10to1PR Sweeps AMA Phoenix Spectrum Awards Public Relations Category
The American Marketing Association Phoenix chapter named 10to1PR the winner across all four public relations categories at its annual Spectrum Awards. The Scottsdale-based agency earned recognition in the Local PR, National PR, Press Kit and White Paper categories, with each campaign delivering measurable, research-driven results for B2B clients competing in demanding markets.
Local PR Winner: Bringing Semiconductor Careers to Life
ASM, a global semiconductor equipment manufacturer with nearly 50 years of operations in Arizona, needed to build community awareness around workforce development at a critical moment. When SEMICON West came to Phoenix for the first time in its 50-year history, 10to1PR launched a campaign around ASM’s “From Sand to Stars” exhibition at the Arizona Science Center. The campaign secured live segments on all four major Phoenix television stations and earned ASM’s first-ever feature in the Arizona Republic. Coverage reached an estimated 14.4 million people through 30 unique media placements, and more than 7,300 visitors attended the exhibition, including 5,700 students from 50 low-income Phoenix-area schools who attended through ASM-sponsored field trips.
National PR Winner: When Policy Is the Product
Dental industry leaders faced a legislative fight to advance the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact against a competing model. 10to1PR recommended a national poll of 1,863 registered voters to ground the campaign in data. The results were clear: 82% of Americans said dentists should demonstrate practical skills before receiving a license, and 57.1% opposed removing hands-on testing requirements. Those findings shifted the debate from an internal policy dispute to a public-interest story about patient safety and state authority. Louisiana became the first state to adopt the compact. Mississippi passed it through both chambers. Oklahoma advanced it through the House. The campaign secured 145 media placements across nine states, while the competing compact passed in only two of the 18 states where it was introduced.
Press Kit Winner: When Speed Defines Success
Rosendin Electric had four months, one available executive and only two approved press releases to introduce a solar construction robot before a May 2025 deadline. 10to1PR built a press kit that translated a technically complex product into a story about faster installation, improved worker safety and real-world construction expertise. That press kit helped Rosendin secure 140 media stories, nearly triple the original target of 50 placements, and reached an estimated 472 million people. By July 2025, Google’s AI Overview cited Rosendin in solar robot search results, extending the campaign’s impact long after the launch window closed.
White Paper Winner: When Data Leads the Story
JobElephant, a recruitment advertising technology company serving higher education, used five years of proprietary data from more than 1,000 colleges and universities to answer a pressing market question: were DEI hiring trends actually declining? The data told a different story. Diversity advertising increased from 2019 to 2024, and states with DEI-restricting legislation showed only a slight downward trend compared with states without such laws. The resulting white paper earned coverage in University Business, citybiz and Business Intelligence Journal and became a lead generation asset on JobElephant’s website, adding direct business value to the communications effort.
What These Wins Reflect
Each winning campaign replaced assumption with research and produced outcomes with clear business value. For B2B companies evaluating their communications strategy, the results share a consistent message: public relations built on evidence, disciplined messaging and precise execution delivers results that last well beyond the campaign itself.
PRovoke Media’s Best Agencies list is an authoritative, merit-based selection of premier PR firms evaluated by the publication’s editors through interviews and decades of market knowledge covering the global public relations industry. Agencies are recognized based on five key criteria: rapid growth and financial performance, a track record of exceptional work, an outstanding workplace culture, thought leadership and the development of new knowledge, and innovation in the technology and tools of the profession.
“To be named one of the best PR agencies in North America alongside some of the biggest, best-known PR agencies in the world is a huge honor and credit to our talented team,” said Josh Weiss, President and Founder of 10 to 1 Public Relations. “It demonstrates that even a relatively small PR firm like ours can get noticed for quality work, a focused approach to generate consistent media visibility for clients, and through our innovative approach and investment in proprietary AI tools to give both our clients and our staff a leg up.”
In a profile on 10to1PR, PRovoke Media said it selected the agency because of its steady growth and proven ability to deliver consistent media visibility for its clients. The publication noted 10to1PR’s innovative AI approach (IVY and IVY Press Room) to support its work. PRovoke Media also recognized the agency’s collaborative culture and commitment to training and development as it integrates new tools and capabilities into its practice.
Founded in 2012, 10to1PR now serves approximately 30 clients through long-term retainer relationships across sectors, including construction, technology, financial services, transportation, real estate, home services, and healthcare. The agency builds consistent media visibility through a focused strategy of long-term storytelling and practical results. In recent years, 10to1PR has been named PR Agency of the Year in several international, national, and local competitions and has earned dozens of awards celebrating the work of its talented team. Bulldog PR Awards has also named 10to1PR the Most AI-Ready Agency, and the agency received multiple campaign awards from PRSA Copper Anvils.
10to1PR’s proprietary AI platform, IVY, streamlines research, content development, and strategic planning while supporting rather than replacing human judgment. A related offering, IVY Press Room, converts client announcements into formats optimized for discovery and citation by today’s leading AI platforms, including Google’s Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.
From groundbreaking headquarters openings to heartwarming veteran support initiatives, our team delivered exceptional results across diverse industries in 2025. These campaigns showcase our ability to generate meaningful media coverage, position clients as industry leaders, and create lasting community impact. Each success story represents our commitment to strategic communication that drives real-world results for our clients while making a difference in the communities they serve.
Here are 15 of our favorite PR campaigns from 2025:
1. Master’s Transportation: $72 Million Headquarters Grand Opening
Campaign Focus: Generate awareness and media attention for Master’s Transportation’s new $72 million headquarters in Kansas City, MO Objectives: Secure local and national media coverage highlighting the headquarters’ significance to the community, regional economy, and transportation industry Results: 40+ media placements across television, local news outlets, business publications, and industry trade media, featuring in-depth interviews with the CEO and key executives. Coverage included KMBC, KCTV, and KSHB, providing comprehensive visibility across multiple platforms. Why We Loved It: Celebrating this milestone onsite with our clients and witnessing their long-anticipated vision come to life. The grand opening represented years of planning and investment in the Kansas City community. Read More:https://www.kmbc.com/article/kc-bus-company-expansion-world-cup-2026/68122003
2. ITS World Congress: Global Transportation Innovation Showcase
Campaign Focus: Elevate international and local awareness of the Intelligent Transportation Society’s World Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighting innovations shaping the future of intelligent transportation Objectives: Strategically engage international, national, and local media outlets to drive attendance, coverage, and visibility for cutting-edge transportation technologies and industry advancements Results: Generated 200+ media features worldwide across print, digital, television, radio, and podcasts, successfully amplifying the event’s global impact and showcasing next-generation transportation solutions Why We Loved It: Collaborating with international journalists, coordinating dynamic television interviews and live demonstrations of transformative transportation technologies. Atlanta News First coverage of technology to protect first responders was particularly impactful. Read More:https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/08/26/new-technology-protect-first-responders-display-world-congress-center/
3. Milhaus: Opportunity Zone Thought Leadership
Campaign Focus: Position Milhaus executive Brad Vogelsmeier as a thought leader and expert in Opportunity Zones Objectives: Establish expertise in Opportunity Zones among industry peers and highlight Milhaus’s successful multifamily development strategy Results: Featured 1600+ word byline article in highly respected Urban Land Magazine, including photos of five beautiful Milhaus properties including Northbend, Arrello, and Ora developments Why We Loved It: The article not only positioned Brad and Milhaus as experts in Multifamily Development and Opportunity Zones but also showcased their portfolio through high-quality property photography that demonstrated their design excellence Read More:https://urbanland.uli.org/capital-markets-and-finance/whats-next-for-opportunity-zones-a-brighter-future-for-u-s-multifamily-development
4. JobElephant: Human Touch in AI Recruiting
Campaign Focus: Highlight the critical role of emotional intelligence in modern recruitment despite AI advancements in the hiring landscape Objectives: Position JobElephant as a strategic voice in the future of recruiting that recognizes both AI’s power and limitations while enhancing credibility with HR and talent acquisition professionals Results: Byline article in Staffing Hub featuring their Talent Acquisition team, differentiating the brand from competitors focused solely on automation and reinforcing their commitment to a balanced approach Why We Loved It: Successfully amplifying the message that human relationships and judgment remain essential to hiring success, helping JobElephant stand out in a crowded recruiting-software market dominated by AI promises Read More: https://staffinghub.com/guest-posts/ai-moves-fast-but-emotional-intelligence-wins-the-recruiting-game/
5. Action Roofing Services: Veterans Day Giveaway
Campaign Focus: Highlight Florida’s strong veteran community through roof giveaways in Tampa and Gainesville Objectives: Secure local media coverage emphasizing community support for veterans during Veterans Day celebrations Results: For Tampa, surprised a retired Navy SEAL with WFLA Tampa Channel 8 and WFTS Tampa Bay 28 attending, generating 10 TV segments and 5 online features. For Gainesville, surprised an active duty servicemember with WCJB-TV, WUFT-TV, and Mainstreet Daily News attending, resulting in 3 TV segments and 6 online features. Why We Loved It: The whole process of identifying and partnering with a passionate nonprofit dedicated to veterans, capturing genuine surprise reactions on video, and contributing to the veteran community through months of planning and hard work Read More:https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-pinellas/navy-veteran-gets-free-roof-repair-ahead-of-veterans-day
6. FirstBank: Acts of Goodness Stadium Tour
Campaign Focus: Connect young fan Everett with the Arizona Cardinals and highlight FirstBank’s community giving initiatives Objectives: Secure a Cardinals stadium tour opportunity and local media coverage to support Everett’s story and FirstBank’s community involvement Results: Arranged a State Farm Stadium tour complete with a signed AZ Cardinals football and new football gear. Media coverage included an exclusive with AZ Family that aired 4 times plus 5 additional stories in local digital publications. Why We Loved It: Seeing how our PR efforts made a direct impact on Everett’s life and helping share his story with local publications to support his GoFundMe campaign for a new prosthetic foot Read More:https://www.azfamily.com/2025/05/19/teen-athlete-shooting-survivor-gets-vip-tour-state-farm-stadium/
7. Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity: Workforce Summit 2025
Campaign Focus: Secure media coverage for Arizona’s Workforce Summit while creating online dialogues about workforce development Objectives: Generate media coverage, create online dialogue, and ensure cohesive messaging throughout all external communications and Summit programming Results: Secured media partnerships with AZFamily and Phoenix Business Journal, boosting credibility and exposure while engaging local media in dialogues about workforce development’s importance to families and businesses. Live social media updates extended the conversation months beyond the event. Why We Loved It: Reading positive attendee feedback and bringing the Summit to a broader audience through television appearances, including OEO’s director explaining the Summit’s impact for families on Good Morning Arizona.
8. Partnership for Economic Innovation: Innovation Summit 2025
Photo by Jaron Quach
Campaign Focus: Promote PEI’s Celebrating Innovation Summit as a gathering of public and private sector leaders across diverse industries Objectives: Highlight Arizona’s innovation ecosystem through pre and post-event coverage and amplify enthusiasm through social media Results: Secured strong pre and post-event coverage highlighting key Summit themes while driving a remarkable 748.1% increase in social media impressions through strategic content Why We Loved It: Working directly with PEI board members as spokespeople for championing innovation, particularly securing the impactful interview on PBS Horizon, a respected local public affairs program Read More: https://azpbs.org/horizon/2025/11/arizona-innovation-summit-high-tech-future/
9. ASM: From Sand to Stars Exhibition
Campaign Focus: Amplify ASM’s “From Sand to Stars” exhibition at Arizona Science Center and field trip sponsorship program Objectives: Build awareness for semiconductor careers among Arizona students using SEMICON West 2025 as a launching pad for securing local and industry news coverage Results: Secured on-site interviews with all 4 local Phoenix market TV stations, built relationships with top technology industry reporters, and ensured ASM’s voice was included in an Arizona Republic article about semiconductor workforce development Why We Loved It: This marked the first time ASM was featured in a local television station live shot in the company’s nearly 50-year history in Arizona, using the exhibition as an effective platform to introduce ASM to a broader audience Read More: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/video/1720521
10. AVANA Companies: India Market Expansion
Campaign Focus: Announce AVANA Companies’ expansion of lending services to India as part of their global private debt commercial lending and investment ecosystem Objectives: Secure coverage while explaining to US commercial real estate and hospitality investors why India’s small business market presents valuable investment opportunities Results: Over 36 features across Indian media and US commercial real estate, hospitality, investment, and business trade publications, demonstrating our ability to translate the story’s importance across different audiences in the context of globalization, private credit growth, and hospitality industry resilience Why We Loved It: Securing our first-ever feature in the Indian market with The Economic Times, one of the region’s most respected business news outlets and the world’s second-most widely read English-language business newspaper Read more: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/avana-promises-25-million-india-investment-after-nbfc-licence-from-rbi/articleshow/123167029.cms
11. AADB: IDDHL Compact Success
Campaign Focus: Position the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact as the superior solution for dental professional mobility Objectives: Generate awareness among state legislators, build support for adoption in target states, and educate key stakeholders about the IDDHL Compact’s benefits over the competing CSG compact Results: Secured positive media coverage in 9 target states with 14 total media placements including op-eds, news articles, and industry features. Louisiana became the first state to adopt the IDDHL Compact, Mississippi passed it through both chambers, Oklahoma passed it through the House, and Pennsylvania and Massachusetts actively considered it. The campaign successfully stalled the competing CSG compact, which despite being introduced in 18 states, only passed in two. Why We Loved It: Turning compelling data into persuasive messaging that resonated with multiple stakeholders, particularly the finding that 82% of Americans want dentists to demonstrate practical skills before receiving a license, which proved decisive in legislative discussions Read More: https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/news/55307965/the-interstate-dental-dental-hygiene-licensure-compact-gains-momentum
12. Jack Rabbit Air and Plumbing: Brown Friday Campaign
Campaign Focus: Demonstrate expertise with home plumbing issues that many people experience following Thanksgiving holiday Objectives: Position Jack Rabbit as an expert resource for common post-Thanksgiving plumbing problems Results: Secured and completed an interview with FOX LIVE Now, the national streaming channel for FOX News on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The interview aired on local stations nationwide and on the national streaming channel 4 times on Thanksgiving Day. Why We Loved It: The Jack Rabbit team was extremely busy that day with all their plumbers on service calls, but they remained relentless until they found the perfect spokesperson for the interview Watch the Clip
13. Family Promise of Greater Phoenix: A/C Donation Drive
Campaign Focus: Raise awareness for an air conditioning outage at Family Promise facilities and secure donations Objectives: Generate community support to address an urgent cooling need during Arizona’s summer heat Results: Secured $20,000 in monetary donations and prompted multiple air conditioning companies to reach out offering free replacement services Why We Loved It: What began as an unexpected crisis transformed into an incredible victory. An A/C outage in the Arizona summer presented a serious challenge, but the community’s quick and heartfelt response demonstrated remarkable generosity Watch the clip
Campaign Focus: Amplify Helix’s corporate responsibility initiatives and awareness within the San Diego community Objectives: Generate media coverage for Helix’s donation event as part of their 40th anniversary celebration Results: Secured 3 industry articles and 6 features from local publications, including the San Diego Business Journal and the Times of San Diego Why We Loved It: This marked Helix’s first media stunt event. The Helix team worked tirelessly to ensure the event went as planned, creating a genuine surprise moment for the nonprofit recipients Read More:https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2025/12/06/sd-nonprofits-and-community-groups-spread-holiday-cheer-across-the-region/
15. Otonomus Hotel: CES 2025 Exhibition
Campaign Focus: Secure interview opportunities for the leadership team at Otonomus Hotel as the only hotel exhibiting at CES 2025 Objectives: Generate media coverage highlighting Otonomus as an innovative AI-powered hospitality concept Results: Secured 15 interview opportunities, resulting in over 50 features from industry, local, and national publications, including the Associated Press, BBC, Forbes, Fast Company, and more Why We Loved It: Taking on the challenge of being the only hotel at a consumer technology show allowed us to get creative by offering exclusive tours to top-tier media attending the show, giving them a glimpse of the first AI-powered hotel before it opened to the public Read More: https://www.fastcompany.com/91259781/an-ai-powered-hotel-is-coming-to-las-vegas
…and so much more! That’s a wrap on 2025, and we’re already planning for hitting the ground running in 2026.
Face-to-Face with Journalists: 5 Key Lessons from the Valley Publicity Summit
Written by Ella Johnson, PR Intern, Fall 2025
I recently attended the 21st annual Valley Publicity Summit, presented by the Society of Professional Journalists and hosted by 10 to 1 Public Relations. It was a great experience to meet PR Professionals and connect with journalists. As a PR Intern, I was able to gain insight into what reporters look for in stories and what grabs their attention.
Attending this event created meaningful connections and established teamwork between PR professionals and reporters. These are the tips and tricks I learned to increase media relations and interpersonal communication skills:
Ella Johnson, 10to1PR Intern
1. Relevance is everything
Each reporter covers a unique beat, and they always keep their audience in mind. Focus on story relevance when pitching reporters. Ensure it’s impactful and aligns with their beat. Reporters prioritize stories with significant impact. Match the right story to the right reporter.
For example, an investigative journalist will want to focus on unsolved crimes in the area. They are in need of expert opinions, such as attorneys and police officers. This type of journalist will be disinterested in a consumer-based pitch or community-oriented stories.
Dig deep into each reporter’s style of writing and the topics they write about. When pitching the right story to the right reporter, it deems you competent and strengthens your relationship with that reporter.
2. A 150-word pitch is a reporter’s dream scenario
Get right to the point when pitching via email. Reporters receive hundreds of emails every day from PR professionals. This is where you can stand out, the word count. Give them enough information to get excited about the story, but do not show them all your cards. 150 words are enough to share the background, why it matters, and a call to action.
Do not overcomplicate the pitch; instead, create a simple, direct idea with a visual, picture, art, or video to help capture the story. Every book needs a creative cover!
3. Learn the transition from small talk to your pitch
Establishing a connection between a reporter’s work and a story you want to pitch can be challenging. There needs to be a natural flow within the face-to-face conversation; asking them questions about their work and the stories they are interested in is a great start. After that, transition into your pitch. Keep it a conversation by asking: “Is this something you would be interested in?” Make the conversation light-hearted by using welcoming body language. Simple gestures such as a smile, a firm handshake, and a relaxed posture create a comfortable environment for the PR pro and the journalist.
30 journalists at the 10to1PR office for the SPJ Valley Publicity Summit
4. Go to as many face-to-face events as possible
In the world of media relations, there are a few opportunities to meet the reporter in person. It is very important to attend events that give you a direct line to them. Within these pitching conversations, there are non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and vocalics that can be received and interpreted. People’s faces are very telling, which helps us understand positive and negative responses in the middle of a conversation.
For example, a reporter slouching in a chair and their eyes wandering indicates boredom. A PR pro can recognize the change in behavior and respond accordingly. A few quick steps can help increase the connection between PR professionals and journalists; start with a compliment, discuss shared experience, show appreciation, introduce a contact, and ask about them.
5. Metric! Metrics! Metrics!
Metrics and statistics are crucial for business writers because they provide concrete evidence that supports claims and arguments, enhancing the credibility of the article. Metrics can be a good way to balance out the human interest and emotional side of your story. Business-to-business reporters utilize metrics to help their readers understand trends and make informed decisions. By highlighting key figures, writers can effectively capture attention and emphasize important points. Statistics stand out in a page full of words!
In the ever-evolving world of public relations, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One of the most significant developments shaping our industry today is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our daily operations. But how exactly is AI transforming PR, and what does it mean for professionals in our field?
A recent blog post by Madeleine Williamson, PR Executive at 10to1PR, published on the Phoenix PRSA website dives deep into this topic, exploring how AI is revolutionizing everything from content creation to media monitoring. Titled “Using AI to Balance Human Insight with Efficiency,” the article offers valuable insights into:
How AI is speeding up content creation while emphasizing the continued importance of human oversight
The transformation of media monitoring through AI-driven tools
The need for PR professionals to adapt and integrate AI technologies to remain competitive
As Williamson points out, “The future of PR is inextricably linked with AI, and professionals who adapt quickly will lead the field.” This thought-provoking piece serves as a wake-up call for PR practitioners to actively explore and integrate AI tools into their daily operations.
To learn more about how you can leverage AI to enhance your PR efforts while maintaining the crucial human touch, read the full article here.
Otonomus Hotel, the world’s first AI-powered hotel, made a splash at CES 2025, bringing hospitality back to the conference for the first time in five years. Our goal: secure interview opportunities for the Founder and CEO of Otonomus Hotel, Philippe Ziade, at the booth and showcase the future of hospitality.
President Josh Weiss and PR Executive Sofia Ashley at the Otonomus book at CES 2025
Preparation was key. We crafted pre-event, during-event, and post-event press releases, developed talking points, and conducted thorough media training. Our team sifted through over 6,000 media attendees, targeting AI and hospitality reporters to secure interviews.
At CES 2025, we facilitated 15 interviews with Philippe Ziade and other Otonomus Hotel team members, juggling pre-scheduled meetings and impromptu requests from booth visitors. Our on-site coordination ensured smooth interactions with journalists from major outlets like Forbes and Fast Company. We also facilitated exclusive tours on-site at Otonomus Hotel with the BBC and Associated Press.
Otonomus Founder and CEO Philippe Ziade participating in a media interview at CES 2025
The results speak volumes. We completed 15 high-quality interviews, including unexpected opportunities with Vegas PBS and Las Vegas Sun. Reporters showed keen interest in Otonomus’s AI-driven approach to hospitality, setting the stage for extensive post-event coverage, including more than 50 media features and mentions so far.
This success at CES 2025 highlights our expertise in trade show PR. For more information on how we can elevate your brand at major industry events, visit our trade show services page here.
Six months after transitioning from fashion to PR, I sought advice from my 10 to 1 Public Relations colleagues about navigating the industry. Their insights, ranging from new coordinators to the company president, offer valuable guidance for PR newcomers.
Madeleine Williamson, PR Executive at 10 to 1:
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I knew I wanted to be in the communication industry, so I explored jobs in all different areas of communications, and I kept coming back to PR.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“Starting as editor of my high school yearbook, I learned that I enjoyed telling people’s stories. Through different internships, I gained experience in journalism and media production, which have led me to where I am today.”
What advice do you have for someone who is entering the field?
“Embrace learning— don’t be afraid to ask questions when you first start a position. The field is constantly evolving, and asking questions fosters long-term learning.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“10 to 1 has given me a space where I feel confident to lead a client. I feel that everyone on the team has supported me and I learn from everyone every day. I was able to lead clients by watching my teammates successfully lead theirs, and I picked up tips along the way that I apply in my own leadership roles.”
Laura Slawny Vice President of at 10 to 1:
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I started my career in journalism, and as a producer for an evening news team, we didn’t utilize PR agencies like the morning show did. So it was definitely a shift when I decided to take a coordinator job at a PR agency. I realized at that job that I could get my news fix but in a more stable career. I just wish I had made the switch sooner!”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“I took a job at an agency that was primarily focused on media relations and sending pitches. I wanted to find an agency that offered more thought leadership, campaign building, and long-lasting relationship building priorities. Then I met Josh and he taught me so much.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“There is always more than one way to do something. If you hit a dead end, pivot and find a new solution. Also never take ‘no’ for an answer.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“Everyone has a unique skill. You can learn something from each person. Everyone brings something to the table, whether it’s a technical skill that that person has already mastered or a mistake they have made that can teach you new strategies.”
Sofia Ashley, Public Relations Executive:
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I had different majors in college, I first started in STEM, then Business, but in my Business major we had a class where we created our own fake PR campaign. Getting to be creative after taking so many technical classes was refreshing and I knew I wanted a career path that was the perfect blend of creativity and strategy.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“My social media management background gave me a solid foundation, but it was the experience I got as an intern in PR that solidified it for me.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“A career in PR/Journalism offers more flexibility than complex mathematical and scientific fields. You can get better over time and learn by experience. Every little moment builds up your confidence, and you shouldn’t underestimate the tools that you have in your back pocket.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“I have learned how to be an advocate for myself. I definitely think I underestimated myself when I was first put in charge to lead clients, but I channeled confidence to reassure them, and I even was able to reassure myself.”
Kaden Ryback, Public Relations Coordinator
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“It was either between PR and marketing, but marketing’s heavy sales focus wasn’t aligned with my aspirations, and after one day at a marketing job I quickly realized it was not the right fit for me. PR was more focused on the human element which was important to me. It satisfied my passion for writing and relationship-building, and I was able to incorporate my videography skills into client campaign production.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“My path to PR was not as specific to PR, but more of the communications field. I graduated with a bachelor’s in public relations and journalism, but I got the most hands-on experience at The Cronkite Agency, which combined my video editing, and personal relations skills. I realized after a brief career in marketing, that PR appealed to me more, and that was all I needed to know to make it my career.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“Research is a bigger part of PR than many people may think. It’s invaluable when you start with a client to know not only the media landscape around the client but also the big stories that the client has had, and the publications that have featured them. Doing your research on the clients that you represent will help you present yourself well,and inform how you will work with them.”
What have you learned at 10to1PR?
“I’ve learned the art of team-oriented work. This has helped me identify the tasks that drive the most value for both the team and the clients. When you work alone on a client, it’s up to you to decide the methodology on how you go about completing tasks, but when you’re on a team, every piece of the work, and knowing the importance of delegation is important. You may not realize the time that you spent researching, when communicated well with your team, can take work off a lot of other people.”
Josh Weiss, President of 10 to 1 Public Relations
How did you know you wanted to go into PR?
“I started this company to find like-minded individuals who wanted to take a more traditional approach to PR. I also wanted to build a team that specialized in what they’re good at. Everyone here has a unique skill that they contribute and that helps others. The agency itself is known for traditional media relations.”
What other past experiences have led you to where you are today?
“My first job out of college was in the Illinois House Representatives helping elected officials get on their local radio stations. I created radio press releases, combining radio, PR and politics. When I was ready to move on, PR felt like the most steady job opportunity of the three options (compared to politics or radio). After working in several PR-related jobs for the next decade, I eventually decided to start my own PR agency in 2012.”
What advice do you have for new pros?
“Passion and genuine interest are important because actual knowledge of the industry can be taught. Scale the one thing you’re good at. If someone is testing to see if you can deliver a project, knock that project out of the park first, then ask to take on more.”
What have you learned from 10to1PR?
“I’ve learned the different roles of leadership when it comes to managing a team. 10 to 1 is a collaborative agency, and that has taught me to meet people where they are at, and help them get to that next step.”
Conclusion:
During my internship at 10 to 1, I have learned there are different ways to find your place in PR. Some of my team found PR through other professions but were pulled back into it, and some knew they were enthusiastic the moment they entered the profession.
My journey may not have originally started here, but as my team members illustrated there is no one set way to find a job in Public Relations. If you are passionate about Public Relations take steps to learn more about the field you’ll be working in. Any experience, whether it’s an internship or work for another agency will help you develop practical skills that you can take with you. Finding work that is meaningful will help you bring your best to the role and inspire you to stay open to constantly evolving your skills.
The diverse skills and different paths of my team has shown me that there is no single route to success in PR, but that it is a combination of embracing continuous learning, passion for the career, different variations of skills, and the ability to pivot that makes a PR pro successful.
A diverse skill set is needed at an agency in PR to adapt to different clients, and specializing at a specific skill can contribute to a team’s success. As I reflect on my growth I’m grateful for the support the team from 10 to 1 has shown me. This experience has confirmed my passion for PR and I am grateful that I am able to continue onto a new career path where I feel comfortable to take my next steps.
From Intern to PR Pro: My Experience with the Veterans Day Parade Campaign
Written by Morgan Ray, 10to1PR Intern
As an intern at 10to1PR, I’ve packed these past couple of months with numerous learning experiences. I had the opportunity to contribute to the first-ever intern project, which included building a PR campaign for the Veterans Day Parade from scratch.
The Veterans Day Parade was a new client that was introduced in October with the parade taking place in November. Although it was a tight turnaround, the 10to1PR team executed a successful campaign.
This was the first campaign I worked on where I had full responsibility over the tasks and how to execute them. The first step in handling a campaign is to brainstorm ideas and break them down into manageable tasks. I worked alongside Halle Sweeter, an intern at 10to1PR, to create a timeline of ideas and concepts that we wanted to execute before, during and after the parade.
Prior to the Veterans Day Parade, a press conference unveiled this year’s theme, as well as the Celebrity Grand Marshal and the honored Grand Marshals. Our team ensured the media was informed and secured coverage.
To secure media coverage, we pitched several news outlets, with an emphasis on hyper-local ones. Our goal was to give the Veteran Grand Marshals an opportunity to share their stories and have those stories featured in the media that covers their homes. We secured about 10 stories covering the Grand Marshals in news outlets like the Arizona Republic, SanTan Sun News, Surprise Independent, Scottsdale Progress and KTAR.
In addition to the press conference, we worked to raise awareness for the Veterans Day Parade by submitting calendar listings and distributing press releases. The goal was to spotlight the Grand Marshals while encouraging the community to come together and honor the veterans.
On the day of the parade, our team arrived on site at 4 a.m. to coordinate interviews with parade participants and Grand Marshals for several news outlets. Our role at the parade was to ensure interviewees were prepared and ready for TV appearances, while also working closely with the media to brief them and set up ideal backgrounds for live shots.
We coordinated 20 TV segments, as well as 45 online and print stories covering the parade. Overall this was a successful campaign for the parade and a successful first intern project at 10to1PR.
I gained valuable experience in building a campaign from the ground up. I developed project management and team leadership skills, which was an area I was less familiar with before. This project highlighted the importance of organization and communication for a successful campaign, which I can bring with me when working on future projects.
From Fashion to PR: My Journey of Transitioning Skills and Growing in Public Relations
Written by: Halle Sweeter, PR Intern
As the first-ever intern at 10to1PR, I have already learned so much about what a career in public relations really entails. The experiences that I have had in this internship have broadened my experience in the field. From day one I have gained a deeper perspective on what goes into the day-to-day responsibilities and importance of maintaining a brand’s image and the effectiveness that 10 good impressions can have in canceling out 1 bad one.
My first real encounter with PR came from a final semester project that was a co-collaboration marketing strategy between the fashion program at my school and a non-profit. In my pursuit of other education opportunities post-graduation, I knew I wanted a career that utilized my market research and trend forecasting skills while also combining creativity, strategy, storytelling, and relationship building.
My skills in market research and trend forecasting from my degree in fashion merchandising were put to use quickly and utilized in research and analysis for PR campaigns, client relationships, and contributions to group projects.
Halle with Drip, the office pet fish
Even from the day I came in as a shadow, I was given the opportunity to watch PR professionals at work. Through observing their work, I was able to gain hands-on experience and offer contributions towards meeting client goals, participate in internal strategy meetings, and learn best practices from team members on how to write more concisely.
Working at 10to1PR, I found a collaborative work culture where everyone has a specific skill they can contribute to the team. As a part of the team, I have contributed my skill set, as well as built a new one over the last 6 weeks. During the onboarding process, I started with basic tasks like feeding the office fish and setting up meetings, while gradually learning and observing from team members. As I gained experience my responsibilities expanded to include media monitoring, editing press releases, building media lists, and finally drafting my own press releases.
In college, professors teach you how to draft a press release and you can create as many mock press releases and pitches as you want, but no class can give you the rewarding feeling of sending your first real pitch to a news editor. And with a pitch-a-day campaign, I quickly gained confidence in my writing skills, and secured wins by getting multiple interview requests from reporters.
This internship has been a whirlwind of learning and growth, and taught me how my everyday skills could transfer over to a job in public relations. From administration tasks to major wins, every day has contributed to my development as a PR professional.
Attention Students: We’re Launching a PR Internship!
Are you passionate about storytelling and eager to dive into the dynamic world of public relations? 10 to 1 Public Relations, an award-winning PR firm, is thrilled to announce the launch of our new in-person PR Internship Program. This program is your gateway to gaining invaluable hands-on experience at the forefront of the PR industry.
Applications for our Fall Internship Program are now open, those details are below:
10 to 1 Public Relations: In-Person PR Intern Job Description
About 10 to 1 PR
Are you someone who likes to tell stories? Do you want to develop your talent while making an immediate impact as part of a team? Interested in gaining experience working at an award winning PR firm? Then we want you on the 10 to 1 Public Relations team!
10 to 1 Public Relations is a traditional PR firm that works with interesting and diverse business-to-business focused clients from across the globe. We have a “No Jerks” policy which refers to both co-workers and clients and we believe in a “no drama” office.
We are seeking a part-time, public relations intern to help our clients share their stories and achieve their public relations goals. Some of our work includes:
Media relations such as writing press releases, articles and pitching reporters and influencers (local, national and trade) and securing media placements (online, print, TV & radio)
New market and/or new product related media launches
Growing client recognition through award nominations and speaker submissions
You’ll be part of a team expected to play an important role in it all; involved in client-facing tasks, strategy creation, and implementation duties. Ultimately, you’ll gain real experience and be an important part of helping our team achieve the client’s stated goals, meaning you must:
Be able to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks at the same time
Have strong interpersonal skills to communicate with clients and journalists as well as collaborate with team members
Be an excellent writer
Enjoy telling stories
Summary:
A PR Intern at 10 to 1 Public Relations is a junior or senior college student in the PR field. This role is focused on gaining practical experience through hands-on work in public relations. The intern will support client teams, perform media monitoring, conduct client research, assist with administrative tasks, and work on a portfolio project. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong writing, organizational, and research skills, and show a desire to learn about the PR industry.
For ASU students this internship would fulfill the requirements of JMC484, MCO484, MCO584 and MCO294.
Duration/Compensation/Logistics:
The internship lasts for an academic semester (start week of Sept 3, end date week of Dec 9).
The position is part-time, with a guarantee of 20 hours per week.
The pay is hourly at $16 per hour.
The weekly schedule is flexible around the intern’s class schedule, but work must be performed between the hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The intern is expected to maintain a consistent schedule throughout the program’s duration.
The intern is expected to be present for the entirety of the program, except the week of Thanksgiving when scheduling can be flexible to accommodate for travel schedules and hourly pay may be adjusted accordingly that week.
Internship is work from office 100% of the time. Remote work is not an option.
The intern is expected to provide their own transportation.
There may be an opportunity to extend the program or receive a full-time job offer, dependent on performance and need.
Competencies:
The PR Intern will be expected to develop the following competencies:
Engagement: Actively participate in team and client activities.
Proactiveness: Take initiative in tasks and responsibilities.
Ownership: Demonstrate responsibility for assigned tasks.
Passion: Show enthusiasm for public relations and learning.
Problem-Solving: Identify and address challenges effectively.
Critical Thinking: Apply analytical skills to tasks and projects.
Learning: Continuously seek to improve knowledge and skills.
Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with team members.
Timeliness: Manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
Responsibilities:
Client Relations:
Develop a thorough understanding of clients’ industries, business goals, target audiences, and challenges.
Support client meetings by taking detailed notes and observing client interactions.
Alert client leads and management to potential issues before they escalate.
Team Engagement:
Actively participate in internal team meetings and collaborate with team members.
Master and effectively use the team project management platform (Basecamp).
Deliver high-quality work on time, ensuring it meets company and client standards.
Document time spent on client and company projects daily using the time management system (Clockify).
Campaign Support:
Assist in the ideation and planning processes for PR campaigns.
Contribute new ideas that enhance campaign success.
Stay informed on news relevant to clients, including consumer media, business news, and industry-specific updates.
Support the execution of client campaigns as assigned by client leaders.
Manage assigned responsibilities, address challenges, and ensure campaign goals are met.
Draft and create PR materials as assigned.
Monitor media features using tools like Muck Rack and Google search; update media reports as requested.
Develop a strong foundation in media relations, including researching relevant media contacts and building media outreach lists.
Master the media relations platform (Muck Rack) and use it according to company standards.
Review daily media requests from sources like Qwoted, SOS, and other tools to identify opportunities and notify client managers.
Accountabilities/Relationships:
Reporting:
Report directly to the Internship Program Manager.
Report to the assigned client lead for specific tasks and assignments.
Communicate client and team successes and challenges to the Management Team.
Feedback and Performance:
Receive regular feedback from Internship Program Manager.
Receive 30-day, half-way point and end of program performance reviews.
