. One example of a recent project in 2020, we recognized the needs of so many children in our community around Christmas time. We sponsored, locally, Toys for Tots supported by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. We served over 300 children and all of them received gifts and a food donation for their families. Supporting this kind of “all-volunteer” community event brings me great joy because I saw the power of giving in action. College students, home for the holidays, stood
alongside their Parents, Grandmothers and Grandfathers to participate in the toy and food distribution portion of the event. I strongly believe in the empowerment provided by serving a cause much greater than yourself. I get this empowerment through working within our American Legion Family. I currently serve on the Executive Board as Sergeant-at-Arms and have served in the past as Post Commander. At the time I served as Commander, I was the very first woman everto serve as Commander in the Post’s 77-year history.Today, I’m proud to say, as other notable “first women” leaders are saying more and more, “I may have been the first, but I won’t be the last.” I am very lucky to have been given the chance at AlcatelLucent Enterprise to effect real change in my role as General Counsel at ALE USA. I hired student interns in 2014 as a creative way to augment my staff. We showed so much success with training and utilizing student interns in our legal department that it inspired the company to adopt an Internship Program and now, many departments are hiring student interns. In fact, a recent hire is going to supplement our global CSR endeavors. She will be graduating from college soon with a degree in Ethnic Studies. I think these internship programs are vital to ‘ Step-up and lead from the front. ‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ April 2022 | 44 | insightssuccess.com
creating opportunities and success for everyone, especially for women. In my case, all of my interns moved on to become practicing lawyers and have secured positions in law firms. I’m very proud of all of them.
As an established business leader, what would be your advice for the buddingwomen entrepreneurs?
Make sure you know a good lawyer! Not a shameless plug. No, seriously, it’s very important to build a strong network of diversely talented individuals that can be asked for the help you need along the way. Be yourself because your authentic self is your best face. Have a clear picture of what your authentic self is. Remember, there will be roadblocks on your journey to success and some may be related to your gender, your age or any number of things but the roadblocks are just hills to climb and there are plenty of people to give you a helpful push so you can keep going. Leverage your mentors and allies. These are your friends, ‘ ‘ your classmates, your teachers, your family, your colleagues, and your professional network. They will help you navigate. But, above all, do what you love. Do it a lot. If you do what you love and you do it a lot, you will get really good at it. If you get good at it, you will likely make money at it and you will be wealthy. Wealth is not money alone. Wealth includes not only professional success but also self-fulfillment and realizing your dreams.
Karina Tiwana,
General Counsel, Vice President, and Corporate Secretary,
ALE USA Inc.
There is a tremendous amount of potential in every living entity. Untapped potential should be trapped for the welfare of the world. Where women are empowered that place flourishes in abundance. Empowered women leads to the prosperity of families, societies, nations and the world. Deep down, every person likes to live with dignity by contributing something to the world according to one’s capabilities and potential. Therefore, that potential should be nurtured in everyone and especially in the girls and women. Nothing can dim the light in every person that shines from within. All girls and women has to do is to be aware of their own inner potential and they can contribute to any field of their choice.
The world is currently going through the unprecedented times due to the ongoing pandemic. This is certainly challenging time for many people but some exceptional women leaders see the positive opportunity even in such unprecedented time and actually that is the hallmark of good women leadership. Exceptional women leaders are always aware and they understand that the unprecedented times always call for unprecedented actions, innovative, thoughtful, and win-win solutions. The world may be filled with lot of negativity due to inevitable challenges and causes, but exceptional women leaders call upon their inner light and they use such unprecedented time to develop and nourish their skillsets so that they can be an instrument of positive contribution to the world in the coming times. Now more than ever, women and girls need to call on their inner light to utilize the toughest times to tune into their conscience, learn new things by using virtual platforms and make themselves competent.
In the difficult times of pandemic it is essential for women leaders to be detached from the negativity around themselves. Unless and until one is detached from the negativity, it is very difficult to focus on the positive and to make the most out of that positive. Exceptional women leaders prefer to be courageous to confront issues more diligently and deal with people with empathy and due consideration. Exceptional women leaders choose to think deliberately and act on the conclusion of logical, rational, analytical, systematic, and cognitive-intensive thought process. That is really the most important part of exceptional women leadership. Leaders are supposed to think deliberately and act on the basis of logical conclusion for delivering the efficient results.
Educating and empowering a girl child creates a ripple effect and it creates a positive influence in the community. Empowered women invest time and energy in creating the stronger next generations. The future leaders of tomorrow can be more talented, dynamic, and competent to deliver maximum contribution for the welfare of the world if they are raised by the empowered women. Empowering women is beneficial in so many ways and their contribution play a very important role in creating the genuinely exemplary future leaders.
Gender equality is beneficial for the whole world. Promoting gender equality is not just responsibility of women leaders or women issue but it is a societal issue and everyone should support in promoting the purpose of gender equality. United nations is again and again promoting the empowerment of women. That’s very crucial. The greater number of women in every field is a sign of growth and evolved culture. The empowered women are boon to the world. That is the reason ‘Gender Equality’ is one of the most important sustainable development goals. Empowering women is essential for the sustainable development of the world. Empowered women become great asset for businesses, families, societies, communities, nations, and that is ultimately beneficial for whole world.
There are plenty of fields where women have opportunities and they can contribute immensely. The world is in desperate need of genuinely exemplary women leaders to make a difference through businesses, science, research, technology etc. Women can become the leaders in the field of businesses, science, research, technology and in any choice of their field if they are willing to be bold and courageous enough to pursue their career in such fields relentlessly. They have the potential to make a difference in the choice of field they go and therefore women should not shy away from utilizing their best capabilities and they should deny the world of their valuable contribution.
Empowered women are the secret weapon of creating a positive change in the society and the world at large. Empowering and enhancing women and investing in them unlocks a tremendous potential for the world. Empowered women are the most important weapon and resource in the fight against the global poverty. The untapped resource of women has the tremendous potential and that should be recognized by the people in the world especially by the people who have the opportunity to create awareness related to this.
The empowered women have the potential to significantly improve livelihoods, productivity, economic outputs, and the overall human life itself. The basic longing to live with dignity, the fundamental desire to have control of one’s lives and one’s future and to be part of determining the course of our communities and our nations are very much universal in the empowered women. These longings burn in the women and girls, and with these longings they can be a great dynamic force in the world to be an agent of change and make a significant contribution for the welfare of the world with their talents, skills, and abilities and that will lead to the ultimate welfare of the world.
An Avid Designer Creating Spaces that are Collected, not Decorated
Known for her exquisite taste, superior sense of style, and infectious personality, Ruthie Staalsen of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors is a prominent name in the interior design space.
Born and raised in South Africa, Ruthie has lived all over the world. She creates homes that have a relaxed, collected look and adds a global flair to her designs. Her knack for utilizing existing pieces within a space to create something completely new makes her a preferred choice among her clientele.
Besides, she has also co-authored the book, Behind Her Brand, which depicts what life is like as a female entrepreneur, mother, and wife, and how to best integrate these aspects to create a balanced business and fulfilling life.
Inspired by her passion for designing spaces, we at Insights Success caught up with Ruthie to learn more about her journey as a business leader.
Below are the highlights of the Interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at Ruthie Staalsen Interiors. What challenges do you have to overcome to reach where you are today?
I’m the oldest of 3 kids and carried the role of leader as a kid and still do. I was born and raised in South Africa and traveled the world in my childhood. Leadership has always been part of my DNA, and I think living in different countries all my life, made me a better leader because I learned to adjust to hardships and certainly learned about being flexible. That being said, I’m a very driven person and one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to learn is how to take time to relax. Being that my business relies a lot on me, it is hard for me to shut work off. I learned the hard way and have now hired people to help me do the things I’m not so good at. This relieves me to do the things that I love, and that brings me more joy and time to relax.
Tell us something more about your company, its mission, and its vision.
We are a Dallas based boutique design firm focussing on residential design. We do everything from walk through consultations to full-service design projects. Again, because of our travels, I watched my mom set up home each time we were in a new country. She always surrounded us with the things that were important to us and created a home around those things. Our mission at RSI is to always give our clients a home they enjoy being in, one that welcomes them home and makes them spend time with family and friends. We want the homes we create to be practical, functional, and beautiful. We create a “feeling” that not just anybody can create.
Enlighten us on how you have made an impact in the Interiors niche through your expertise in the market?
I am a part of the Interior Design Society and keep as involved as I can. I believe that when you have good relationships with others in the same industry, you can add your knowledge and experience to others and, interns learn from others, making our businesses stronger together. I’m not afraid of making changes to our company if things are not working as they should. Change is hard but can sometimes lead you in a more positive direction.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
We have a positive and fun vibe here at RSI, and we hire people with that same energy. We love employees that have a lot of experience, however, the most important thing to me is their attitude, character, and “can do” spirit. Everything else can be learned, but these characteristics are crucial additions to my business model.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
We are incredibly active on social media platforms and use them to educate and inspire our existing clients and our future clients. We do before and after videos of our install days and document our behind-the-scenes happenings with our remodels and full home makeovers.
What, according to you, could be the next big change in the Interiors industry? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?
Travel takes up so much time and although we love to travel, we often can't take time away from our ongoing clients. I see more and more virtual events, showroom tours, etc. happening (especially since Covid) so that we can still attend while being in our office. The only problem is the energy and comradery that goes along with in-person events is irreplaceable and needed in this lonely career. We work alone a lot as designers preparing design plans, doing office paperwork, etc. Being with others that motivate and encourage us is very important. I certainly don’t want inperson events to go away.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run and what are your future goals for your company?
I would love to have a unique line with lighting, rug, or furniture company. I believe my international flair could
God is the giver of gifts, it is up to me to use those gifts to serve Him.
really be a benefit. So many companies need to revamp their outdated showrooms and products to keep them in line with their competition. Promoting other companies through my social media is one of the things I do naturally so putting these two things together only makes sense.
Another goal of mine is to have a Jewelry line made with bamboo, wood, string, metal, and other fun textures similar to the textures I use in my designs.
My future goals are to be able to donate more money to my favorite charities. I started this business with that very goal in mind and want to continue doing so more than ever.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the Interiors sector?
Though this industry is a fun one to be in, think about it seriously. There are lot of clients to please and loads of balls in the air to juggle constantly. When you first start, you are solo doing all the things a business needs. Hiring people comes later and those first few years are HARD. I would also say that if you are not good at working with others or are not a problem solver, this industry is not for you. You need thick skin to be an entrepreneur in general, also being a marriage Counselor is definitely in your job description 90% of the time.
Sherry Blinkhorn
An Accomplished Real Estate Broker and a Passionate Advocate for the Mentally Ill
It is easy to say be the change you want, but it is quite difficult to really understand the struggle one goes through to change oneself. We hear stories about people who have achieved success and paved their way to the top of their field, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous factors drive one to make desired changes to be the change they want.
In our search to find such a persona, driven to adapt to change, we came across Sherry Blinkhorn, who perfectly fits the definition of 'be the change you want.' Currently, Sherry passionately leads her venture, Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd., with her dedication to being the best of the best.
The Thorns and The Roses
Sherry's journey hasn’t been an easy one. She came up through the foster care system and went through many challenges in her life, but she made some conscious decisions that would change her life for the good after her children were born.
Sherry began her professional journey as a commercial and residential property manager in her initial years then in 1998 she pursued getting her salesperson’s license. She began to achieve one milestone after the other by utilizing her extensive knowledge and experience to accumulate record-breaking sales. It resulted in her receiving national recognition in 2002 and 2003 and in 2004 she received the 'Platinum Award' for her sales achievement, placing her in the top 5% in Canada's total sales volume with Royal LePage National Franchise.
Subsequently, embarking on the success, Sherry's adaptability to change led her to the quest of incepting her independent real estate firm, in 2005, Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd., and she has never looked backed since. She sowed the seeds of efforts and dedication, forming a team with likeminded colleagues that reaped her and her firm the fruit of gaining a solid reputation for providing exceptional services and supporting many non-profit charitable organizations.
Adding Different Ingredients to the Recipe of Success
Plunging forward in her path of success, she says the learning process never stops. Sherry holds a diploma in adult psychology, social work, and counselling skills. Being amply trained in the mental health field, she understands how stressful it can be to buy or sell a house.
Sherry has fostered an environment where she puts people first and encourages her colleagues to do the same. She’s created a caring and natural positive atmosphere in her workspace. She knows how crucial it is and is humbled to be part of the most significant transaction of one's life and is overjoyed to help it to become a reality. “We don’t see ourselves as good salespeople – we are good Realtors; there is a big difference,” says Sherry.
Sherry has focused her work approach around her buyers and sellers making them the utmost priority. It was vital to
her to create a familial workspace which gives a feeling of comfort and smoothens the work process. She truly cares about her clients and understands their real estate needs, which is why she implies a friendly and professional atmosphere in her unique way. She has sculpted a valuedriven team that strives and implements effective marketing strategies with honesty and hard work.
Cherishing The Victories
The amount of hard work and dedication Sherry puts in her work is commendable in itself. Her work ethic has set an example, and her efforts have been acknowledged with numerous awards, including the ‘Community Mentor Award’ from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County. She also received the prestigious ‘Business Leader of the Year award at the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce Gala in 2012. Sherry is the first female to receive this honor since its inception in 1991.
Her achievements don’t stop there and go further; in 2018, Sherry received the ‘Volunteer Vision Award’ from the Nova Scotia Mental Health Foundation. The following year she was also recognized with the ‘Women in Business Award’ at the Chamber Business Achievements Gala. Aside from awards, Sherry was featured in 2020 in the International ‘Top Agent Magazine’ and her life story in the Nova Scotia ‘At Home Magazine’.
Blinkhorn Real Estate is dedicated to selling your home or nding you that dream home creating the best possible experience throughout the entire real estate transaction. Professionally we serve, personally we care! ‘‘
Leveraging Technology to Provide Upscale Services
At Blinkhorn Real Estate, Sherry has created a work culture driven by values to make client's lives easier and delivers high-quality products. The company implements innovative technologies and offers virtual reality tours and drone videography to enhance the listings services. They do their best to ensure that clients get the best prices for buyers and sellers by through their experience and expertise.
Above and Beyond for the Community
The journey that Sherry embarked on has been a challenge in itself, she’s worked hard to forge her path to be at the position she is today. Her experiences have all contributed to finding transparency in her life. She has been a passionate advocate for the mentally ill for years. She was also the public relations director for the Canadian Cancer Society, Pictou, volunteered for years on the Palliative Care unit and made it part of her life to give back to her community.
Sherry has built Blinkhorn Real Estate from the ground up and contributed to many community organizations in various ways along the way including sponsoring sports teams and is routinely involved with multiple non-profits and other organizations across the county.
The Guiding Flame
Unfolding the pages of Sherry's life, it is crystal clear that despite hurdles she’s faced, she always has come out on top. She always empowers, inspires, and encourages a TEAM environment at her work. She ensures an ambiance of professionalism, integrity, and superior client service. She leads with a positive attitude, high ethical values, and hard work and says she will persist in doing the same into the future.
Last but not least, Sherry has asserted herself in a firm spot being a leader in the field of real estate. She is an inspiration to numerous people and continues to change many lives. Her compassion, dedication, and her drive to change have made her a successful businesswoman. She is truly an example of taking charge of her own life and being the change, she wants.
Tracy Lamourie
Founder & Managing Director
Lamourie Media Inc.
Tracy Lamourie An Admired Trailblazer Empowering the World for Better
he power of media is very impactful. It can drive Tseveral transformative changes that are essential for humankind. The voice that media can give a person holds the significant potential to amplify essential messages. Being a long-time advocate on a myriad of critical worldwide issues, TracyLamourie is passionate about being a voice for those who most need one.
As the Founder & ManagingDirector of Lamourie MediaInc., Tracy has been at the forefront in getting major media attention to help people. She is an award-winning international publicist working across borders and industries, from major entertainment projects to small businesses.
Let us unveil her impacting journey.
The Immense Rise
Tracy garnered various skillset that ultimately led her to start a business helping other entrepreneurs and creatives build their global brands and reputations for thought leadership as a young advocate for causes she cared about. With no financial resources, no formal backing - nothing more than an internet connection and an old computer in the apartment she rented at the time - and a whole lot of selfbelief and willingness to put the work in.
Tracy started working as a freelancer, which quickly led to her first company Lamourie PR, with her husband and business partner, Dave Parkinson. In 2020, they incorporated Lamourie Media. She mentions that in the early days. The biggest challenge was climbing that mountain to prove herself without the five-year degree behind her name, without thousands of dollars to spend in advertising. After spending all those years of conducting business, COVID hit, and about 80 percent of Tracy's contracts relating to entertainment, events, and travel were grounded - so she had to pivot to find new clients who needed their messages amplified. She managed to do that very successfully to the point that the last two years have been her best yet from a financial and business growth perspective - even though most of the travel is still grounded!
Build YOUR Brand
In essence, Lamourie Media amplifies the incredible things its clients across industries from the creative to the entrepreneurial to experts of all kinds - are doing and give them a global presence. In terms of values, this truly is a company that grew out of its founders' values, from learning to write that first press release that led to a 19-year campaign that ultimately freed an innocent man from death row. This experience taught Tracy the value of media attention and how difficult it is for some to make their voices heard without help. She asserts, "Though today we are a for-profit business, we still make the choices about whom we will represent and what kind of messaging we will put into the world with our values at the forefront."
Becoming a Strong Voice
As the recent winner of the Women of Inspiration award in Media, Tracy heard many affecting words from women she worked with. These women come from all backgrounds, levels of education, and cultures - thanking Tracy for the difference she has made in their lives and businesses by giving them a voice.
Cherishing this remarkable achievement, Tracy says, "I think we have been successful in what we set out to do. Elevate And Celebrate what these incredible people are doing and sharing it with the world. I've also heard from many women who tell me that my career trajectory over the last decade, watching me create this company, and seeing the success I am having with it has inspired them to find their own confidence to put their passions forward and work to create lives for themselves out of those passions!"
Keeping Up with Technology
Like most industries, the way Tracy does public and media relations has been changing faster than many can keep up. She believes that technology is the name of the game, from new social platforms to services that connect people with thousands of media contacts and beyond. Keeping up on all that is available can seem like a job in itself but ultimately makes your processes more accessible.
Setting Up For the Next Change
Tracy mentions that the media industry is changing, and it is starting to reach a significant milestone. However, it needs to do more work - continued diverse voices and experiences need to reach the public. Those in the positions of privilege need to continue to do the work to level the playing field.
Tracy states that the world will continue to see the effects of people creating their media and effective forms of expression with the evolution of blogs and podcasts and social platforms like clubhouse. It will get more effective, allowing people to reach their growing audiences and mainstream media responding to and often taking cues from that.
What Lies Ahead
Tracy looks forward to the world opening up for travel again to see herself traveling again.
She says, "I am blessed that I can do most of my work from anywhere and after two years of being mostly locked down travel-wise in cold Canada. I'm looking forward to more trips back to Malta in the Mediterranean: one of her favorite destinations for business and pleasure. She gives a huge shout-out to the incredible BE hotel that I feel like is my second home!)."
Tracy wants to visit the world that aligns with her business. She intends to continue pursuing her and her clients' goals with the relentless passion that has got her this far!
Bequeathing Excellence
Tracy advises upcoming entrepreneurs aspiring to venture to start their entrepreneurial journey to "Don't Dream It, Be It." It is one of her favorite inspirational quotes from the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack.
