| What is your background, in terms of agencies, accounts, and client-side experience? | |
|---|---|
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | Been with Pierpont for 5 years - First agency and career job. Wide industry experience. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | I've been at Pierpont since my internship in 2015. During that time I've worked across accounts in the oil and gas, legal, healthcare, real estate and tech industries. Recently on my accounts, my role has been either directly client facing - communicating directly with our client contacts and key stakeholders or in a support capacity role where I am client facing, but not the main client contact. On a few accounts, I have been the direct account leader with either a VP or EVP overseeing the account work in an advising capacity. |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | I've spent more than 10 years of experience working for PR agencies across various practice areas including sports, entertainment, consumer goods, fitness, health & wellness, healthcare, technology and finance. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | Worked at Pierpont for 8 years, since college! Served diverse set of accounts, from O&G, power, PE, real estate, law, non profits and more. Most of the work has been PR/media relations with some marketing, crisis and digital. |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | Previously worked at a national PR agency in Dallas and a national public affairs firm in Washington, DC. I've worked on a wide range of accounts, but I'd say my expertise is in technology and finance. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | Worked in agency for 2 years before joining Pierpont; before that, worked for 2 local hospitals (client side) |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | I started my career in 2017 with Pierpont and have worked on a variety of clients (healthcare, oil and gas, construction, retail, energy, financial and professional services, etc.) doing media relations, digital analytics, social media, event coordination, etc. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | Pierpont is my third agency stint - I've also worked at Edelman and HCK2 Partners. I've worked on the client-side twice in marketing communications roles at the law firm of Haynes & Boone and at Lifecare Hospitals. I operated my own consulting business for nearly four years prior to joining Pierpont. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | This is the first agency I have worked for. Been here 3 years. |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | 20+ years of corporate communications experience; approx 6 years of agency experience at Pierpont focused mostly on corporate clients, energy, and crisis management. |
| Kaitlin Ross, Account Executive | I'm new to Pierpont as of January 2nd, but prior to that I have been at an Investor Relations agency working on a dozen various accounts. More than half of those I am interacting daily with clients regarding various tasks, questions and large projects as requested. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | Four years of agency experience at Pierpont. Account experience is diverse across all the industry and service areas we offer at our firm. Worked regularly with clients on accounts - interacting with them on account services and strategy on a daily basis, budgeted on some accounts and pitching new business proposals sometimes. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | Lots of different experiences! I've been in boutique agencies and large global agencies. First 8-10 years of my career split among boutiques and big agencies working myself up to Account Director. Then went 10 years client-side inside two large law firms as Director of Communications. Returned to agency life at about the 20-year mark of my career and before Pierpont was SVP at large globals working on brands like National Grid, UTC, Otis Elevator, KPMG and some smaller clients. |
| Clint Wood, COO | Almost all with Pierpont |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | 15 years in business. worked with Weber in Chicago/Austin till 2010 then came to Pierpont |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | combined 8 years at two diff agencies (4 at Pierpont), 3 years nonprofit, 3.5 years in large corporate |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | I started (as an intern) and have spent my career at Pierpont (now seven years). In terms of accounts, I have worked with a number of industries and clients - consumer, petrochemical, financial services, mining, private equity, commercial and luxury real estate. |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | 3.5 yrs at Pierpont, headed corporate practice at Edelman (agency), then all as client - EVP marketing for a Canadian insurance firm, VP corp comms & PA for Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, head of cor comms and brand makreting for Philips Electronics, more junior roles at Verizon and Government of Canada. |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | About 3 years of experience in PR and digital marketing. Mostly work with upstream and downstream clients |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | Started and sold two agencies. |
| Tracy Price, Art Director | I have been designing for both print and digital design for over 20 years. I have worked at various design firm in the Houston area. I have always worked directly with the client. At Pierpont, I usually work with a project managers on various client projects. On larger projects, I request to work with the client directly along side the project manager. Working with the client directly has saved the client time and money. There is less back and forth. I prefer to hear from the client directly what, why and desired expectations for the final design product. |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Government, Healthcare, Energy, Finance. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | n/a |
| Kathy Nethercutt, Administrative Services Executive | I'm admin. . .no other agency work although I was on one account for several years |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | Prior to Pierpont, I worked for a few PR agencies in New York. My background is primarily in corporate/financial communications, but I have worked on consumer accounts as well. |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | I worked corporately for 20 years then transitioned to Pierpont 19 years ago. I have deep experience in education, commun ications strategy, PR, community relations, corporate social responsibility and have represented just about every industry through client engagements over my tenure at Pierpont. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | I've worked at Pierpont for 5 years and worked at another agency for 5 years before that. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | I work primarily in the public affairs practice of the firm followed by public relations. Key clients are in the consumer, energy, transportation, engineering sectors and industry associations. I manage teams, budgets, strategy and implementation and client-facing. |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Agencies: - On the Mark Communications (now named Public Content) (boutique agency) - Cultivate PR (boutique agency) - Pierpont Communications Accounts: - Hospitality (restaurants, hotels, theater) - Retail/Consumer - Oil and Gas - Finance - Healthcare Client-Side Experience: - none |
| What has been your role in new business, client growth, and/or proactive prospecting efforts (to new clients) of the agency? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | Started a new business role this year and have taken part in the RFP and proposal development teams. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | I have participated in building a few proposals, but it has been limited in nature at this point. In terms of client growth, I have directly worked with my account teams to propose additional projects to help increase the monthly retainer. |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | For the past five year I've taken an active role in new business opportunities. From developing leads to drafting proposals and physically pitching the business, I've enjoyed all aspects of the process. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | In the beginning, I've helped with RFPs/proposals and have sit in on new business meetings. As of late, I've helped grow client accounts with new projects/opportunities, been looped in earlier with RFPs, and done some networking to expand prospect portfolio. |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | I primarily focus on growing current accounts (organic growth), but I have in the past supported most of the proposal development for DFW accounts. I also remain active in a number of community organizations and have developed a couple of leads through networking. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | I am responsible for contributing to new business development and adding digital to some of our existing clients. |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | As a junior level employee, it has been more of a support role. I've done research, competitive analyses, and editing of proposals. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | New business, client growth and proactive prospecting efforts are all big parts of my role at Pierpont. These were all obviously large responsibilities of mine while operating my own consulting business as well, and something I enjoy very much. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | I review all contracts and agreements for terms and conditions. Help negotiate terms if need be and pricing. |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | I usually play a secondary role in new business, attending pitch meetings and introductory meetings as the in-house expert in crisis management, corporate comms, energy and heavy industry B2B, etc. |
| Kaitlin Ross, Account Executive | Currently, I have been active in maintaining various Salesforce accounts for any potential new business. Other than that, I have helped research potential new clients and determine the likelihood of success if we were to pitch our services to them as well as create any material (ie: reports, releases, small one-off projects) that might help us gain an advantage in the pitch meeting. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | I have touched on some new business work but do not contribute to proposals/pitches regularly. I've been involved in several clients reengaging us for annual projects, returning after taking a break from PR services and expanding account contracts after a certain period of engagement. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | I am doing everything involved in expanding us into a new geography (NY/NJ); networking, prospecting and pipeline-building, blogging and thought leadership to support it, directly developing proposals and pitches, and supporting teams doing it in HOU/DAL/AUS as well. When I can I try to help expand our business with existing clients though I don't "own" any of those engagements yet. |
| Clint Wood, COO | Every role imaginable |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | Extensive role during entire career. Lots of organic growth. |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | active member of sales team, finding new leads, responding to RFPs, writing proposals that aren't RFPs, sourcing leads, support vp of biz dev. also I am GM of San Antonio office (which is just me) so I do all the biz dev there. |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | Over the past 18 months, I have increased my involvement with our new business efforts through direct and indirect support. From assisting with proposals and RFPs to pitch meetings, I've helped. More recently, I've had an opportunity to see a few leads from beginning to end - pitch to win! Regarding client growth, identifying opportunities for organic growth with existing clients is always on my radar. |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | Primary biz dev and brand marketing person for north TX |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | I enjoy business development and networking through professional events. I assist with growing existing client accounts, but I am interested in proactive prospecting. |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | I am used as needed when appropriate. |
| Tracy Price, Art Director | I sometimes get the opportunity to clean up or create a proposal/RFPs. |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Manage day to day account services. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | n/a |
| Kathy Nethercutt, Administrative Services Executive | Admin |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | I develop proposals and occassionally participate in new business presentations. I have helped grow existing accounts. |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | Seventy five percent of my role is responsibility for new business, client growth, proactive prospecting. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | I've primarily had success growing my current accounts, either with projects or expanded budgets. I've supported leadership in new biz pitches and proposals. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | Lead and support new business pitching, proposals, etc, particularly anything that has a public affairs, and community and public engagement component. |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Haven't had too big of a role, consistently, in new business besides providing some examples of client worked to use in new business pitches/meetings. Have brought in one company for a meeting to discuss what Pierpont could do for them, but they didn't end up using Pierpont's services. |
| As if you were writing to a prospective client, describe the agency in no more than 3 sentences: | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | Pierpont Communications is an integrated public relations, marketing, public affairs and digital marketing firm that works with its clients to determine the best route to achieve their goals in brand awareness, media relations, digital marketing, website development, graphic design, event planning and execution. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | Pierpont Communications is a full-service communications agency with a robust reputation across Texas. From public relations and public affairs, to marketing and digital solutions, our offerings can be customized to fit your business goals. We employ the highest caliber talent with diverse backgrounds to provide expert insight into your industry. |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | Pierpont is the largest independently-owned public relations and integrated marketing firm in Texas with offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. With expertise across multiple disciplines including public relations, public affairs, crisis management, digital marketing and investor relations, Pierpont's rolodex of clients include Fortune 100 companies and span industries such as oil & gas, energy, finance and healthcare, among others. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | Pierpont Communications is a full-service communications agency that provides PR, media, marketing, crisis, digital and public affairs services. Based in Texas with an international touch, we serve regional and global clients spanning energy, healthcare, legal, real estate, and more. |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | Pierpont Communications is the largest independent integrated communications firm based in Texas. With a 30-year track record of success, Pierpont works closely with clients in a wide range of industries such as energy, technology and finance to support their business goals. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | Pierpont Communications is among the top PR/Communication agencies in the SouthWest. With more than 30 years of experience, we help companies, brands and non-profits communicate their mission, vision and business goals to help them grow. |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | Pierpont is an industry-agnostic PR and marketing firm that works with a variety of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. We work in public affairs, media relations, and digital and social media. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | Pierpont is Texas' largest independent marketing communications consultancy, and I say this with pride having worked at one of the world's largest PR firms. I emphasize this because size and fluff don't matter when building a successful marketing communications program that's truly aligned to your business needs. When you partner with Pierpont, there are less hoops to jump through and minimal jargon to digest, and you can trust your team is custom-built with the expertise most appropriate to your line of business and that these experts will be a good steward of your time and resources. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | Pierpont Communications is the largest independent communications firm in Texas with locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. We have deep expertise in all facets of communications specifically public relations, public affairs, marketing-branding, crisis management, investor relations and digital strategy. Pierpont has worked with all types of industries for over 30 years helping them with their communication needs. |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | Pierpont is uniquely positioned to help our clients realize their most aggressive business goals. Fiercely independent, we are intentionally skewed towards experience, with senior leadership playing an active role in every account. We will execute flawlessly, but only after we've worked with our clients to agree on the underlying strategy and objectives. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | Pierpont is a full service communications consulting firm that helps clients achieve their business goals via public relations, marketing and public affairs. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | Pierpont is a full-service marketing and communications firm helping mainly b-to-b clients develop specific strategies to drive their business forward. We build programs to help protect and advance corporate reputation; create media strategies to promote initiatives and brands, and build and manage all the social and digital strategies our clients need to engage more deeply with their stakeholders. |
| Clint Wood, COO | We help clients protect and/or enhance their brands and reputations in ways that drive sales, attract and retain talent, protect their license to operate, open commercial pathways (investor attraction and stability) and increase their reputational resilience in the face of crisis. |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | The South’s largest independent integrated communications and marketing firm, headquartered in Houston, and where the best minds collaborate to deliver smart, meaningful results for our partners. Statewide presence with offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. Integrated marketing communications services powered by local expertise and global resources—national and international scale through our global affiliates and partners. 31 years serving industry leading firms worldwide and innovative teams. |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | Pierpont Communications is a strategic communications and marketing consulting firm that works with various corporate clients to achieve their communications objectives. Pierpont works with various internal stakeholders such as C-suite executives and communications leads to provide strategic counsel and execution on programs including internal communications, thought leadership for the company or individuals, community relations support, and integrated marketing needs. |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | Pierpont is a full-service communications firm. From marketing and public relations to digital and public affairs capabilities, our team has worked across industries to help clients reach their goals. We have physical offices across Texas and one in New Jersey but a global reach. |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | We have deep expertise across all facets of communications–including strategy and planning, public relations, public affairs, marketing, crisis management, investor relations, and digital engagement. We have clients from a wide variety of industries and practices engage with us for the following: • To increase awareness for brands and enterprises • To build, preserve and defend brand/corporate reputation, and to manage risk across the enterprise • To drive the favorability of brands (i.e., likelihood of potential clients considering/choosing/ favoring your brand (or your ideas) over competitors) |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | Pierpont is one of the largest integrated communications firms in Texas, specializing in public relations, public affairs, digital marketing, and crisis management. |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | Pierpont is the largest independently owned agency in Texas. They provide a broad array of communications services. They are well established and respected,having been in business more than 30 years. |
| Tracy Price, Art Director | Pierpont is a communications firm that can help (Client Name) in all aspects of your business growth and sustainability through our experts in public relations, marketing, crisis management, public affairs and digital communications. We can assist you in shaping and telling your story before someone else does it for you. |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Pierpont is a Houston based public relations agency. We service clients in a number of industries, including energy, healthcare, and finance. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | The largest privately owned PR firm in Texas. Able to handle a variety of needs. |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | Pierpont Communications is a public relations agency that helps companies elevate their brands, protect their reputations and improve business performance. Our services include public relations, public affairs, crisis communications, marketing, content development and digital strategy. |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | We are an independent communications firm that gathers the best minds in the business to collaborate together to shape conversations and deliver strategic, smart and meaningful results for our clients. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | Pierpont is an independent strategic communications firm that partners with clients across the communications cycle - from telling their stories internally and externally, engaging the stakeholders that matter and building their reputations in the market. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | A public relations firm with Texas roots and a global reach with deep experience leading strategy and planning; increasing brand awareness and affinity; managing complex public issues and protecting organizational reputations; but above all, driving business growth. |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Pierpont is a firm with over 30 years of experience across a wide range of industries from retail and consumer to healthcare and oil and gas. We work with clients both locally and nationally and offer a global reach. We have deep expertise across all facets of communications–including strategy and planning, public relations, public affairs, marketing, crisis management, investor relations and digital strategy. |
| List the top few agencies that you do/will compete against most often. In the eyes of clients, what do they provide of value, that you do not? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | Elizabeth Christian PR - Smaller firm/more personal relationships/more time dedicated to the client Hahn PR - Extraordinarily similar to Pierpont in terms of structure and strategy from what I understand Red Fin - Smaller firm/more personal relationships/more time dedicated to the client And then the bigger firms for obvious reasons (more resources/deeper rosters/etc.) Weber Shandwick Cohn and Wolfe Edelman Etc. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | Elizabeth Christian Public Relations Edelman Webber Shandwick A lot of these firms are larger in size and can handle the account in all the markets that the clients are present in. They also have additional capabilities that Pierpont might have to outsource to help complete a project (example - video editing and animation or website building). |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | Global agencies like Edelman and Fleishman Hillard which provide international reach (although we can claim this via our relationship with MSL Group) Hahn Communications and Elizabeth Christian which have a connections and influence over the local public affairs scene. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | Elizabeth Christian PR Cultivate PR Edelman Cohn & Wolfe Though we do have a global touch, we don't have have the offices the global PR folks have. Also, some of the local firms I believe have a better touch in the local tech community and have deeper connections. |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | Cooksey Communications- unsure; possibly stronger ties to DFW Majors such as Ketchum, Golin and Weber- strong national team experience Allyn Media- local public affairs experience Social Revolt- strong digital chops Real News PR- unsure; maybe production facilities TrizCom- unsure Jeff Eller Group or LDWW- crisis experience |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | Edleman is a much larger agency, so they offer higher name-recognition and more resources |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | I know of other agencies, though unsure how often we compete against them: On the Mark, Elmore, DPW and then bigger players like Edelman. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | Edelman - Largest in the world; Fortune 100/500 clientele; Based in "big PR towns" of NYC/Chicago; "Strong" digital capabilities Ketchum - Vanity lines of services, such as an arm dedicated to CSR, which make them more "experienced" and "better abled" to hit the ground running upon start Burson/MSL/FH/etc. - Larger agencies (i.e. more offices and bigger teams) with greater brand awareness which some may think makes them better, smarter, more experienced, etc. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | Edelman, Weber Shandwick, Fleishman, Hill Knowlton |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | Adcetera or Love Advertising - they come across as more trendy or tech savvy |
| Meghan Gross, VP | My geography is a bit different since I'm the only one here in this market. I could see us going up against AKCG, R&J PR, Stern Strategy Group, Princeton Public Affairs. Mostly, its lack of brand awareness in this market - to be honest I'm pretty sure we can match all these agencies point for point. It's just getting to the conversation that is challenging. |
| Clint Wood, COO | Edelman, Fleishman, various specialty digital and creative shops |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | Ourselves! |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | Edelman (other majors) - have global presence H&K - have PA or financial chops |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | Edelman and Hill and Knowlton. Probably the most consistent perception is their global reach. |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | Top tier firms - have brands, global scale, breadth, sometimes greater niche firepower (at least at the new biz meeting); Boutique agencies (eg.g., tech, pharma, etc.) - deeper within verticals than we can offer. |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | FleishmanHillard, Hill+Knowlton, On the Mark, Studio Brand Collective and Black Sheep |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | HCK2 in Dallas. They are especially strong in all things digital, as well as creative services. |
| Tracy Price, Art Director | N/A |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Edelman, Burson Marsteller, Ketchum-- larger or global agencies. In the eyes of prospective clients, the competition can offer size, superior technical expertise, and brand prestige that we cannot. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | n/a |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | Edelman, Golin, Hill+Knowlton - Large, global firms - Many well-known clients - More employees |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | MSL Group, Edelman, H&K, Fifth Ring, Burson Marstellar. These agencies provide boots on the ground in many global locations of wheich we do not have. With our association with MSL Group, we have access to those folks around the world, but clients do not readily know this information. The listed agencies also have strong global brands whereas we're seen as more of a regional player. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | Edelman, Fleishman, Weber - national presence and resources |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | Edelman Hill & Knowlton MMI Agency Outreach Strategies (public affairs) |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Edelman, Hill & Knowlton, Fleishman Hillard. I feel we can match them in expertise and ability, but these agencies do have more employees and offices across a larger number of cities (some globally). |
| In the eyes of clients, what do you provide of value, that none of your competitors do? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | Thought Leadership and Industry Expertise. We have a robust roster of professionals who have worked in many different industries that help and support one another. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | I've heard from our clients that they're impressed with our knowledge of the market. Any agency can learn about a particular market, but they might not have the historical background or insight that we have. We also are able to provide more than just traditional PR or traditional marketing. In terms of service, we can pretty much provide the entire spectrum that our clients need. |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | Top tier crisis communications experience and specific expertise in highly technical fields (oil & gas, energy, consulting, finance, etc). |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | Better client service Stronger media connections Deeper industry knowledge |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | Understanding of their business and overall goals A do anything necessary to achieve success attitude |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | We provide the full suite of PR/Communication resources that any client might need, including investor relations, public affairs, digital, crisis communication, media training, social media. |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | We have great strength in our specializations (digital, public affairs, etc.) but we also can talk c-suite speak. Where as other firms tend to be more influencer/society focused, we can work in fairly obscure industries and create results, and then explain them to the ELT in their words. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | I think our crisis training and communications experience is unmatched, especially in Texas and surrounding states. Clients seem to be easily impressed with the case studies we provide. We're also very strong in the B2B space, whereas some of the larger agencies do more consumer work. I would also hope that clients think they're getting better value for the dollar than they get from our competitors, but I'm not sure of that since I'm still relatively new to the agency. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | Independent. Deep Texas roots. Expertise. Longevity |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | Top-level strategic experience that is active across our client roster. The experience we bring to the prospecting meeting will be on the team as we move forward. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | We deliver consistent results and align with preexisting corporate structures/plans well. We have fantastic client/customer service. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | Deep industry experience in a few specific verticals, way deeper than most agencies can go. Team members who are absolutely passionate about delivering great work product. The latter is why I joined - I've seen a lot of garbage out there and Pierponters are so focused on delivering great work for their clients from the very largest to the smallest. There is absolutely NO skimping or cutting corners and no one single client has claim on Pierpont's "best". Every client is the most important client. |
| Clint Wood, COO | Strategically envelop their organizational ethos and understand the industries and capital markets in ways that inform not only communications but support their states company operational goals |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | Sector expertise |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | Deep industry expertise (in some cases), connects to key stakeholders in certain markets, deep communications expertise - but really everyone has this in their own way |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | Industry expertise |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | Senior-level expertise/trusted advisory services...Senior calibre help that our competitors don't have. Similarly, a depth of B2B expertise, business focus, depth in certain key verticals (e.g., energy) |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | Large network in Texas. We specialize in energy (upstream, midstream and downstream). Growing digital marketing practice. |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | Pierpont is strong in public afffairs and crisis management. |
| Tracy Price, Art Director | N/A |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Knowledge and experience in the Texas Markets. There are areas such as crisis and energy communications that make Pierpont one of the most competitive players in the nation. This, to me, is our greatest selling point. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | n/a |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | - Understand certain industries and geographical markets better than competitors - More affordable than some competitors - Flexibile (independent firm) |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | Pierpont provides senior level people on ALL accounts - no bait and switch. We are so strong in the energy and manufacturing industries as well as many others, to a depth that prospects are blown away upon finding that out. We know media relations! So many agencies do not have a strong media relations skill set, but media relations is our bread and butter and we excel in producing phenomenal results for our clients. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | Independent. Hands-on VPs. Team members who have built their careers here and continue to stay because we love the work. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | Top heavy consultancy firm |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | More close knit teams and more information sharing across our firm, due to our office size. This allows us to leverage not just the experience of those team members we're working with for specific client, but all of our colleagues' knowledge across our offices. |
| Are there any negative perceptions about the agency that might hold back your new business efforts? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | In a period of flux/growing. Not enough time to service smaller or bigger needs? Not quite sure here. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | Many companies are concerned about our size as a small firm and think that we won't have the capacity or talent to be able to handle their business. As a firm we're also physically located in Texas and New Jersey, which can limit our ability to handle in-person clients and events outside of those areas. |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | We do not have excessive experience in the consumer goods space. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | I dont think we have negative perceptions, from what I know of, though I know we've had disgruntled clients in the past. However, we've been hit with recent departures, which is pretty natural at any agency. But I fear introducing new folks for accounts as I now worry of when do I have to tell the prospect/client that the person is now out the door. |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | None that are negative; only a lack of brand recognition and/or the needed name-brand experience in DFW. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | We might be perceived as too regional, too focused on oil and gas, or not strong enough in the digital space |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | We can either be seen as too expensive for smaller companies or too small for bigger companies. It depends on the vantage point the prospective client has. I don't believe we have any negative perceptions of our work or culture, that I'm aware of. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | In Dallas, there may be a perception that our firm only knows Houston as is trying to branch out into other markets that they don't know as well. That said, I wouldn't call this negative, and I'm also not sure this is happening as it hasn't held back any discussions I've had with potential clients during the last six weeks I've been with the firm. Another negative perception might be that we are strictly a PR agency and aren't well versed in the marketing and digital arenas. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | Possibly size. |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | We are viewed by some as only working in our main markets of Houston, Dallas and Austin although we are well-equipped and experienced working with national and global firms. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | We can come across as stodgy or outdated. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | As mentioned in #5 it's not negative but lack of awareness. We could come across as too regional depending on the client, too small. (This can play both ways.) We are unique in that we have a lot of people who come from global brands and agencies before landing at Pierpont yet the brand itself is still seen as very very local. |
| Clint Wood, COO | too small, old school tactics |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | Not big enough, not sophisticated enough |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | small, independent, texas based |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | Our regional footprint. |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | Not much brand presence outside Houston. Seen unfairly as "Houston local" and not supporting the global businesses we actually do support (we do some of this to ourselves). Lack of differentiation in product offering is not so much a negative but means we don't have "positives" that come immediately to mind. |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | High employee turnover in 2018. |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | Depth of capabilities in digital services |
| Tracy Price, Art Director | N/A |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Knowledge about our agency's presence in the market. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | n/a |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | Could be perceieved as too small (not enough employees or offices to support a large organization) Could be perceived as a Texas-only firm |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | There are some prospects that still believe we are a "small Houston firm", when in fact we are a large firm with a global footprint, able to do as much and more that the national firms, for less money! |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | An oil and gas firm; Houston-centric (not really seen as a statewide firm) |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Not that I can think of. |
| On a scale of 1-10, how well do your presentations back up the agency’s recommendation with an irrefutable logic trail? In other words, how well do you typically build a strong argument for the agency’s recommendation? (10 = we are always strong in this area) | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | 9 |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | 8 |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | 8 |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | 8 |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | 3 |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | 7 |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | 8 |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | 9 |
| Brian Banks - CFO | 8 |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | 5 |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | 7 |
| Meghan Gross, VP | 7 |
| Clint Wood, COO | 6 |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | 6 |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | 8 |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | 4 |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | 7 |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | 10 |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | 7 |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | 7 |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | 8 |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | 9 |
| On a scale of 1-10, how well do you build your presentations around a new and unexpected strategic consumer insight vs. a predictable consumer insight? In other words, how well do you always have something brand new to share about the client's target audience? (10 = we are always strong in this area) | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | 8 |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | 8 |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | 4 |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | 8 |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | 5 |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | 7 |
| Brian Banks - CFO | 8 |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | 2 |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | 5 |
| Meghan Gross, VP | 8 |
| Clint Wood, COO | 5 |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | 4 |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | 6 |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | 4 |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | 5 |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | 4 |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | 10 |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | 7 |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | 5 |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | 6 |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | 7 |
| On a scale of 1-10, how well do you build your presentations around a new and unexpected creative/concept/program/tactical idea? (10 = we are always strong in this area) | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | 9 |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | 7 |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | 6 |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | 7 |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | 7 |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | 7 |
| Brian Banks - CFO | 8 |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | 3 |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | 5 |
| Meghan Gross, VP | 5 |
| Clint Wood, COO | 7 |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | 3 |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | 3 |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | 3 |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | 5 |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | 4 |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | 10 |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | 6 |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | 6 |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | 8 |
| On a scale of 1-10, how well do you demonstrate the business impact of your recommendations, proposals or SOWs? (10 = we are always strong in this area) | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | 10 |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | 8 |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | 8 |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | 8 |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | 6 |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | 7 |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | 10 |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | 9 |
| Brian Banks - CFO | 8 |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | 6 |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | 7 |
| Meghan Gross, VP | 9 |
| Clint Wood, COO | 6 |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | 5 |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | 9 |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | 5 |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | 7 |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | 5 |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | 10 |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | 8 |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | 7 |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | 7 |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | 8 |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | 8 |
| With what percentage of your current or prospective clients do you interact with procurement? If so, in what way? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | 5%. RFP development and submission logistics. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | 5%, typically I am brought on after the contract has been created, negotiated and signed. If I am involved, it is only to proof a proposal or contact. |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | This is a tricky question. Most of our existing clients do not have a specific procurement department (with the exception of the University of Texas), therefore the individual deciding whether or not to expand or re-up our services is our existing client contact. Therefore, 95% of the time I am interacting with the individual responsible for procurement. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | 0 percent |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | Personally, very little. I typically refer them to our accounting team to process any paperwork or necessary requests. I am the first point of contact on occasion. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | Me personally? 0% |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | 0% |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | I have not interacted with procurement departments at all during my time at Pierpont, but I also haven't been a part of a formal RFP process yet. It was the same way in my consulting business as well, but that's due large in part to my work with mostly small to medium size businesses. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | 10%. Terms and conditions. Pricing |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | N.A. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | Less than 40 percent - if they're in procurement, it's because they have to wear multiple hats in their current role and do that on top of communications. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | Very few - maybe 10% but this could be a result of my newness. The smaller clients I own are so small that procurement doesn't need to get involved. |
| Clint Wood, COO | 35% negotiations |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | 15%. Contracting |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | maybe 15%, during billing and contract negotiations once business is won |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | N/A (I'm not sure) |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | Rarely. |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | 10% |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | N/A for me. |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | 0% |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | I handle all clients initially as I create and send invoices. |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | N/A |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | For my current client list, I deal with procurement probably 60% of the time. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | Very limited to little. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | Not much, most interaction is directly with clients. |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Less than 10%. Providing the background experience I would bring to the team if I worked with the client (sometimes we put together a list of team members who would work with the client to prove to them the knowledge we'd be providing for them). Helping with wrap up presentations including analysis of work we did for a client over the course of their time with us- we use these to show them how Pierpont positively affected their brand and to persuade them to continue working with us/renew their contract with us. |
| Bottom line, what do you think the agency most has to do to improve at new business? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | Develop a uniform system that addresses the many different requests we receive to maximize efficiency and time. Time and capacity is the issue. |
| Morgan Moritz, Account Executive | I think it's involving junior staff to help them build their business development skillsets. Too often are we brought on after the negotiations are completed and we're given the brief overview about how we got this client, why we were brought on and what their goals are (sometimes this doesn't occur as the account teams are too busy). |
| Christine Rashman, Account Supervisor | Refresh the website - make it clearer by cutting down/ streamlining the text. Create a more visually appealing new business deck template. Build out our B2C offerings on the website. |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | more event/networking push |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | A clearer definition of our competitive differentiators. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | Be clearer about what kind of agency we are: do we do a lot of "blocking and tackling" or are we more of a strategic, consultative agency? |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | Providing unexpected insights |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | To improve at new business, our agency must develop a master capabilities and creds deck that we can pick and choose slides from. For new Pierponters like me, this is a must to ensure I develop a strong understanding of our institutional knowledge and can easily capture our way of thinking and associated processes for the types of projects we do on a more routine basis (ie crisis training). The deck should include separate sections for each of our areas of expertise - reputation management, crisis, public affairs, trainings, digital, and so on - that we can literally pick and choose from as we're preparing decks. I'd also love a more formalized library of case studies that have the same branded "look and feel" and can be easily plugged into decks. |
| Brian Banks - CFO | Actively pursue getting on bidders list. |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | We do a good job with formal RFP responses, but the majority of our new business opportunities do not require that type of response. We need to step up our capabilities presentations and proposal decks. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | Appear to be more innovative and agile |
| Meghan Gross, VP | I feel like we churn out a LOT of proposals but they're not all at conversation stages or ready for prime time. We could do better at pre-qualifying; not just putting a lot of time in with people who are kicking the tires. |
| Clint Wood, COO | developing an ethos around selling value, compelling materials and presentations, consistent strategic approach to account sales, ramp up and ongoing service |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | Become more focused and deliberate. Stop getting distracted |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | narrow focus or how we present what we do |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | Streamline the process for preparing proposals and responding to RFPs. We should also improve the look and feel of the materials, because I think its easy for our great ideas or selling points to get lost in copy-heavy and somewhat outdated presentations. |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | (1) Move to pitching above our weight, not below - we are as talented as anyone out there and more than most, but we don't convey ourselves that way (we've made a good start here now); (2) product differentiation (critical); (3) brand looks and fell (good progress with the rebranding but materials and maintaining a consistent high-quality client experience is a challenge). |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | Tailoring proposals for each prospect |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | Depth of capabilities in digital area. |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Commitment to growth. Aim and prepare for large clients and services. |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | More networking and word of mouth. |
| Shannon Campbell, Account Supervisor | Provide great work to current clients Develop high-quality proposals and clearly communicate our capabilities to prospective clients |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | We need presentations, case studies and leave behind collateral that speaks to who we are, the deep experience and the incredible industry insights we can bring to bear on behalf of our clients. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | Stronger pitch presentations, better creative, less tried-and-true ideas and more creative thinking. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | Continue going after larger clients and budgets. |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | We have a template we use for new business proposals. The proposals always end up looking pretty nice, but maybe we could change these up a little and customize them more. |
| Any final advice for us as we prepare your training program? | |
| Hunter Dodson - Senior Account Executive | N/A |
| Sylvester Palacios, Account Supervisor | look forward to seeing new strategies! |
| Kent Sholars, Account Supervisor | We do not use all our of assets (i.e. team members) most effectively. We can do better to understand where our firm's strengths are and how to best leverage them, including when a top leader is needed to be seen in a pitch meeting. |
| Chris Ferris, VP Digital Strategy | Help us be more clear about what services we provide (or should be providing) |
| Lauren Williams, AAE | Nope. |
| Allison Burum, Vice President | In my experience, a lot of people get nervous when taking part in a new business effort. I think it's important to emphasize that we've earned our seat at the table and that we're doing nothing more than having a conversation with a potential client. That means talking less about us and more about them and how our firm's expertise can be of most benefit to their business and what they are trying to achieve. That said, when it comes time to ask for their business, we must not shy away but rather navigate the situation and develop a strategic approach for executing what's best for all parties. I'm looking forward to the training - thanks in advance! |
| Chris Jones, Senior Vice President | The last Mirren training seemed heavily focused on formal RFP's. I'd like to hear how the Mirren concepts can be better incorporated into the less formal proposals that drive our new business. |
| Amy Lach, Senior Account Executive | We could use some practical direction on simple steps to take toward improving our image to those outside the firm. People who have worked with us in the past know we do great work, but it's the newer companies we don't have a history with that I think we have the biggest challenge in selling on new projects/engagements. |
| Meghan Gross, VP | I think it's important to note that Pierpont has gained a lot of new employees in the past year or two, and there are a number of people in mid-to-senior roles who are both client-facing and tasked with new business. All these new faces naturally impact the culture which also impacts how we present outwardly. So we've probably got some work to do refreshing our script, getting consensus from a larger group on what we want it to be, etc. It's a time to review and evaluate what we keep and what we toss, what's still relevant and what's outdated. |
| Clint Wood, COO | not all engagements have a specific business KPI to tie our efforts to. But we need to drive to find the closest relative point in the engagement so our efforts ladder to a business outcome that hits the CEO and Board - level between the eyes. often times, a company's project success of failure depends solely on what we do...in others it's not black and white so how do we have our materials, web site, sales kit and presentation harmonize given that uneven backdrop. |
| Mike Gehrig, Vice President and General Manager, Austin | N/a |
| Elysa Nelson Vice President | we respond more to requests for proposals not true RFPs |
| Krystal Patout, Account Supervisor | You probably already know this, but perhaps discuss how everyone can contribute to the process since we'll have all staff present (junior to senior and support). |
| James Savage, SVP General Manager (Dallas) | Help us see ourselves as global-calibre business consultants seeking the best clients for high value, premium work. |
| Linda Madden - Account Executive | No. |
| George Michael Executive Counsel | N/Afor me. |
| Del Mixon- Account Executive | Good luck! |
| Diane Askins Accounting Manager | Maintain and hold on to current clients. |
| Sally Ramsay, Senior Vice President | Pierpont is experiencing exciting growing pains and very much like the cobbler's kids, we need new shoes! We need someone to come in and develop collateral and update our website so all reflect our brand now and who we want to become. |
| Victoria Cook, Account Supervisor | Guidance on how mid-level staff can play a role in new business and how much time should be committed to building a new biz proposal. |
| David Gonzalez, Account Supervisor | N/A |
| Lauren Gray, Assistant Account Executive | Not at the moment. |